As a “neighborhood choice” school in the Tempe Elementary School District, Ward Traditional Academy is a public school serving about 450 students in kindergarten through eighth grade in the southeastern area of Tempe.
In the classroom, teachers at Ward Traditional act as instructional leaders and guide students through the curriculum to keep lessons fast-paced in order to encourage participation and critical thinking so students don’t lose attention. As a result, academy students consistently earn test scores in reading and math that are well above the state averages, helping Ward Traditional to rank among the top 5% of elementary schools in Arizona.
When it comes to extracurriculars, elementary students can play in kickball, soccer, and basketball athletics programs offered through the district, while students in sixth through eighth grade can compete in a number of interscholastics, including flag football, baseball, softball, volleyball, basketball, cross country, spiritline, and track and field. And through the City of Tempe’s Kid Zone, students also can participate in a before- and after-school care program.
Aspiring Ward Warriors also can thrive in music, whether taking up an instrument or singing in choir, and perform in a number of school concerts throughout the year. Plus, all students can find camaraderie throughout the year in sports, read-a-thons, student talent shows, and fundraisers at Ward Traditional Academy.
Ward Traditional Academy
Public Elementary, Middle School
|
Grade K-8
1965 E Hermosa Dr,
Tempe, AZ
Tempe Elementary Schools
School Details
Head of School
Amy Bemis
Student Teacher Ratio
12:1
Math Proficiency
57%
Reading Proficiency
66%
Niche Grade
A-
A
Source: Niche
Niche Grade Details
Academics
Reading Proficiency
66%
Math Proficiency
57%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
12:1
Teachers
30
Full Time Teachers
30
Teachers in First or Second Year
12.2%
GreatSchools Rating
10
10
Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating Details
Test Scores
Math
12%
State Average
44%
Science
60%
State Average
31%
Teachers and Staff
Students Per Counselor
400:1
Student Diversity
Female
52%
Male
48%
White
45.4%
Hispanic
35.3%
Asian or Pacific Islander
8%
Two or more races
5.8%
Black
4%
Native American
1.1%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
<1%
Specialty School Programs
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
This School’s Reviews
Niche Reviews
3/23/2018
I have been teaching at Ward Traditional Academy as an intern over the past 3 months now. I think the students really value education and you can tell that their expectations for their students are above and beyond. The teachers really care about their students.
GreatSchools Reviews
5/29/2025
The school is failing to adequately tackle the persistent issue of bullying, allowing some students to engage in harmful behaviors with impunity. The principal's inconsistent application of established protocols raises serious concerns about the commitment to fair treatment for all students. It’s tr...
8/20/2024
Ward Traditional Academy is a great school, don't get me wrong. However, a certain select of the teachers 6th-8th don't seem to understand how to ACTUALLY teach. They would either talk for most of class and prevent other students from their, "Hands-on" learning they promote, or even disregard most s...
5/24/2024
This school used to be the top rated school in TSD. However, the principal Amy Bemis is driving it into the ground. After she was hired, half of the staff left. I decided to keep my son enrolled after a teacher friend said he should be fine. That was a mistake. A student who bullied my son for three...
5/20/2024
My girls have been here since kindergarten. It’s a wonderful community where students are known by all staff and supported both academically and socially. We feel so fortunate to be walking distance from a great neighborhood school.
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Map
List Price Range
$250K - $796K
Homes For Sale
76
Average Home Value
$505,010
Median Lot Size
5,227 Sq Ft
% Renters
60%
Average Household Income
$89,540
% of College Grads
48.4%
Median Age
34
Average House Size
1,860 Sq Ft
% Commercial Property
54.0%
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Additional Schools in the Area
Public Schools shown may be Choice Schools
Choice Schools
Choice schools may not serve this home. Please check the school district website to see all schools serving this home.
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 9th to 12th
- Public
Parks in this Area
Selleh Park
- Basketball
- Fishing
- Grills
Ehrhardt Park
- Basketball
- Grills
- Picnic Area
Meyer Park
- Baseball/Softball
- Basketball
- Grills
Hollis Park
- Basketball
- Grills
- Picnic Area
Cole Park
- Basketball
- Picnic Area
- Trails
Daumler Park
- Basketball
- Grills
- Picnic Area
Additional Neighborhoods in this Area
Marilyn Ann
Walkable neighborhood just over a mile from downtown Tempe and ASU
Ward Traditional Academy is a public school for students in grades K-8 in Tempe, AZ and is served by the Tempe Elementary Schools in Arizona. The school has a total enrollment of 386 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 12:1. Academic records show that 57% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 66% are proficient in reading. Ward Traditional Academy has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of A- and a GreatSchools Rating of 10 out of 10. The average home value in this area is $505,010. Discover additional schools in the area, like McClintock High School, Marcos De Niza High School, Tempe High School, and more. Learn more about what Tempe has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Ward Traditional Academy.