East Valley schools have consistently placed in the top ten schools in the Arizona Academic Decathlon over the last three years. In 1998 seven of the top ten schools in the Arizona Academic Decathlon were from the East Valley.

Education doesn't stop at graduation. Lifelong learning is vital to maintaining a vibrant community, and in the East Valley education is the bridge residents cross to realize their hopes and dreams.

The East Valley public education system is riding the wave of excellence into the 21st century, boasting nationally recognized programs in the arts and sciences; award winning academic, sports and vocational educational programs.

The East Valley Think Tank's commitment to collaboration within educational systems and with their business partners helps the community recognize and embrace education for all peoples and ages.

General Population: East Valley: 973,500 Student Populations: K-12 East Valley: 188,160 Community College/University: 88,176 Student growth averages about four percent each year Faculty Population: K-12, Community College and University faculty: 12,206 East Valley Drop-Out Rate: National drop-out rate: 5.0 percent Arizona 1998 drop-out rate: 11.5 percent East Valley 1998 drop-out rate: 5.0 percent School Budgets: East Valley K-12, Community College and University budgets combined amount to over $1 billon.