For decades, Tempe has established itself as a center for education, beginning with the founding of the Territorial Normal School, Arizona’s first higher education institution. Today, Tempe continues this tradition through partnerships between the city, Arizona State University (ASU), and local public school districts.
A new initiative called Thrive in Tempe brings together the city government, ASU, and the Kyrene, Tempe Elementary, and Tempe Union High School Districts. The goal is to help families access quality schools and programs from early childhood through postsecondary education. This effort also aims to support workforce development and community well-being.
“Education has always been at the heart of Tempe — it’s what makes our community thrive,” said Tempe Mayor Corey Woods. “Through Thrive in Tempe, we’re connecting families to award-winning schools, ASU’s culture of innovation, and city and business partnerships — so every student has a chance to succeed and every family has a reason to be proud.”
Earlier this month, the Tempe City Council proclaimed October 23 as “Thrive in Tempe Day” to recognize this collaborative movement.
Tempe city councilmember Berdetta Hodge played a key role in launching Thrive in Tempe. Hodge is also on the Governing Board of the Tempe Union High School District. She emphasized that aligning education with city resources helps make Tempe attractive for both work and family life. “When families choose Tempe schools, they strengthen our neighborhoods and our workforce,” Hodge said. “It’s all connected.”
The business community supports this approach as well. Robin Arredondo-Savage, president and CEO of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, said: “In Tempe, education isn’t just a value — it’s a business imperative. This initiative strengthens the talent pipeline that local employers depend on.”
University leadership echoed these views. Quintin Boyce, associate vice president for outreach with ASU’s Educational Outreach and Student Services and convener of the Tri-District team behind Thrive in Tempe, noted: “It’s an incredible moment where every level of leadership — the mayor, city council, school districts and the university — shares a deep commitment to education.” He added: “Together, we’re creating a continuum of learning that supports students from preschool to PhD, and helps strengthen Tempe’s future.”
Tempe schools have received recognition for their achievements. In 2025, all six high schools in the Tempe Union district earned “A” ratings from the Arizona Department of Education. Eight campuses across the city were named A+ schools by the Arizona Educational Foundation. The Tempe Elementary School District was ranked No. 1 in Arizona by Ranking Arizona for two years in a row.
These results align with other signs of educational innovation in the region. For example,Arizona State University was named number one in innovation for eight consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report.
Tempe is also recognized as one of the top three Western hubs for talent attraction according to a recent survey.
“By bringing together education, business and civic partners around a common mission, Thrive in Tempe builds on the city’s proud legacy as a place of learning and innovation,” Boyce said. “This effort demonstrates that when a community invests in its learners, everyone benefits.”
