Supporting Student Success in Fountain Hills

Education has always been central to life in Fountain Hills. In fact, the Fountain Hills Unified School District (FHUSD) predates the Town itself — beginning as an elementary district in 1970, well before incorporation in 1989.

The first permanent school, Four Peaks Elementary, opened in 1975, followed by McDowell Mountain Elementary in 1987. For several years, Fountain Hills students attended Scottsdale schools for middle and high school until the District completed its own high school and junior high in 1992. A dedicated middle school campus opened in 2002.

As the community grew, FHUSD expanded to include:

  • Schools and playgrounds

  • Athletic fields

  • District offices, maintenance, transportation, and operations facilities

The District has long partnered with the Town to share and maintain school facilities that serve both students and the broader community.

FHUSD is led by a publicly elected five-member governing board and is the largest employer in Fountain Hills. The District’s mascot is the Falcons, and school pride runs deep.

Enrollment Change and Adaptation

The District reached its peak enrollment in the mid-2000s with more than 2,100 K–12 students. But beginning in the 2010s, statewide changes in school choice — including charter schools, homeschooling, and vouchers — led to a significant decline. Today, FHUSD serves fewer than 1,100 students.

In response, the District has:

  • Closed Four Peaks Elementary

  • Consolidated elementary grades (K–5) at the McDowell Mountain School campus

  • Moved middle school grades (6–8) to the High School property

  • Repurposed unused spaces for early childhood and specialty programs

These adjustments ensure strong education offerings remain sustainable even with fewer students.

Quality Programs and Strong Support

Even through change, FHUSD continues to deliver exceptional opportunities:

  • Career and technical education through EVIT

  • Dual-credit programs with Arizona State University

  • Best-in-class safety and student well-being practices

  • Reading, special education, ESL, and gifted programs

  • Robust counseling services

  • Leadership, mentoring, and hospitality programs

  • Mayor’s Youth Council partnership with the Town

Academically, FHUSD has earned:

  • Multiple A and A+ school ratings

  • National “Model Schools” recognition

  • 85%+ graduation rates year after year

  • Scholarships awarded to students attending colleges, military academies, and universities nationwide

Athletics and arts programs also shine, with numerous state championships and award-winning performances.

Many students come from Fountain Hills homes — and many also come from our neighbors in the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, enriching our schools with strong cultural ties.

Community Partnerships

FHUSD is supported by a network of engaged community organizations, including:

  • Site Councils

  • PTO

  • Booster Club

  • Student Mentoring programs

  • Annual Senior Scholarship programs

  • The Golden Eagle Education Foundation (est. 1992)

Volunteer efforts also play a major role — from bond and override campaigns to Make-a-Difference Day beautification projects, to year-round support for extracurricular and classroom needs. School campuses also host beloved community events, from back-to-school and seasonal celebrations to high school graduation at Fountain Park each May.

FHUSD values the contributions of its staff — honoring many through the naming of buildings, annexes, and programs for their lasting impact on students and the community.

Stewardship and Investment

Historically, voters have supported school funding through maintenance and operational overrides, capital overrides, and strong participation in Arizona’s tax credit program. Recently, to adapt to evolving needs, the District has sold three properties — the former Four Peaks Elementary site and two vacant parcels (Aspen Drive and Hawk Drive). A larger parcel near El Lago and Cavern Drives remains available for future opportunities.

Learn More

Find detailed information, enrollment options, and news from FHUSD here:

Fountain Hills Unified School District
District of Excellence
16000 E. Palisades Boulevard, Fountain Hills, AZ

Arizona School Tax Credit Program
Your contribution directly supports extracurricular programs and student opportunities.