Superintendent's Office

KRISTA ANDREAE

Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
Governing Board Secretary

Grants Manager
480-664-5011
Email

Dear FHUSD Families, Staff, and Community,

It is with deep gratitude that I write to you as the Superintendent of the Fountain Hills Unified School District. Serving this amazing community is truly an honor, and I remain committed to our core belief in the power of learning local. In Fountain Hills, we believe that small schools lead to big futures, and we are living proof that a close-knit, innovative district can deliver extraordinary results.

Over the past four years, we have reimagined and revitalized our school district with bold vision and unwavering focus. In 2023, we made the strategic decision to consolidate schools, creating a stronger, more unified district structure. 

Little Falcons Preschool (LFPS) is a highly rated, stand-alone preschool with a 4.8/5 star rating from Quality First. Dedicated to preparing our youngest Falcons for Kindergarten and beyond, LFPS offers a strong academic foundation, including special area classes. With affordable tuition and experienced, certified staff, LFPS stands out as one of Arizona’s top preschools—an excellent choice for families seeking to provide their child with a strong foundation.

At McDowell Mountain Elementary School, we have invested in extensive renovations that include the installation of the only permanent, fully functional planetarium inside a public school in the United States, giving our youngest learners access to one-of-a-kind learning experiences.

We also upgraded our elementary playgrounds, because we believe children should play more, spend time outdoors, and learn vital life skills through movement, interaction, and exploration. These are essential parts of a well-rounded, joyful childhood.

At Fountain Hills Middle School, we built the Innovate 21 (i21) program to provide academic acceleration and deeper learning experiences for students. McDowell Mountain now proudly offers Innovate 21 Junior, ensuring that students start their academic journey with access to high-level instruction, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Our students then advance to Fountain Hills High School’s AP Capstone program and Fountain Hills University (FHU)—a unique opportunity allowing students to earn up to 60 college credits before graduation, thanks to our exceptional partnerships with Arizona State University and the College Board.

FHUSD is truly a District of Excellence. McDowell Mountain Elementary is a previous recipient of the A+ School of Excellence Award and is recognized as a "Best Public School" by U.S. News & World Report. Fountain Hills Middle School earned national recognition in 2025 as a National Model School, one of only ten in the country, and is currently an “A” rated school by the Arizona Department of Education, reflecting its incredible academic growth.

Fountain Hills High School continues to shine on the national stage. In 2025, it was named a National Model School, one of only twelve in the nation to receive the honor. It has been designated a five-time “A” rated school by the state of Arizona and a five-time "National" & “Best High School” by U.S. News & World Report.

In Fountain Hills, our mission is to prepare students for their future—to become the best version of themselves, whether they pursue university, a career, or military service. In our smaller schools, students do not get lost. We know them by name and know their story. That connection is what makes FHUSD special and sets our schools apart.

If there’s anything I can do to make your experience in our schools even better, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

Dr. J

Superintendent