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Innovation Academy

Home of the Scorpions

About Innovation Academy

     

Innovation Academy
825 W. Desert Fairways Dr.
Oro Valley, AZ 85755

Phone: (520) 269-4610
Attendance: (520) 269-4610

Fax: (520) 269-4620

Principal: Michael McConnell

Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Wednesday 8:00AM – 2:30PM)
 

Instruction Hours: 

M, T, Th, F: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Wednesday: 9:00 am - 1:30 pm* early out

Message from the Principal

Innovation Academy Principal Michael McConnell smiling in front of an educational poster.Hello and welcome!

Welcome to an exciting new school year at Innovation Academy! Each year brings fresh energy and enthusiasm as we embark on another journey at our STEM-focused school—where students are encouraged to think critically, think creatively, and solve real-world problems.

As a Project-Based STEM school, we harness students’ natural curiosity and their interest in science, technology, engineering, and math to help them discover their passions. STEM is more than just a focus—it’s the lens through which we teach reading, writing, and math, making learning meaningful, relevant, and engaging.


My name is Michael P. McConnell, and I’m incredibly honored and excited to serve as your Principal at Innovation Academy.

I began my career teaching Kindergarten at E.C. Nash Elementary School, where I spent 11 meaningful years in the classroom. In 2004, driven by a desire to make a broader impact, I earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University—opening the door to school leadership.

In 2016, I was eager for a new challenge and applied to become the Principal of Innovation Academy. Knowing I would be leading a STEM-focused school, I committed to deepening my own understanding of STEM and went on to earn a STEM Leadership Certificate from Teachers College, Columbia University.

I’m proud to be part of a school community that values innovation, curiosity, and a passion for lifelong learning. I look forward to an amazing journey together!

Because of her dedication and belief in me, I learned to read and began to love school. She changed my life, and her impact is the reason I’m in education today.

Core Educational Belief

"I believe every child possesses unique brilliance, and it is our responsibility as adults to help them discover it and share it with the world."

Prior Experience

  • Kindergarten Teacher 11 years E.C. Nash Elementary School
  • Instructional Support Assistant 2 years L.M. Prince Elementary School
  • Assistant Principal 3 years Coronado K-8 School
  • Principal 5 years Lulu Walker Elementary School

Sincerely,

Michael P. McConnell
Principal
Innovation Academy
AEF A+ School of Excellence
Cognia STEM-Certified
4x ITEEA STEM School of Excellence
A-Rated
Strive to forever be a student, never an expert!

A+ School of Excellence logo

More Information

Innovation Academy is a K-5 elementary school specializing in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Uniquely designed to weave the sciences into all aspects of learning, the school engages students in hands on, minds on relevant curriculum and instruction that utilizes technology and the arts to enrich and encourage learning. The school also offers a well-rounded education in reading, writing, social studies as well as instruction in art, music and physical education. All are essential components of a quality elementary education.

The school has no neighborhood attendance boundaries and students from every area are eligible to apply for open enrollment. Due to the competitive nature of the open enrollment process, parents who want a STEM-focused education for their student(s) are strongly encouraged to apply for enrollment as early as possible. The school has been designed to hold 500 students in grades K-5, or roughly 80-85 students per grade level.

We take tremendous pride in being an innovative school and in preparing our students for successful futures – which is important to us and the families we serve. Thank you for choosing Amphi Public Schools and Innovation Academy!

  • The children of the Innovation Academy are critical and creative problem solvers who are empowered to be innovative leaders of tomorrow.

  • At the Innovation Academy we provide an active child-centered environment where diversity is embraced and learning is personalized. Children will be supported and facilitated in their learning by prominent, highly skilled, and collaborative professionals who orchestrate curriculum and resources for self-directed students. The sciences are woven into all aspects of learning, providing limitless possibilities. Our students develop and utilize leadership and collaborative skills and learn to communicate effectively. Technology and the arts enrich and celebrate their learning. Children are engaged in “hands-on” and “minds-on” relevant curriculum and instruction, in an atmosphere of high expectations for all. We establish a place where the natural curiosity of children is fostered through inquiry and exploration, and provide relevant and meaningful choices which motivate and inspire. Critical thinking, creative thinking and engineering thinking are taught and developed in all aspects of the learning process. High achievement is the valued outcome.

    To be successful in our endeavors, we build and sustain collaborative relationships with students, their families, and with our community partners.

    Our school is a living laboratory inside and out. We have a sustainable “green” campus which is a model for the community. At the Innovation Academy we prepare our students for their future.

  • We value…

    • Student Learning,
    • Learning that supports the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of children
    • Building strong, caring, positive relationships
    • Kindness
    • Diversity
    • Fairness and Honesty
    • Responsibility and respect for others
    • A curriculum that integrates core subjects, the arts and physical fitness
    • Inquiry and exploration
    • Creativity
    • Critical thinking and problem solving
    • Collaboration
    • Student directed learning
    • Personalized instruction
    • Innovative technology
    • A sustainable green campus
    • Community STEM partnerships
  • We believe…

    • All children are unique, diverse and learn differently
    • In reaching students through different learning modalities and styles
    • Children are born with a natural curiosity which must be encouraged and sustained in order to foster innovation
    • Diversity enriches our lives and our community
    • Teachers are facilitators of learning by orchestrating curriculum and resources for students
    • Collaboration is foundational to our success
    • High expectations for all
    • Student directed learning creates a life-long learner (a never ending process)
    • Student engagement through hands-on minds-on learning
    • In fostering intrinsic motivation to learn in a student centered environment
    • With the support from home, community and school, each child will be successful
    • Learning is active and engaging where students utilize critical thinking, creative thinking, problem solving and design thinking
    • Our learning community is enhanced by, and connected through the arts
    • Technology is a tool for learning, research and communicating ideas
    • In partnership with business, parents and community
    • A green campus will help promote a green community
    • Our school community is a safe and caring environment
    • In preparing our students for their future