Introducing Mountain Trail Academy’s New Principal - Erin Pillsbury

On May 21, 2024, Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD) broke ground on our 10th elementary school, Mountain Trail Academy (MTA). Erin Pillsbury, the current principal for Desert Mountain Elementary, will be the new principal for MTA. Pillsbury has given insights into her values for MTA and is committed to student empowerment and success.

"I am excited about empowering students to showcase their talents, be involved in their learning, and have hands-on learning experiences," Pillsbury shared. MTA will be a Project Lead the Way school. This means our school will be STEM-focused and will use hands-on learning to promote the exploration and discovery of talents.

At MTA, every student’s success is a priority. Pillsbury explained that the school will provide daily opportunities for reteaching and enrichment, with weekly student data analysis to tailor educational strategies to meet each student’s needs.

In terms of school culture, Pillsbury’s vision is centered around the idea that “these kids are all of our kids.” Implementing this ideology creates a collaborative environment where teachers and staff work together to support all students attending MTA, not just the ones in their classrooms. "The atmosphere of MTA will be a place where staff, students and parents collaborate to create a supportive environment” she stated.

Kindness, respect, and integrity are the core values held by MTA’s principal, who expects these values to be exhibited by both staff and students. These core values align with MTA’s positive behavioral interventions and support (PBIS) pillars. Pillsbury explains that the first year of MTA "will include putting effective systems in place, setting high expectations for learning, and taking time to get to know one another." 

Pillsbury wants the community to know that “MTA will encourage active participation from parents. Opportunities such as the Parent Teacher Organization, classroom volunteers, art and science masterpiece programs, and guest readers are just a few of the ways parents can be involved. Being a new school, MTA will be open to new ideas to build that sense of community where everyone feels like they belong.”

Mountain Trail Academy is ready for its bright future in the following years under excellent leadership from staff, teachers, and parents. Those interested in enrolling in Mountain Trail Academy for the 2025–2026 school year, please visit the Mountain Trail Academy website, or contact Erin Pillsbury via email.