Counting Down: Mountain Trail Academy Opening In July 2025

Excitement is building as Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD) prepares to welcome its 10th elementary school, Mountain Trail Academy (MTA), in July 2025. This milestone reflects QCUSD’s status as the fastest-growing district in Arizona and is made possible through funding from the Arizona Department of Administration’s School Facilities Division.
A Cutting-Edge Campus
Located in East Mesa, Mountain Trail Academy will span 90,000 square feet and serve students from kindergarten through sixth grade. The campus is designed with state-of-the-art facilities to support a modern learning environment, including:
- 38 classrooms and open collaboration spaces
- A science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) lab
- Media/technology center
- Music and orchestra rooms
- Multi-purpose room with a large performance platform
- Three play areas and a playground
- A full-service kitchen
Additionally, the school will provide a 2:1 student to Chromebook ratio, ensuring students have access to technology that enhances their educational experience.
Enriching Academic ProgramsMountain Trail Academy’s curriculum will integrate two nationally recognized programs that align with its STEAM focus:
- Leader in Me: A comprehensive pk–12 framework that fosters student leadership, nurtures a culture of trust, and enhances academic success by empowering students, educators, and families with essential leadership and life skills.
- Project Lead the Way: A curriculum that equips teachers with tools to create STEM-focused learning environments where students engage in hands-on problem-solving and critical thinking.
Beyond academics, MTA will offer free all-day kindergarten, before-and-after-school enrichment classes, and programs in physical education, music, and computer science to ensure a well-rounded experience for all students.
Building Skills for Tomorrow
The STEAM-centered academic programming at Mountain Trail Academy is designed to ignite curiosity and innovation. Students will participate in hands-on learning experiences that cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork. Enrichment activities like coding and robotics will further enhance classroom instruction, preparing students for success in the digital age.
“We are committed to preparing students not just for the challenges of today, but for the opportunities of tomorrow,” said MTA principal Erin Pillsbury. “Our innovative STEAM focus empowers students to think critically, solve complex problems, and collaborate effectively—skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.”
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Construction of Mountain Trail Academy is well underway, with the following updates:
- Interior texture and painting of classroom buildings are in progress.
- Exterior color finishes are being applied.
- The structural framing of the administration building is complete.
As the countdown to July 2025 continues, Mountain Trail Academy promises to be a hub of innovation and excellence, where STEM education inspires curiosity and creativity. QCUSD is proud to expand its legacy of delivering exceptional education to its growing community.
To learn more about Mountain Trail Academy and enroll, visit the Mountain Trail Academy website.