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7 Essential Facts About C.W. Harris Elementary Phoenix: Programs, History, And The Man Who Designed The Arizona Flag

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C.W. Harris Elementary School in Phoenix, Arizona, stands as a cornerstone of the Maryvale community, serving hundreds of students from Pre-K through 8th grade. As of today, December 19, 2025, the school is actively preparing for the upcoming 2025–2026 academic year, focusing on its core mission of fostering academic excellence and inclusive success for all future leaders.

Far from being just another public school, Charles W. Harris School is a vibrant part of the Cartwright School District 83 (CSD83), known for its commitment to a Professional Learning Community (PLC) model and a wide array of specialized academic offerings. This deep dive explores the school's structure, its cutting-edge programs, and the remarkable legacy of the man whose name it proudly bears—a figure central to Arizona's history.

Colonel Charles W. Harris: The Namesake and Designer of the Arizona Flag

The history of C.W. Harris Elementary School, which opened its doors in 1963, is inextricably linked to the legacy of Colonel Charles Wilfred Harris, a distinguished military and civic leader in Arizona. The school was named in his honor to commemorate his significant contributions to the state.

  • Full Name: Colonel Charles Wilfred Harris.
  • Primary Role: Adjutant General for Arizona.
  • Service Dates: He served intermittently as Adjutant General for Arizona, with his terms covering July 3, 1912, to June 3, 1919, and again from January 1, 1923, to January 6, 1929.
  • Military Rank: He retired from service as a Brigadier General.
  • Historical Achievement: Colonel Harris is credited as the designer of the Arizona State Flag in 1910. He created the flag for the Arizona Rifle Team to use in national competitions, and his design was later adopted as the official state flag.
  • School Connection: The school was built in 1963 and renovated in 2002, serving the Maryvale community of Phoenix.

The choice of Colonel Harris as the namesake reflects the school's commitment to instilling values of leadership, service, and civic pride in its students, connecting their daily learning environment to a pivotal figure in Arizona’s statehood.

The C.W. Harris K-8 Model and Academic Excellence

C.W. Harris School operates as a K-8 institution, providing a continuous educational experience from Pre-K through the eighth grade. This structure is a deliberate choice by the Cartwright School District 83 to foster a stable, family-like environment for its nearly 870 students.

The K-8 model offers several benefits, including reduced transitions for students, stronger relationships between staff and families, and the ability for older students to serve as mentors to younger ones. The school’s mission is clear: to "collaborate to create an engaging, safe learning environment where all students attain a deep understanding" of core concepts.

The Focus on STEM, Arts, and Dual Language Programs

To achieve its mission of academic excellence, C.W. Harris leverages the comprehensive curriculum framework provided by the Cartwright School District. The district's dedication to College and Career Readiness (CCR) is evident in its specialized programs.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM): A major academic pillar in CSD83 is its robust STEM and CCR department. The focus is on continuous improvement in these critical areas, ensuring students are prepared for the demands of the 21st-century economy. The integration of technology and hands-on science is central to the curriculum at C.W. Harris.

Gifted and Special Education: The school provides comprehensive offerings that include specialized support for students with disabilities and challenging curricula for those in gifted programs. This inclusive approach ensures that every student, regardless of their learning profile, has a path to success.

Dual Language and Arts: Recognizing the diverse community it serves, the Cartwright School District offers Dual Language programs, promoting bilingualism and biculturalism as a valuable asset. Furthermore, the inclusion of music and the arts ensures a well-rounded education that nurtures creativity alongside academic skills.

Modernization, Sustainability, and Community Engagement

The commitment to a high-quality learning environment extends beyond the classroom walls and into the physical structure of the school itself. C.W. Harris Elementary has been the subject of significant investment to ensure its facilities are modern, safe, and environmentally conscious.

The Sustainability Modernization Project

A major modernization project for the school building commenced in 2018. This initiative went beyond simple upgrades, focusing on building a "Culture of Sustainability" at C.W. Harris. The design and construction teams worked to update the school building with an emphasis on energy efficiency and environmental responsibility, setting a positive example for students about sustainable living.

A Professional Learning Community (PLC)

The Cartwright School District operates as a Professional Learning Community (PLC), a model that emphasizes collaboration among educators to improve student outcomes. This means teachers at C.W. Harris work together regularly to analyze data, share best practices, and continuously refine their instructional strategies. This collaborative spirit is a hallmark of the school's "One Team, Una Familia!" motto.

Recent Community Highlights (2025)

The school remains deeply engaged with its local community. Recent activities, as highlighted in the December 2025 news, include the annual "Shop With a Cop" event, which spreads holiday joy and fosters positive relationships between students, families, and local law enforcement. Principal Appreciation Month in October 2025 also underscored the district's recognition of the critical role campus leaders play in student success.

C.W. Harris School’s vision is "an inclusive school where excellence, support, and collaboration inspires all." This vision is supported by the school's comprehensive K-8 structure, its specialized programs in STEM and arts, and its active role in the Maryvale community. By honoring the legacy of Colonel Charles W. Harris while embracing modern educational practices, the school continues to shape the future leaders of Phoenix, Arizona.

7 Essential Facts About C.W. Harris Elementary Phoenix: Programs, History, and the Man Who Designed the Arizona Flag
cw harris elementary phoenix
cw harris elementary phoenix

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