Our Story

AAEC opened its doors in 1997 with a bold idea that high school students are capable of far more than a traditional schedule asks of them. By placing our campuses on and beside Arizona’s community colleges, we gave students the chance to earn real college credit while still in high school. 

Today, AAEC is recognized among Arizona’s top-performing high schools, with campuses across the state and thousands of graduates who left high school already years into their college education, many with an associate degree in hand. 

Arizona’s community colleges

Mission: To prepare young adults for excellence in academics, social responsibility, industry employability and lifelong learning.

Vision: Graduating lifelong learners who will successfully compete, lead, and positively impact the world.

Core Values: Respect, Integrity, Students First, Excellence R.I.S.E

AAEC Strategic Plan

What makes AAEC different:

  • Early college, built in. College isn’t an after-school add-on here. It’s the core of how AAEC is designed.
  • No cap on credits. Most dual-enrollment programs limit how much college credit a student can earn. AAEC doesn’t.
  • Small by design. Smaller campuses mean students are known, supported, and expected to succeed.
  • Pathways, not just classes. Coursework ladders toward real degrees, certificates, and careers.
  • Tuition-free, always. A public charter school open to students across Arizona, at no cost to families.
60+ transferable college credits possible before graduation.
~30% of graduates earn an Associate's degree with their Diploma.
"A" Rated - Every Physical Campus
Millions earned in scholarships each year. 
Tuition-free since 1997. 

Agriculture & Career Programs 

The “Agribusiness & Equine” in our name reflects two of AAEC’s longstanding pathways, but they’re part of a much bigger picture. Students can pursue pathways from engineering to veterinary science to business, all while earning college credit. 

Career Programs