We’re one of five elementary schools in the J.O. Combs Unified School District, located in the warm and beautiful San Tan Valley of Arizona. You’ll find our school conveniently located at the southeast corner of Combs & Gantzel Roads. We proudly serve students in kindergarten through 5th grade.

What makes us unique is our “Back-to-Basics” philosophy. Here at Combs Traditional Academy we develop a solid foundation of fundamental and higher-level thinking skills through a structured curriculum that is consistent and sequential throughout grade levels. We deliver curriculum using direct teaching techniques, whole class instruction, and other approved teaching methods. We also plan our teaching and learning around textbooks and written assignments and do not interrupt classes for non-curricular programs or activities.

Browse our Web site to find out more about who we are and our educational philosophy. If you feel your child would benefit from what we have to offer, don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to meeting you!

Dear Knight Families,

Recently I have been reflecting on the concept of rigor. The J.O. Combs Unified School District’s Professional Development department recently sponsored a book study that I am involved with on a book titled, "Rigor is NOT a Four-Letter Word", by Barbara Blackburn. Every two weeks, we meet to discuss two to three chapters in the book, and how they would apply in our schools, classrooms, and to us personally. This book defines rigor as “creating an environment in which each student is expected to learn at high levels, each student is supported so he or she can learn at high levels, and each student demonstrates learning at high levels.” One of our first activities was to rewrite this statement as if we were explaining it to one of our students. This was a challenge for me. How would one of our students understand the concept of rigor as explained in the definition? How would I explain it? Another activity we were asked to do was to write a letter laying out our vision for rigor in our school for the benefits of a friend or colleague. The two challenges go hand in hand. In explaining my vision for rigor, I need to explain what it means and how it works, in language that is understandable to all. 

At Combs Traditional Academy, we emphasize rigor, responsibility, and respect. Our mission is to provide a rigorous academic focus for all students in an environment that emphasizes responsibility and respect. It is my vision, then, that we, collaboratively, work daily to create a school and classrooms that students are challenged by themselves, their teachers, and their parents to learn and continuously work hard in that learning. Our students are lifelong learners, seek out new opportunities for learning, and we continuously challenge them to always seek to improve themselves. In addition, we work collaboratively to help our students reach the new heights in learning. We develop relationships with our students that allow us to motivate and engage them. We provide them with the tools and direction that students need in order to be successful. Finally, my vision of a rigorous school is one where students are proud to show and demonstrate what they have learned and take the responsibility to be prepared to show what they have learned.

As we look forward to AIMS, the rest of the school year, and beyond, I would like to ask that you also reflect on the concept of rigor. How would you write or communicate the definition to your child or neighbors, particularly as it relates to our mission? What is your vision of our school as it relates to rigor? How would you communicate that to a friend or neighbor? Feel free to share with us, as well, any thoughts you might have on rigor.

Thank you,


Marcus Berkshire
Principal