About Us
Explorer Middle School opened in the fall of 1997 and is located on 40th Street, north of Deer Valley Road. Explorer is located in a rapidly developing area of Northern Phoenix, which boasts several new neighborhood communities. The region features a variation of dining, shopping and entertainment opportunities for the whole family to enjoy.

School of Technology
Explorer is very proud of its new signature program, School of Technology. We have implemented new equipment and applications during the 2006-2007 school year. The science and social studies curriculum utilizes interactive technology including: wireless mobile computer labs, Smart Boards and Tablets, digital still cameras, digital camcorders and several web based applications including Beyond Books, KidBiz 3000, TeenBiz 3000, Renaissance Place, and Logger Pro.

GenYES
Explorer Middle School of Technology also features the GenYES (Generation Youth and Educators Succeeding) program, where students receive specialized hands-on training in the utilization of mobile carts, software, and video/presentation equipment. The training allows GenYES students to develop and present lessons with their partner teachers, explore and troubleshoot equipment and software problems, and provide ongoing support for school-wide integration of technology. We are proud to offer our students this cutting edge opportunity!

Make Your Day
Explorer is a Make Your Day school. Make Your Day is a community-wide cooperative citizenship program that actively involves students in learning life skills important for long-term success. Make Your Day emphasizes the importance of student dignity and reality-based consequences. Explorer is a place where teachers teach and students learn!

Study Island
Study Island is a web-based AIMS preparation program that prepares students to master topics built from the Arizona content standards. Students at Explorer MS are well prepared for the AIMS tests each year because they are required to meet quarterly goals. Students, who use Study Island on a consistent basis, outperform their peers who choose not to use this user-friendly program.

STOP BULLYING NOW!
Explorer implemented the OLWEUS program, a comprehensive school-wide bully prevention program that provided training for all staff, students, and parents. Our school has taken a stand against bullying behavior and the program is a permanent component of our school environment. Explorer was awarded the 2007 School Bully Prevention Achievement Award for our staff’s efforts to establish the safest bully-free school possible.

Values
We, the Explorer Middle School community, value:

... the shared responsibility for student learning among parents, staff and students.
... an open and positive approach to communication.
... respectful behavior toward all people.
... diversity and individual differences.
... the potential of all students.
... a safe learning environment.
... the promotion of a healthy lifestyle.
... personal integrity.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
The vision of Explorer Middle School is to become a great adolescent-centered learning community, where students are expected to meet high academic standards, contribute as positive citizens in our community, and become productive members of the 21st century. We are committed to providing innovative and challenging experiences through our curriculum, instruction, and assessment that are aligned with state standards. We are dedicated to providing support and time for students to meet rigorous standards. We are committed to providing our students frequent exposure to the visual and performing arts, physical fitness, foreign language and technology.

DEVELOPMENTAL RESPONSIVENESS
We are committed to creating small learning communities of students and adults that support student's intellectual, ethical, social, and physical development. All members of our school community are expected to demonstrate respect for each other. Student work showcased on the campus and classrooms provide a stimulating and inviting atmosphere for students to learn.

SOCIAL EQUITY
All members of our school community have equal access to valued knowledge. The community expects high quality work from all students and helps each student produce it. The community includes tutoring, mentoring, special adaptations, and other supports.

DECISION-MAKING
Analysis and use of data and research form a basis for decision-making. Resources include national, state, local, and school community.

Mission Statement
The Explorer Middle School community is committed to providing each student with opportunities to achieve academic excellence and personal success in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment.