Welcome to Our School

Welcome to Wildcat country! Western Valley Elementary School proudly serves approximately 600 prekindergarten through fifth-grade students in Phoenix, Arizona. We are one of five elementary schools in the Fowler Elementary School District #45 and share our campus with 850 students attending Western Valley Middle School. From our outstanding staff to innovative technological initiatives to family involvement at every level, we’re sure you’ll love being part of the Western Valley school community.

A Message from Our Principal

Greetings Western Valley Families! 

My name is Marco Antonio Ruiz, and I am your school principal. On behalf of all of our staff and myself, I would like to welcome you to our learning community. 

This is my 22nd year in education, having spent nine years as a classroom teacher and 12 years as a principal. I earned my bachelor of arts degree in bilingual elementary education from the University of Arizona, my master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University, and I am currently working on a doctorate in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University. As a native of Phoenix, I grew up in the valley. I am also a proud father of one son, Marco Jr., who currently resides in Houston, Texas. 

Our community of professionals will always strive to provide a stellar education for your scholar. The WV faculty incorporates instructional best practices in order to meet the needs of all learners on our campus. 

Here at the elementary campus, we are particularly focused on ensuring that all students read on grade level by the third grade. We also make certain that students are equipped with strong mathematics, science, and critical thinking skills needed for 21st-century learning and success. We believe in educating the whole child and enhancing all talents. 

As a Kids at Hope school, we believe that all children are capable of success, no exceptions! Our school prepares our future leaders to compete in a global economy. We guarantee our scholars will have the foundational skills they'll need to enter college and future careers. This endeavor will certainly require partnering with our families. I welcome your suggestions and your involvement in making this a reality for our students. 

Partners in education, 

Marco Antonio Ruiz

Marco Antonio Ruiz, M.Ed.
Western Valley Schools Principal