Tempe Curriculum & Testing Schedules - City Rules

Education Arizona 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 20, 2026 Flag of Arizona

In Tempe, Arizona, public school curriculum and standardized testing schedules are set by school districts and the Arizona Department of Education rather than by municipal ordinance. Families in Tempe should use district calendars and state assessment guidance to track testing windows, graduation requirements, and local calendar exceptions. For statewide assessment policy and scheduling guidance see the Arizona Department of Education assessment page Arizona Department of Education assessment page[1].

How curriculum and schedules are set

Curriculum frameworks, content standards, and required state assessments are adopted at the state level; local school boards set district calendars, bell schedules, and site-level testing dates consistent with state windows. In Tempe, the primary implementers are the local district boards and superintendents, which publish annual school calendars and testing days for parents and staff.

Districts publish annual calendars and testing notifications online.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for testing and curriculum compliance is split: the Arizona Department of Education enforces state assessment requirements and reporting; local districts enforce student attendance, test administration, and school-level compliance. Specific monetary fines or statutory penalties for failing to administer tests or follow curriculum rules are generally set by state law or federal program conditions and are not always listed on district pages.

  • Enforcer: Arizona Department of Education for state assessments; local school districts for administration and attendance.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing noncompliance procedures - not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: corrective action plans, reporting consequences, loss of program eligibility, or state monitoring.
  • Inspection and complaints: contact the district office or the Arizona Department of Education assessment unit for reporting issues.
  • Appeals and reviews: appeal routes are set by district policies or ADE procedures; time limits are not specified on the cited page.
If you believe a school missed a required testing window, contact the district testing coordinator first.

Applications & Forms

Most administrative actions (attendance appeals, calendar exceptions, testing accommodations) use district or state forms. Specific form names and numbers are published by districts or ADE; if a required form is not listed on a district page, it is not specified on that page. See the Help and Support / Resources section below for district form links.

FAQ

Who decides what curriculum Tempe schools teach?
State standards are set by Arizona; local school boards and districts adopt curricula and supplemental materials aligned to those standards.
Where do I find my schools testing dates and calendar?
District websites publish annual calendars and testing windows; check your school or district calendar and the Arizona Department of Education assessment guidance for state windows.
Can parents opt their child out of state tests?
Opt-out policies vary; review district guidance and ADE policy or contact the district testing coordinator for the official procedure.

How-To

  1. Locate your schools official calendar on the district website or your schools page.
  2. Check the Arizona Department of Education assessment calendar for statewide windows and guidance.
  3. If you need an accommodation or to appeal a schedule, contact the district testing coordinator or special education office.
  4. File a formal complaint with the district, and if unresolved, contact the Arizona Department of Education; follow published timelines on those sites.
Start each school year by bookmarking your district calendar and the ADE assessment page.

Key Takeaways

  • State sets assessments; districts set local calendars.
  • Contact your district for testing questions and appeals.
  • Forms and accommodations are available through districts and ADE.

Help and Support / Resources


  1. [1] Arizona Department of Education assessment page