As summer winds down, families across Gladden Farms are gearing up for one of the most exciting times of the year: back to school! Here’s a quick guide to educational options in and around Gladden Farms, new openings and helpful tips to start the year strong.

Q: How many schools are in Gladden Farms? What do they offer?

A: Gladden Farms families enjoy walkable access to two exceptional schools in the award-winning Marana Unified School District (MUSD).

Opening for Fall 2025, Tangerine Farms K–8 on Mike Etter Blvd borders Gladden Farms neighborhoods currently selling. With spacious classrooms, cutting-edge technology, shaded outdoor play areas and a beautiful new gym, it provides a vibrant learning environment from kindergarten through middle school. Fewer transitions help students build lasting relationships with peers and staff, while parents can get involved in the newly formed Tangerine Farms Community Organization (TFCO).

A neighborhood favorite since 2016, Gladden Farms Elementary (preK-6) offers a Computer Science immersion curriculum that integrates technology across all subjects.  Highlights include a Makerspace and AR/VR labs that encourage hands-on exploration and creativity. The school’s active Parent-Teacher Organization keeps families connected and engaged — follow them on Facebook to learn more.

Q: Can Gladden Farms families choose between the K-6 and the new K-8 school?

A: Yes. MUSD allows families to submit a school choice application to select the best fit for their child.

Q: What Early Childhood Programs are available in Gladden Farms?

A: To serve our youngest residents, Gladden Farms Elementary offers affordable, five-star-rated preschool (ages 3-4) and pre-K (ages 4-5) focused on kindergarten readiness. Flexible schedules include full- and half-day options, Monday through Friday, providing peace of mind for our working parents.

Q: What supplies does my child need for school in Gladden Farms?

A: MUSD publishes classroom supply lists each summer so you can avoid last-minute stress. Whether it’s your child’s first day of kindergarten or eighth grade, you’ll find exactly what they need to start strong. See supply lists here.

Q: Where do students go after the K-6 or K-8 in Gladden Farms?

A: After completing their elementary or K-8 studies, Gladden Farms students typically attend Marana Middle School (just 7 minutes away), followed by Marana High School (15 minutes away, with busing available).

Both schools are part of the MUSD family, which doubled its A-rated schools in 2024 — an upward trajectory that’s only continuing. Marana High School reflects this commitment, offering AP courses, CTE pathways and dual‐enrollment with Pima Community College — preparing students for university and career success.

Q: What other schools are opening in MUSD this fall?

A: Our Tangerine Farms K-8 isn’t the only new school in town. Fall 2025 brings another major player to the Marana Unified School District: Marana Vista Academy.

A former urgent care, Marana Vista is now a state-of-the-art campus offering project-based Career and Technical Education (CTE) to meet rising demand. It boasts a dedicated dentistry and medical wing, specialized CTE classrooms and collaborative work and study spaces to prepare our teens for successful futures.

Participating students from Marana and Mountain View High Schools are bussed to Marana Vista for core courses while enjoying athletics and extracurriculars at their home high school, expanding student options while maintaining personal connections and school pride.

Q: How do I register my child for school in Marana?

A: Registration is simple and can be completed online through the MUSD website. If you’re new to the community, be sure to have documents like proof of residency, immunization records and previous school records handy.

Q: How does Marana Unified School District rank statewide?

A: Nearly 88% of MUSD schools have earned “A” or “B” ratings from the Arizona Department of Education. MUSD ranks in the top 1% for academic growth among Arizona’s 230 school districts, with students achieving some of the strongest long-term improvements in both math and reading over the past six years, according to a Harvard and Stanford study.

Named Best Place to Work four years in a row by Best of the Northwest, MUSD’s team of dedicated educators continue to drive major gains. In 2025, MUSD was one of just four districts statewide to surpass pre-pandemic achievement levels, thanks to creative curriculum changes designed to uplift and support today’s learners.

Q: What is Marana Unified School District’s history?
A: Marana’s educational roots run deep, with the community’s first high school opening over 100 years ago. The cornerstone from that original building — engraved “Union High School #2 – 1924” — still stands today at Estes Elementary, just north of Gladden Farms, linking the district’s past to its present.

Marana High School, founded in 1975, joined with local elementaries to form MUSD in 1981, creating a seamless educational system serving students from early grades through graduation.

MUSD has since grown into one of Southern Arizona’s most respected public-school systems, serving approximately 12,300 students across 17 schools. It is recognized for academic rigor, innovative programs and whole-child development, with STEM/STEAM education, diverse extracurriculars like robotics clubs and mariachi bands as well as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) that create a safe learning environment and deliver individualized support when needed.

Q: How does living in Gladden Farms support my child’s education?

Once the dismissal bell rings, our kids enjoy a family-focused environment designed for active play. With sports fields, miles of trails, a splash pad and the Heritage River Park community garden built right into the neighborhood, many of Marana Parks and Recreation’s most popular programs run right here at Gladden Farms.

From horseback riding and paint nights at Brad DeSpain Stables to Run Marana races and outdoor movies at Gladden Farms Community Park, Gladden Farms residents have direct access to activities other Marana families commute to reach. Residents also enjoy front-row seats to the Town’s annual Fall Festival — a beloved Marana tradition that takes place in our backyard at Heritage River Park.

Add in the 60+ family-friendly events hosted by our Community Association each year, and it’s clear why Gladden Farms is known as one of Marana’s best neighborhoods for families.

About Gladden Farms

Located in booming North Marana, Gladden Farms blends peaceful countryside living with unbeatable convenience — close to I-10, shopping, dining and award-winning schools.

Whether you’re relocating or growing your family, here you’ll find affordable new Tucson homes that blend modern convenience with small-town charm.

Invest in your future: Explore floor plans from award-winning builders and find your perfect fit today.