Dear Mustang Families,

Welcome to Desert Vista Elementary, a Kindergarten through fifth grade school located at the base of the beautiful Superstition Mountains, part of the Apache Junction School District. We are excited to embark on a journey towards becoming a leadership-focused school where we will “Lead with Heart, Learn with Purpose.” Our goal is to empower students to develop essential leadership skills, enhance their self-confidence, improve critical thinking and communication skills, and foster a positive school culture.

At Desert Vista, we offer numerous opportunities for student involvement, including after school sports, Student Council, band, orchestra, and the upcoming Young Leaders Club. All students will utilize leadership binders to track their goals, document their learning experiences, and celebrate their successes. We also encourage family participation through our PTO, Site Council, volunteering, and community events such as our annual Spooktacular.

As for me, I bring 25 years of educational experience, with this being my first year in AJUSD. Throughout my career, I have served students and their families in various roles, including teacher, instructional coach, dean, and principal. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in education from Arizona State University and hold two master’s degrees from Grand Canyon University in Reading Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Administration. An Arizona native, I grew up in Globe and now share my life with my husband and our two adult children—one of whom is currently serving overseas in the Air Force, while the other is exploring his career path. In my spare time, I enjoy researching family history and watching movies.

I am thrilled to be a part of the Desert Vista family and look forward to building strong partnerships with families, teachers, and the community to ensure a successful educational experience for all our learners.

With Respect,

Kelly Fant