Since the day Arizona Charter Academy first opened its doors, the administrators have done everything possible to help ensure that the charter school offers an outstanding and supportive work environment.

Arizona Charter Academy was recently recognized for its commitment to its employees when it was named as one of the CareerBuilder Top Companies to Work For in Arizona. CareerBuilder, The Arizona Republic, azcentral.com and BestCompaniesAZ recently launched the new statewide workplace awards program, which recognizes organizations that are creating quality jobs and work environments.

Although the teachers and staff at Arizona Charter Academy were thrilled to learn that the school had received such a wonderful honor, they said they were not completely surprised about the award. After all, they firsthand how the school is such an outstanding place to work.

Gloria Ramos, student services coordinator, has worked at Arizona Charter Academy for nine years. She said she especially likes the way the staff is not only dedicated to the students, but to each other as well.

“Arizona Charter Academy is a great work place to work for because we are really a true team dedicated to education,” Ramos said. “We’re all passionate about kids and education and the belief that a zip code will not determine a child’s education.”

Although this is just Lori Townes’s second year at Arizona Charter Academy, the reading specialist said she already sees clearly how the school puts the needs of its students first.

“While I was excited to work in an evolving reading intervention program, I was pleasantly surprised with the positive working environment and dynamic staff,” Townes said, adding that she feels very fortunate to work with a team of people who truly put the needs of kids first, and make all decisions based on what is best for the kids.

For Minette Klenner, who is starting her fifth year teaching junior high and high school history at Arizona Charter Academy, she has words of praise for everyone at the school.

“The collaboration among my peers is amazing, and the administration is extremely supportive,” she said, adding that her principal Stephani Olson is both “amazing and supportive.”

“Most of our students have been here for elementary through high school and they are polite, respectful overall great kids.”