Apache Elementary School

Join Apache PTSO at Peter Piper Pizza as welcome new and old families and raise some Dough for Apache Elementary.

Tomorrow, Aug. 5, is the first Modified Wednesday of the school year. Apache will release at 1 p.m. Modified Wednesdays allow our staff to engage in professional development throughout the year as they work to continue providing the extraordinary education our community has come to know and love.

Tomorrow, July 31, Peoria Unified will be closed as all staff are on a furlough day. During a furlough day, all district schools and worksites are closed to the public, employees do not work and are not paid.

Last November, the community did not approve the override funding for our schools, resulting in a loss of approximately $11 million from this year's operating budget, or our maintenance and operations fund. This, coupled with declining enrollment has caused the district to cut a total of $21 million from our current budget. One way the budget shortfall will be addressed is with three furlough days this school year: July 31, February 12 and May 12. These furlough days will result in an average pay decrease of 1.5 to 1.7% for all staff members.

All school and district offices will reopen for normal hours on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, for the first day of school.

Learn more about Peoria Unified's fiscal reality at peoriaunified.org/fiscalrealities.

Miss Eliana joined us late last year and we are so glad to have her back and give an official Warm Warrior Welcome!!!

Hi Apache! My name is Miss Eliana. If you were with us last year you might have seen me at the corner as a crossing guard or in the lunchroom as one of the aides and I'm so excited to be returning! I joined Apache years ago as a parent and was given the opportunity to join this amazing team. Although originally from Northern AZ, I grew up in East Texas and am a Texas girl at heart. I love plants and coffee and crafting and exploring the world around us. When I'm not at work, you can usually find my husband and I around the valley discovering new coffee shops, walking our 2 pugs, or cheering on one of our 3 kids. Can't wait to see everyone! Go Warriors!

Give a Warm Warrior Welcome to Mrs. Berger!!!

Hello warrior family! My name is Mandie Berger and I'm excited to be teaching junior high social studies this year at Apache!

With over 17 years of classroom experience teaching at Sunrise Mountain High School, Rio Salado College and Desert Palms, I am ready to call Apache home.

When I'm not at school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two chihuahua puppers. I also love to travel and spent several years as a luxury and boutique travel agent.

I can't wait to meet everyone at Meet the Teacher night tomorrow! It is going to be an AMAZING year!

🚨 ADMIN UPDATE!!!!

We are so excited to announce one more WARRIORIFFIC update to our Admin roster!! Welcome the incredible Ms. O'Connor as Assistant Principal!!

Hello Apache Warriors!
I am so excited to be transitioning into the role of assistant principal as a teacher on assignment at Apache! Over the last four years, I have fallen in love with the students, staff, and community at Apache, and I can’t wait to serve the school and community in this new position. I began my career in Peoria Unified 11 years ago as a library assistant, then as an instructional assistant, and then moved into teaching in the classroom. I have had the honor of teaching a wide range of grade levels and subject areas, from 4th grade to 8th grade. Since coming to Apache, I have spent my time teaching the junior high students as well as coaching the girls’ softball team (who have spent the last 3 years as the undefeated district champions!)
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hiking, playing board games, reading, visiting new places, and hanging out with my dog, Izzy.

I can’t wait to get to know more of the families of Apache and support the success of our students!

It's OFFICIAL!!! Ms Lageson is officially a Warrior!! Help us welcome back the amazing Ms. Lageson. She has been a great member of our Special Education team and we are so happy to have her!!

Hello! My name is Katie Lageson, and I am excited to officially be working at Apache! I have been in education for 10 years and am passionate about creating a positive, engaging learning environment where every student can grow and succeed.

When I'm not in the classroom, I'm usually chasing after my 4-year-old daughter. I also enjoy obstacle course races, hiking, and weightlifting, painting, reading a good book, or happily accepting recommendations for great places to eat. (Let's be honest—eating is one of my favorite hobbies!)

I'm looking forward to another fantastic year of learning, laughter, and working together to help your child succeed!

Today Apache Staff was onsite and ready to go!! Working together, getting House assignments, enjoying a great breakfast from our community friends over at Peace Lutheran and meeting our 26-27 PTSO Board Members.

We can't wait for students to join in all the collaborative fun!!

Apache Warriors give a warm welcome to Mr. Ryan our new addition to the Jr High Team.
Hello! My name is Conor Ryan, and I am excited to be part of the school community. Originally from Montana, I earned my degrees in Social Science and Forensic Science from the University of Montana.
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time outdoors; whether I'm playing sports, fishing, hunting, skiing, or golfing. I have also had the opportunity to coach football, basketball, track and field, and baseball.
I look forward to building positive relationships with students and families and making this a great year of learning together!