Home of the Pathfinders
American Leadership Academy Applied Technologies is Arizona’s first full-service, tuition-free public charter junior and high school specializing in trade school programs and applied technologies alongside core academics. As one of the leading trade schools in Arizona, we offer ten in-house, expert-led Career and Technical Education (CTE) academies, allowing students to pursue their chosen specialties while completing their core studies in one location. Guided by our R.A.I.S.E. values—Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, and Excellence—we prepare students with a head start on college and career paths. Graduates earn a high school diploma and industry-recognized certifications, equipping them for future success.
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Academies
First Responder/Military
Aviation
Automotive
Business & Finance
Cosmetology
Education
Health Services
Technology
Construction
Hospitality
![ALA District Spelling Bee 2025 (PDF)]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1737058441/alaschoolsorg/n2lfeajrui957gyeue92/ALADistrictSpellingBee2025-FamilyInvite.pdf","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1737058441/alaschoolsorg/n2lfeajrui957gyeue92/ALADistrictSpellingBee2025-FamilyInvite.pdf","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1737058441/alaschoolsorg/n2lfeajrui957gyeue92/ALADistrictSpellingBee2025-FamilyInvite.pdf","width":612}])
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about ALA District Spelling Bee (opens in new window/tab)
![ALA Applied Technologies ESA Open House Januray, 2025 Flyer]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1736790868/alaschoolsorg/pjamzhc3trhmk6gosemi/ALAAppliedTechnologiesESAOpenHouseJanuray2025Flyer.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1736790868/alaschoolsorg/pjamzhc3trhmk6gosemi/ALAAppliedTechnologiesESAOpenHouseJanuray2025Flyer.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1736790868/alaschoolsorg/pjamzhc3trhmk6gosemi/ALAAppliedTechnologiesESAOpenHouseJanuray2025Flyer.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1736790868/alaschoolsorg/pjamzhc3trhmk6gosemi/ALAAppliedTechnologiesESAOpenHouseJanuray2025Flyer.jpg","width":1080}])
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about Applied Tech Open House – A Unique Opportunity for ESA Families
![Applied Tech Winter Classic Robotics Competition]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1736790322/alaschoolsorg/xu4qwqs8ddy3cqnf3duo/ALAAppliedTechnologiesWinterClassicRoboticsCompetitionFlyerfor2025.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1736790322/alaschoolsorg/xu4qwqs8ddy3cqnf3duo/ALAAppliedTechnologiesWinterClassicRoboticsCompetitionFlyerfor2025.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1736790322/alaschoolsorg/xu4qwqs8ddy3cqnf3duo/ALAAppliedTechnologiesWinterClassicRoboticsCompetitionFlyerfor2025.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1736790322/alaschoolsorg/xu4qwqs8ddy3cqnf3duo/ALAAppliedTechnologiesWinterClassicRoboticsCompetitionFlyerfor2025.jpg","width":1080}])
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about Applied Tech Winter Classic Robotics Competition
![ALA Applied Technologies Pathfinders Spa Announcement]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1736789188/alaschoolsorg/droytsm8fpnftk5z0p5j/ALAAppliedTechnologiesPathfindersSpaAnnouncement.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1736789188/alaschoolsorg/droytsm8fpnftk5z0p5j/ALAAppliedTechnologiesPathfindersSpaAnnouncement.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1736789188/alaschoolsorg/droytsm8fpnftk5z0p5j/ALAAppliedTechnologiesPathfindersSpaAnnouncement.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1736789188/alaschoolsorg/droytsm8fpnftk5z0p5j/ALAAppliedTechnologiesPathfindersSpaAnnouncement.jpg","width":1080}])
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about Pathfinder Spa Opening January 29, 2025!
![ALA Applied Technologies Open Enrollment Reminder]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1736788848/alaschoolsorg/ef6zw1d3e9cgijqedcir/ALAAppliedTechnologiesOpenEnrollmentReminder.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1736788848/alaschoolsorg/ef6zw1d3e9cgijqedcir/ALAAppliedTechnologiesOpenEnrollmentReminder.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1736788848/alaschoolsorg/ef6zw1d3e9cgijqedcir/ALAAppliedTechnologiesOpenEnrollmentReminder.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1736788848/alaschoolsorg/ef6zw1d3e9cgijqedcir/ALAAppliedTechnologiesOpenEnrollmentReminder.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1736788848/alaschoolsorg/ef6zw1d3e9cgijqedcir/ALAAppliedTechnologiesOpenEnrollmentReminder.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1736788848/alaschoolsorg/ef6zw1d3e9cgijqedcir/ALAAppliedTechnologiesOpenEnrollmentReminder.jpg","width":2048}])
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about Open Enrollment Ends Soon January 31st!
What is a Charter School?
Charter schools are publicly funded educational entities that enjoy greater autonomy and flexibility than conventional public schools. Initiated through a charter—a performance agreement detailing the school's mission, programs, objectives, and assessment methods—they aim to foster innovation and offer diverse educational options tailored to the unique needs of their communities.
Parents' Corner
Applied Technologies has exciting events happening year-round. Stay current on events, early release days, holidays, and more through our School Calendar tab!
Visit our Parent Resources tab to access parent and student portals, handbooks, lunch schedules, uniform policies, and more!
Don't miss out! Applied Technologies is now accepting pre-k applications and 7-12 grade enrollments. Start your application online or finish your re-enrollment tasks before August 6.
From expanding your wardrobe to reviewing length and style requirements, stay current on all things apparel through our Uniform Policy & Store tab!
School Leaders
Nicholas Gratzl, Director
Nicholas Gratzl began his teaching career at Buckeye Union High School in 2007 as an Art instructor and coach in swimming and softball. In 2014, he moved to Scottsdale Christian Academy to pioneer and teach their innovative Digital Media program, demonstrating his commitment to progressive education and student development.
In 2023, he embraced a new challenge as Assistant Director at ALA Applied Technologies, driven by his dedication to educational excellence and innovation.
Outside work, Mr. Gratzl enjoys life with his wife, Jaime, and stepchildren, Jessa and Jacob. He cherishes quality time with his family, engaging in activities such as traveling, playing pickleball, card games, board games, and the occasional “friendly” competition in Mario Kart.
Mr. Gratzl holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Illinois State University and a Master's in Educational Leadership from Arizona State University, achieving National Board Certification in 2022. Passionate about providing high-quality education, he is excited to contribute to ALA Applied Technologies and ensure students are equipped for success in the 21st century.
The ALA Life
Why Families Love ALA
Discover what makes life at our American Leadership Academy schools so special! Hear firsthand from our parents and students as they share their experiences, highlighting the supportive community, academic excellence, and character-building environment that sets ALA apart. Learn why our schools are more than just a place to learn—they’re a place to grow and thrive.
Preschool - Little Leaders
Raising Little Leaders From Pre-K & Up!
Parents, did you know that our Applied Technologies campus has a preschool and pre-k program? We support your kids from ages 3 and up, teaching them our core values while integrating American Leadership Academy's Core Knowledge Sequence. Ask about our discounts!