Home of the Warriors
The Ironwood Pre-K-6 campus of American Leadership Academy is a unique elementary charter school serving Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, and Florence. Located on Combs Road just west of Gantzel Road, we provide the best educational experience in a moral and wholesome environment. Guided by our R.A.I.S.E. values—Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, and Excellence—we empower students To Learn. Lead. Change the World! Join us in shaping the future leaders of our community.
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What is a Charter School?
A charter school is a public institution that operates with increased independence and flexibility relative to traditional public schools. Established through a charter—a performance agreement specifying the school's mission, curriculum, goals, and methods of evaluation—these schools are designed to encourage innovation and offer varied educational choices to meet the specific needs of their local communities.
Parents' Corner
Discover the endless excitement at American Leadership Academy, Ironwood K-6 during the remarkable ? school year. Keep track of upcoming events, school breaks, and half days through our comprehensive calendar.
Don't miss out! Ironwood K-6 is now accepting students from kindergarten to 6th grade for the ? school year. Start the application process online or finish your re-enrollment tasks before August 6th.
Searching for student and parent information? Uniform guidelines? Our K-6 school handbook? Lunch menus? Supply lists? Find all of these resources in our "Parent Resources" tab.
American Leadership Academy is dedicated to creating a safe and focused learning environment for our students - starting with uniforms. Learn about our uniform guidelines and purchase online.
School Leaders
Caree Safsten, Director
Mrs. Caree Safsten is honored to serve as the Director of Ironwood Elementary. She has happily worked in education for over 25 years focusing most of her time as a teacher working with adults and children with various disabilities. Since joining the ALA family she has served as a special education teacher, special education site coordinator, and a campus administrator. Mrs. Safsten is an Arizona native, born and raised in Mesa. She and her husband, Mark are blessed with a “small tribe” of 10 children and 17 grandchildren who call her Gigi. She loves to spend time with her family traveling, cooking, and playing with their pups named Bella and Winston.
Mrs. Safsten passionately believes that learning can be messy and uncomfortable but within the struggle amazing things happen. She whole-heartedly believes that parents and educators work as a team to raise children to “Learn. Lead. Change the World!”
Emily Malfitano, Assistant Director
Mrs. Emily Malfitano is the Assistant Director at the Ironwood Elementary Campus for American Leadership Academy. She has been in the field of education for over 15 years. Prior to joining the Ironwood K-6 staff, Mrs. Malfitano was at ALA Anthem South K-6 teaching fourth grade. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Northern Iowa and her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. In Michigan, Mrs. Malfitano taught Kindergarten, first, and second grade. After moving to Arizona, she has enjoyed teaching fourth grade for the past 12 years.
Mrs. Malfitano has a passion for fostering environments that embody the RAISE values. Through leading by example, we can guide our students to become lifelong leaders. Mrs. Malfitano is proud to be a part of the ALA family and will lead IWE to achieve its mission, vision, and values.
Check Out Our Campus
Ironwood Pre-K-6
A virtual tour around our campus, featuring Brent McArthur. Showcasing our cafenasium, our teachers, the benefits of wearing a uniform, and some of our programs including fine arts and athletics.
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 Mesa North 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!