Home of the Warriors
Hello, and welcome to the Ironwood K-6 campus of American Leadership Academy. We are proud to offer an exceptional educational experience to students in Queen Creek, San Tan Valley and Florence area. Our campus is located on Combs Road just west of Gantzel Road.
![Help Feed the Valley]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1698945688/alaschoolsorg/e7zwo94dox5ldxmzrh1s/ALA_Feed-Valley_Web_Nov2023_v2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1698945688/alaschoolsorg/e7zwo94dox5ldxmzrh1s/ALA_Feed-Valley_Web_Nov2023_v2.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1698945688/alaschoolsorg/e7zwo94dox5ldxmzrh1s/ALA_Feed-Valley_Web_Nov2023_v2.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1698945688/alaschoolsorg/e7zwo94dox5ldxmzrh1s/ALA_Feed-Valley_Web_Nov2023_v2.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1698945688/alaschoolsorg/e7zwo94dox5ldxmzrh1s/ALA_Feed-Valley_Web_Nov2023_v2.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1698945688/alaschoolsorg/e7zwo94dox5ldxmzrh1s/ALA_Feed-Valley_Web_Nov2023_v2.png","width":2200}])
![Gilbert North, AIA title and are now 4A Conference State Champions!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1670961428/alaschoolsorg/vs12o0joydk6tcevjiia/ALA4ACSCThumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1670961428/alaschoolsorg/vs12o0joydk6tcevjiia/ALA4ACSCThumbnail.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1670961428/alaschoolsorg/vs12o0joydk6tcevjiia/ALA4ACSCThumbnail.png","width":650}])
![New Intramural Sports Partnership at East Valley Elementary Schools]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1670020684/alaschoolsorg/qkjggaofec25fnb9ytt4/ALACenterCourtFlyer.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1670020684/alaschoolsorg/qkjggaofec25fnb9ytt4/ALACenterCourtFlyer.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1670020684/alaschoolsorg/qkjggaofec25fnb9ytt4/ALACenterCourtFlyer.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1670020684/alaschoolsorg/qkjggaofec25fnb9ytt4/ALACenterCourtFlyer.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1670020684/alaschoolsorg/qkjggaofec25fnb9ytt4/ALACenterCourtFlyer.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1670020684/alaschoolsorg/qkjggaofec25fnb9ytt4/ALACenterCourtFlyer.png","width":2200}])
![Educator of the Year, 2022]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1664556432/alaschoolsorg/kr802dxcjnji3agxpwf3/ALASTVEEOTY2022Thumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1664556432/alaschoolsorg/kr802dxcjnji3agxpwf3/ALASTVEEOTY2022Thumbnail.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1664556432/alaschoolsorg/kr802dxcjnji3agxpwf3/ALASTVEEOTY2022Thumbnail.png","width":650}])
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.
Student Spotlight
Sydney Feng, District Spelling Bee
We are so proud of Sydney Feng for winning the District Spelling Bee. Great job Sydney!
Aubrey Drexler, Scholastic Summer Reading Champion
We are so proud of Aubrey for reading the most minutes on campus with our Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge.
Hudson G., Matthew W. & Tiger T., District Battle of the Books Winners
Congratulations for representing our school at the District Battle of the Books Championships!
Testimonials
Hammer Family
"As soon as we toured ALA Gilbert North , and [our kids] saw and felt what was there, it really changed their outlook on their future years at high school." Learn more.
Chelsey Davis
"It's everything that we've envisioned for our children!" Learn more.
Michelle Sorensen
"The teachers go above and beyond..." Learn more.
Gomez Family
"...The one-on-one connection that they have with their teachers is really important." Learn more.
Cassie Moore
Learn more about American Leadership Academy here. Learn more.
The ALA Life
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Leading The Way
At American Leadership Academy, we don't just teach our students to be smart, we R.A.I.S.E them to be leaders. Learn more about Ironwood K-6's R.A.I.S.E values and our community leadership.