May 4, 2026
PTES Newsletter May 2026
Dear Peralta Trail Elementary Families, As we enter the final month of the 2025–2026 school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what an incredible year it has been for our students, staff, ...
Tax Credit Donation
Fuel Curiosity. Fund Experiences.
Tax Credit donations bring hands-on learning to life at Peralta Trail — STEM clubs, outdoor learning, music, and after-school enrichment all depend on community support.
Donate today. Your tax dollars stay with our kids.
How it works:
Instead of letting your tax dollars disappear into the state budget, you can direct them to Peralta Trail. Give up to $200 (single) or $400 (married) and receive the full amount back as a credit when you file. It costs you nothing — but means everything to our students.
Welcome to Peralta Trail Elementary!
Welcome to Peralta Trail Elementary—a place where students thrive, learn, and grow! My name is Patricia Smith, and I am honored to serve as the Principal of this vibrant and innovative school. Nestled in the scenic Gold Canyon community and part of the Apache Junction Unified School District, PTES is a proud academic and STEM-focused campus.
Our dedicated teachers and staff are committed to meeting the diverse needs of all students. Every K-5 student participates weekly in our Gen Tech STEM class, where they dive into engaging, hands-on learning with real-world applications. Students explore exciting areas such as Cool Coding, Radical Robots, Max Modeling, and Mighty Micros as part of our dynamic STEM curriculum.
Beyond the classroom, our students have access to a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including student council, after-school clubs and sports, Band, Strings, general music, PE, chess, Lego League robotics, and much more. There's something for every learner at Peralta Trail.
At PTES, we lead with a “kids first” mindset—nurturing curiosity, uplifting student voices, and inspiring personal growth. Our mission goes beyond academics—we're shaping the creators, thinkers, and leaders of the future. With a strong focus on innovation and community, we provide a space where every child can dream big, explore with confidence, and succeed together.
Small District, Big Heart, Endless Possibilities

Quick Facts:
May 4, 2026
Dear Peralta Trail Elementary Families, As we enter the final month of the 2025–2026 school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what an incredible year it has been for our students, staff, ...
April 13, 2026
Hi Bobcat Families!All are welcome, however if you have a current 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade student you are not going to want to miss our PTES Reimagining School Informational Night tomorrow at 5pm in...
April 6, 2026
Dear Peralta Trail Families, April is an exciting and important month at Peralta Trail Elementary! As we move into the final stretch of the school year, our students continue to grow academically, ...
March 1, 2026
As we step into March, I want to take a moment to thank our incredible staff and families for the continued partnership that makes Peralta Trail Elementary such a special place to learn and grow. A...