Peralta Trail Elementary

Dear Bobcat Families, 

Peralta Trail Elementary School is a beautiful campus and a wonderful place for students to learn and grow! I am very excited to be a part of this amazing learning community as your school Principal. 

I have been an educator for 28 years. During the past 22 years, I have served the students and families of AJUSD as a teacher, math specialist, academic advisor, student wellness coordinator, and as an elementary principal. I grew up in St. Charles, Michigan and moved around when my husband served in the U.S. Army. We knew Arizona is where we wanted to live when my husband retired from the military, so we moved here in 2003. I formerly was an academic advisor with Chapman University prior to becoming a teacher. I completed my Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences, as well as my teacher certification with Chapman University. To continue my education, I attended Northern Arizona University, where I completed my Master's of Arts in Educational Leadership. In my free time I love spending time with my family, watching movies, and cheering on my grandchildren in the sports they love to play.  

My career in AJUSD began as a teacher at Peralta Trail Elementary; so for me, this feels like a full circle to return and now serve as principal of this amazing school. My belief is in the power of together where students are afforded many opportunities for growth that are elevated through the collective efforts and partnership between school, home, and the community. My favorite quote is by Helen Keller, "Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much."  I look forward to working together to have a phenomenal 2025-26 school year...go Bobcats!

Respectfully, 

Patricia L. Smith