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Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary
Queen Creek Unified School District
students wearing backpacks linking arms in a line
An Accelerated School of Choice: Where Everyone Has Genius

Our School

Located in Queen Creek, Arizona, Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary School is part of the Queen Creek Unified School District. Our school lies at the heart of a family-friendly community with rich roots. We are located in the Barney Farms subdivision, northeast of Signal Butte and Queen Creek Roads. With state-of-the-art facilities and enriching and engaging programs, we aim to empower our students with the leadership and life skills they need to succeed.

At Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary School, we are committed to growing and preparing future leaders by providing an accelerated curriculum, fostering collaboration, and cultivating the skills to be successful in the 21st century, in a safe and stimulating learning environment.

Mission Statement

At Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary School, we are committed to growing and preparing future leaders by providing an accelerated curriculum, fostering collaboration, and cultivating the skills to be successful in the 21st century, in a safe and stimulating learning environment.

Accelerated Curriculum

Our accelerated curriculum in math and English language arts allows students to learn content at a grade level above their current grade, in addition to maintaining current grade-level standards. We always want your children to feel challenged in their learning environment while also celebrating their achievements. KMBE offers the best of both worlds with a curriculum that both meets students where they are and motivates them to reach even farther.

What is a School of Choice?

Arizona Schools of Choice promote themes or specialized programming that stand out from other neighborhood schools. Designed to attract students with common interests or skill sets, Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary School is the first in our district to proudly wear the School of Choice badge.

We offer an accelerated curriculum in math and English language arts. We also incorporate Project Lead the Way as part of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and art) programming. As a Leader in Me® campus, we follow a program that empowers students with the leadership and life skills they need to thrive in the 21st century based on Stephen R. Covey’s book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.

Our History

Named in honor of beloved resident Katherine Mecham Barney (1928-2019) who lived in Queen Creek, Arizona, with her family for over 70 years, our school values devotion and integrity. We hope to honor Mrs. Barney’s memory by showing kindness to others, staying committed to our goals, and reminding everyone who enters our halls that we all have genius inside us.

A Stellar District

Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary is one of fifteen schools in the technology-rich Queen Creek Unified School District. Well-established in excellence, QCUSD is the perfect pillar for KMBE to build a deeply-rooted foundation and launch its bright, prosperous future.

Our Values

At KMBE we aim to engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate. We are committed to providing:

  • A safe and positive school environment for all students and staff
  • A school community that recognizes the value and importance of each individual
  • Open communication among students, staff and parents
  • A welcoming atmosphere for all students, staff and parents
  • The tools and skills to prepare our students for the 21st century 
  • High expectations for all students in both academic and character achievement
  • Current and effective educational methods in our instruction

State-of-the-Art Facilities

We are thrilled to offer:

  • 2:1 Chromebooks in every classroom
  • Art, Makerspace, music, and band rooms
  • Outdoor amphitheater
  • SmartLab and media center
  • Multi-purpose room with a large performance stage
  • Playground and athletics fields
  • 72,000 square foot campus with 28 classrooms
  • 16.6 acres master-planned for growth

Enriching and Engaging Programs

Our students will thrive in an environment with options that include:

  • Preschool through 6th grade
  • Free all-day kindergarten
  • Before and after-school enrichment classes
  • SmartLab, PE, music, library, and art
  • Leader in Me® values
  • Project Lead the Way STEAM curriculum

Why Choose KMBE?

We know you have options when it comes to choosing where your child will pursue an early education. Here at Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary School, we want you to feel confident in your choice to trust us with your child's growing mind. Our teachers and staff are dedicated to helping our students achieve excellence, and our state-of-the-art facilities provide both comfort and advanced technology. We believe in aiming high, and we invite you to join us in reaching for those goals.

Our School Features