While the school bell has fallen silent for the season, the conversation around Arizona’s classrooms is louder than ever. We know the headlines often paint a discouraging picture. That’s why we’ve partnered with Center for the Future of Arizona for this issue. Rather than fixating on rankings, we turn our attention to the people and ideas reshaping what’s possible. For over two decades, CFA has championed “The Arizona We Want,” grounding the conversation in data and a shared belief that every student deserves a meaningful future. Their research consistently shows that Arizonans, regardless of geography or background, agree on one thing: Every student deserves a high-quality education that leads to a clear path toward a career and a purpose. Our cover story is a testament to that. We introduce you to Jason Catanese, a middle school teacher and the driving force behind Camp Catanese. Jason doesn’t just teach math; he reframes it as a vehicle for social mobility, showing how a mastery of numbers can open doors and fundamentally rewrite a young person’s future. It’s an inspiring reminder that one committed educator can change the trajectory of thousands of lives. We also dive into the Permission Granted initiative. A collaboration between CFA and the Arizona Institute for Education and the Economy at Northern Arizona University, it’s a refreshing “why wait?” approach that helps schools use the flexibility they already have to improve student outcomes right now. Plus, we look at ALL In Education and the Million Dollar Teacher Project — organizations that understand we can’t fix the system without supporting the families and teachers at its heart. Of course, it wouldn’t be a summer issue without an escape. If you’re looking to trade triple digits for something cooler, we invite you aboard as we explore the beauty of Alaska by boat. From calving glaciers to the quiet majesty of the 50 th state’s coastline, it’s the ultimate “cool down.” For those seeking a sanctuary closer to home, we take you inside the $25 million reimagining of The Spa at Camelback Inn. Grounded in the new ariVéa philosophy, it is a masterclass in desert-inspired restoration. And because looking the part is half the fun, we’ve curated a selection of breezy summer styles perfect for everything from an Amalfi café to a sunset dinner in Scottsdale. Speaking of dinner, we take you inside the new Il Bracco, where the vibes are as polished as the pasta. And for those who prefer their cocktails with a side of escapism, we dive into the Valley’s tiki revival — because sometimes, a Mai Tai in a ceramic coconut is the only logical response to a 110-degree day. Whether you’re navigating the school system or simply looking for a great meal and a cold drink, I hope this issue offers both perspective and pleasure. Cheers to a brilliant summer. Classrooms and Coastlines KAREN WERNER EDITOR IN CHIEF Karen EDITOR’S NOTE 4 | FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE

Join us in building Arizona's bright future » What matters to you, matters to Arizona. Through two decades of extensive survey research, Center for the Future of Arizona has found that Arizonans agree on what matters most — and is turning that shared vision into real progress.