October 2024 Highlights: Charter and Private School Updates You Can’t Miss!

At the September ASU School of Music, Dance and Theatre High School Vocal Connection, ASA students enjoyed a full day of music, learning and collaboration (photo courtesy of Arizona School for the Arts).

Singers join peers at ASU event

Seventeen members of Arizona School for the Arts’ Concert Choir and Chamber Singers participated in the ASU School of Music, Dance and Theatre High School Vocal Connection on September 7. The students engaged in team-building activities and refined their vocal techniques under the guidance of ASU graduate students and choral faculty. This collaborative event fostered a rich environment for music and learning.

Arizona School for the Arts is located at 1410 N. 3rd St. in Phoenix. For more information, call 602-257-1444 or visit www.goasa.org.

School hosts robotics challenge

Students at Phoenix Christian Preparatory will participate in the 2025 Southwest National Robotics Challenge, which their school will host (submitted photo).

Phoenix Christian Preparatory School is set to host the inaugural Southwest National Robotics Challenge on April 5, 2025. This event represents the first sanctioned competition for the National Robotics Challenge. It aims to unite middle and high school students from across the region for exciting robotics competitions.

The challenge will feature four categories, catering to varying ages and experience levels: Combat Robot, where robots battle against each other; Mini-Sumo, in which smaller robots attempt to push opponents out of a ring; The Maze, requiring robots to navigate through intricate paths; and Robo Hockey, a robotic take on the classic hockey game.

Each task encourages students to apply their engineering knowledge, programming skills, and creativity in building competitive robots. Participants are urged to join, offering a chance to learn, innovate, and connect with peers passionate about robotics.

For inquiries, contact Kelby Milgrim, STEM director/Southwest NRC director, at kmilgrim@phoenixchristian.org.

The Madison Highland Prep Service Club spent a day volunteering at the Society of St. Vincent De Paul (photo courtesy of Madison Highland Prep).

Service club gives back to community

The Madison Highland Prep Service Club dedicated a day to volunteering at the Society of St. Vincent De Paul, where their contributions significantly impacted the local community. Tasks completed included preparing sandwiches and plating over 1,000 meals, all while assisting with preparation for upcoming service initiatives.

Seniors Devon Reeves and Julitza Arriaga remarked on the unique and collaborative experience, emphasizing their sense of involvement and the reward of helping others. Freshman Scarlett James expressed fulfillment in her first-time volunteer effort, noting the joy of preparing food that would benefit those in need.

As Arizona’s largest commercial kitchen, the Society of St. Vincent De Paul serves over 7,000 nutritious meals daily. Madison Highland Prep takes pride in its students’ dedication to making a tangible difference in the community.

Madison Highland Prep, a STEM-focused college preparatory school, is located at 1431 E. Campbell Ave. For more information, call 602-745-3800 or visit www.madisonhighlandprep.com.

Twenty-two Brophy College Preparatory students were named semifinalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship competition (photo courtesy of Brophy College Preparatory).

22 seniors named Merit Semifinalists

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has announced the 2025 semifinalists, with 22 Brophy College Preparatory seniors recognized for their academic excellence. This prestigious designation honors those who distinguished themselves in the PSAT/NMSQT, reflecting outstanding academic ability and potential.

The list of Brophy’s semifinalists includes Nathan Bae, Nathaniel Crooks, and Aidan Hyde, among others. Over the past eight years, 97 Brophy students have reached semifinalist or finalist status in this competitive process. The school’s commitment to rigorous Jesuit education emphasizes creating leaders who serve others.

Brophy College Preparatory will hold an open house on November 3, from noon to 3 p.m. Reservations are recommended and available starting September 16 through the school’s website.

The school, located at 4701 N. Central Ave., also features Loyola Academy, a smaller middle school for underserved boys.

Attending Xavier’s Sept. 13 Grandparents Day event were Deacon Carlos Terrazas, grandfather, Lovely Quintero Terrazas, Sophina Aguayo, Jazz Quintero Terrazas and Natalie Terrazas, grandmother (photo by Lisa Zuba, courtesy of Xavier College Preparatory).

Grandparents Day brings families together

Xavier College Preparatory celebrated its annual Grandparents Day on September 13, welcoming the grandparents of first-year students. Established in 2008, this tradition enhances family engagement in students’ high school journeys. The day commenced with a mass, uniting families in a spirit of community and gratitude.

Following the service, grandparents enjoyed a reception and personalized campus tours led by student ambassadors. These tours showcased state-of-the-art facilities and highlighted the diverse programs at Xavier. Sister Lynn Winsor, BVM, addressed attendees, sharing insights about the school’s values and opportunities.

Event organizer Polly Fitz-Gerald emphasized the uniqueness of Grandparents Day, noting its value for families. Feedback from grandparents highlighted their appreciation for the chance to witness their granddaughters’ new academic environment.

Xavier College Preparatory, dedicated to fostering community and family involvement, is located at 4710 N. 5th St. Learn more at www.xcp.org.