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Private and Charter School Highlights – December 2024
Montessori School Celebrates International Day
This November, Montessori Day Public Schools Chartered marked International Day with a vibrant array of activities including a flag parade, musical performances, and culinary delights. The event featured costumes and a book fair, showcasing the creativity and spirit of the school community. Additionally, middle school students participated in a “Street Law” experience, attending a downtown trial and visiting the George Washington Carver Center. Planning for classroom “Friendsgiving” celebrations also took place, highlighting the collaborative atmosphere within the school.
During the recent community meeting, parents and staff expressed pride in Montessori Day School’s achievement of an “A” grade from the Arizona Department of Education. With excitement building, preparations are underway for the upcoming Winter Program and Bazaar, set for the Friday before winter break.
Students Honored at Brophy College Prep
In October, Brophy College Prep recognized numerous students through the College Board’s National Recognition Program, which celebrates the academic accomplishments of diverse student demographics. Among those honored were recipients of the National Hispanic/Latino Recognition Awards, including Ivan Loya and Gavin Carrasco, among others. The National African American/Black Recognition Awards recognized Lionel Franklin, Carter Henderson-Cole, and Max Verdiner. Moreover, commendations were given to National Indigenous/Native American winners Christian Camarata and Cory Millikan, as well as National First-Generation Awards recipients Timothy Acosta and Michael Gonzales.
Brophy Golf Team Clinches State Championship
The Brophy College Prep golf team triumphed in the 2024 AIA Division I State Championship, finishing with a total of 568, outpacing the second place by a remarkable 21 strokes. Senior Dylan Boenning was a standout, securing second place overall with a six-under-par 66 in the second round. This victory marks Brophy’s 10th state title and their second in three years.
The team demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the season, winning eight dual matches and notable tournaments, including the Brophy Rodeo and the Peaks Invitational.
Madison Highland Prep Soccer Team Makes History
In an electrifying finish, the Madison Highland Prep boys soccer team won their first-ever state championship title in November, defeating fifth-ranked Snowflake High School after an intense match that ended 2-2, followed by penalty kicks. Diego Quiroba scored the decisive penalty, while goalkeeper Oliver Morlan saved two crucial kicks, securing the victory. The team concluded their season with an undefeated record of 10-0.
Head Coach Jason Sellers celebrated the achievement, praising the dedication of his senior-laden roster.
Brophy Celebrates National Merit Recognition
Broncos Swimming Team Captures 43rd State Title
The Brophy College Prep swimming and diving team clinched the AIA Division I State Championship on November 9, scoring 417.5 points to outpace their rivals. Junior Mark Heffern and sophomore Patrick Dunn each earned individual titles in their respective events. This win marks Brophy’s 43rd state title, underscoring their long-standing excellence in the sport.
Xavier College Preparatory Achieves Major Donation Milestone
Xavier College Preparatory students surpassed a significant milestone by donating over 600,000 cans to St. Vincent de Paul during their annual food drive. NHS President Maryam Al Qaderi expressed gratitude for the community’s involvement, highlighting the impact of their collective efforts.
Arizona School for the Arts Band Teacher Receives Grant
Dr. Thomas Breadon, Band Director at Arizona School for the Arts, received a $2,500 Wishes for Teachers grant from Fiesta Bowl Charities. This funding will support the purchase of new music stand holders, aiding in the enhancement of the school’s music program.
Saint Mary’s Catholic High School Celebrates Legacy and Future
In October, Saint Mary’s Catholic High School commemorated its 107th anniversary, hosting alumni and families to celebrate past milestones while looking to the future. The event included reunions for the Class of 1974, as well as the 30- and 20-year reunions for the subsequent classes. The school welcomed 266 eighth-graders, eager to learn more about joining its storied community.
Gateway Academy Plans for Growth
Gateway Academy has announced a $325,000 investment in capital improvements and curriculum enhancements, aiming to better serve its unique student body. The Phoenix-based school specializes in education for academically gifted students with high-functioning autism. As part of its commitment to excellence, Gateway Academy is also hiring new expert teachers to support its advanced placement offerings.
Phoenix Christian Preparatory School Receives Four-Star Rating
Phoenix Christian Preparatory School’s preschool program recently achieved a four-star rating from Quality First, reflecting the dedication of its educational team. This upgrade from two to four stars signifies a significant commitment to high standards in early childhood education, positively impacting the lives of young learners at the school.
Brophy College Prep Announces Athletic Commitments
On November 13, Brophy hosted a signing day ceremony, celebrating nine student-athletes who committed to play collegiate sports across various programs nationwide. Representing sports including baseball, basketball, golf, and lacrosse, these commitment announcements reflect Brophy’s commitment to nurturing athletic talent and academic excellence.
