Chaparral High School (Arizona)

Chaparral High School is a public high school located in Scottsdale, Arizona, in the United States. Its mascot is the firebird, and the school colors are black, red, and gold.[2]

Chaparral High School
Address
Map
6935 East Gold Dust Avenue

,
85253-1484

United States
Coordinates33°34′37″N 111°55′56″W / 33.5770°N 111.9322°W / 33.5770; -111.9322
Information
TypePublic
Established1972
School districtScottsdale Unified School District
PrincipalJoshua Pantier
Staff100.10 (FTE)[1]
Grades9–12
Enrollment2,292 (2019-20)[1]
Student to teacher ratio22.90[1]
Color(s)     
MascotFirebird
NewspaperAshes
YearbookGolden Embers
Websitewww.susd.org/Chaparral

Chaparral opened in February 1973 with 800 students, comprising freshman, sophomore, and junior classes. The principal was Spencer Saunders Sr. The initial structures were built at a cost of $3.5 million.[3] Chaparral's first graduates were the class of 1974.

The original campus was designed by Varney, Sexton, Sydnor Associates.[4] TGK Construction Company built the campus with construction starting in 1971.[5]

In 2008 many of the outdated buildings were demolished and replaced with new ones designed by Orcutt | Winslow Architects.[6]

In 2014, Newsweek ranked Chaparral No. 22 among top American high schools, and No. 1 in Arizona.[7]

Student body and academics edit

Chaparral High School has consistently ranked in Newsweek's list of Best High Schools in America. In 2007, Chaparral High School was one of only 12 schools ranked in Arizona.[8]

The high school holds the state record for having the most National Merit Scholars in one year (37 in 2014).[9] Additionally, the school has also earned the record most in-state Presidential Scholars in Arizona, with 17 in 2003.[citation needed]

Former Principals edit

Joshua Pantier (2022-Present)

Todd Dreifort (2018-2022)

Dr. Angela Chomokos (2017-2018)

Gayle Holland (2011-2017)

Mary Lou Mucino (2002-2011)

Dr. John Kreikard (1995-2002)

Kim Greenwalt (1993-1995)

John Paul Jones (1988-1993)

Evelyn Caskey (1983-1988)

Tom Smith (1980-1983)

Stuart Kammerman (1976-1980)

James Curlett (1972-1976)

Notable alumni edit

Athletes and coaches edit

 
The Bella Twins
 
Max Aaron
 
Ike Davis

Entertainment and media edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c "Chaparral High School". National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
  2. ^ "Chaparral High School – School Information". Susd.chaparral.schoolfusion.us. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved October 21, 2013.
  3. ^ "10 Feb 1973, Page 67 - Arizona Republic at Newspapers.com".
  4. ^ "20 Jan 1971, Page 6 - Arizona Republic at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved July 14, 2021.
  5. ^ "7 Oct 1971, Page 8 - Arizona Republic at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved July 14, 2021.
  6. ^ "Chaparral High School - Orcutt | Winslow". www.owp.com. Retrieved July 14, 2021.
  7. ^ "Newsweek". Newsweek. September 13, 2014.
  8. ^ "America's Top Public High Schools – Newsweek America's Best High Schools". MSNBC. November 25, 2008. Archived from the original on May 23, 2007. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  9. ^ "password protected article". Arizona Republic. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  10. ^ Canada's Youngest Olympians, Olympic.ca, May 2016
  11. ^ Stephenie Meyer Biography, May 13, 2021
  12. ^ Hawkes, Marilyn (February 1, 2019). "Valley Kids: Jenny Mollen Biggs Author/Actress/Media Personality". Phoenix Magazine.