Phoenix, Ariz., 10/30/19– ұ (ұ) has had many “firsts” in its nearly 100 years of education. They are used to being the only college to offer something unique. So, in 2003, when they started the Teachers Prep Academy to help provide the state with more qualified, trained teachers, it was just business as usual. But as the college developed the program more, the Teachers Prep Academy morphed into something new entirely – something no other college has: a high school. But not just any high school; this one is on the ұ campus, called the ұ Preparatory Academy (ұPA).
ұPA students attend college classes on the actual campus of ұ. Students have access to the college's computer labs, libraries and other services too. ұPA even has its own athletic teams and is a member of the Canyon Athletic Association.
“It’s unique,” says Principal Keith Brown. “ұPA students regularly interact with community college students who also serve as both mentors and tutors. It’s like a private education, but free because we are a public institution. As an added bonus, students in good academic standing may qualify for free college tuition as well.”
The high school specializes in helping students get at least 30 college credits (which is equal to one year) while in high school through various career pathways in medical, computer information systems and teaching. ұPA’s graduation rate for the last three years is more than 98 percent. They have a dropout rate of less than 1 percent. And the success rate of students that choose to take college classes is an astounding 86 percent.
Like ұ, ұPA prides itself on the diversity it offers, drawing from the surrounding local community. “Our students are a reflection of the diversity of the community we serve,” said Brown. “Close to 90 percent of our students are on free and reduced lunch. We create hope and opportunity for students and families by having a school where students can take college classes that are paid for (as well as their books) while still in high school.”
Because ұPA’s pathways program is so successful and popular, many students come back and serve the community after graduating from college – serving as doctors, lawyers, teachers and military personnel.
Brown, who is in his seventh year as the Principal at ұPA, has led the school to become an A-rated school for the three years in a row. Previously, it has been a D school. “We have grown more than 300 percent in the last six years and now serve 230 students. We had only 65 when I started,” Brown noted.
ұPA is proud of its academic star students. For example, 48 percent of seniors that earned their associate degree last May from ұ, received their AA before high school graduation. Ninety-five percent of students earn at least 30 college credits before high school graduation.
“Seventy-five percent of our students are accepted to universities and receive scholarships and grants,” boasts Brown. “Our students have received more than 3 million dollars in grants and scholarships the last two years. Fifteen of them even earned a full-tuition equivalent through the Obama Scholarship or others.” In fact, in 2018 ұPA students earned 1.75 million dollars in scholarships and grants and in 2019, it was 1.5 million.
Academic excellence isn’t the only thing ұPA students offer. Each year students donate thousands of hours of community service. Last year they spent 3,700 hours of community service in downtown metro Phoenix and surrounding cities working at food banks, churches, cleaning city streets and more.
Like a true educator, Principal Keith Brown could go on for hours bragging about his students and their success. Indeed, it’s hard to narrow down the rock stars that ұ Preparatory Academy produces.
Take Honrine Kirezi, for example, who came to the US with her family as refugees from Africa. She graduated with an associate degree from ұ before high school graduation and earned the Obama scholarship (which is tantamount to a full-ride) at Arizona State University. Brown adds that she never missed a single day of school in her four years at ұPA.
Margarito Hernandez-Graduated in 2018 from ұPA with an associate degree from ұ and earned the Obama scholarship to ASU as well. He wants to rid the world of hunger, and no one is betting against him!
Brenda Elias came to ұPA struggling deeply with math and English. Through sheer grit, determination and hard work, she earned more than 50 college credits before graduation and is attending ASU on a full-tuition grant.
Arleen Ortiz was ұPA’s valedictorian in 2018, earned her associate degree at ұ and is now attending ASU on the Obama scholarship. She also works part-time at the school whiles she pursues her degree to become a Psychologist in her local community. She maintains higher than a 4.0 at ASU.
It’s hard not to be impressed with the values and talent at ұPA. To learn more about ұ Preparatory Academy visit phoenixcollege.edu/pc-prep-academy
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Media contact:
Erika Keenan
ұ
MARICOPA COMMUNITY COLLEGES
Manager of Public Relations and Marketing
1202 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013
Erika.Keenan@phoenixcollege.edu
/
O: 602-285-7842
ұ is one of the 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District, one of the largest community college districts in the nation. Established in 1920, ұ offers academic courses leading to associate degrees, university transfer, certificates and short-term job training. The college will be celebrating its centennial in 2020 with events, high-profile speakers, performances and more.
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District.
The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, .