Pinnacle High School: What Phoenix Parents Need to Know

Whether you're just moving to the Paradise Valley Unified School District or you've lived in Phoenix your entire life and have a son or daughter ready to begin high school, finding the best school for your child is essential. The education of your child depends greatly on the classes and activities their school offers, as well as the effort the teachers make to encourage your child to embrace learning. If you're looking for a home in the right school district, this isn't a decision to be taken lightly. Movoto Real Estate can help you find the perfect place to live in Phoenix so your child attends a school with a learning environment focused on helping them excel.

School Overview

Pinnacle High School is based in the Paradise Valley unified school district but also boasts open enrollment for students with homes outside the district wanting to attend the school. The curriculum covers a wide range of needs for various students. This includes honors and advanced placement (AP) classes that give students the chance to earn college credits each year, as well as a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program where students can earn college credits and even certifications while learning valuable life and work skills. Pinnacle High School also features a high-functioning autism program designed to meet the communication, sensory, and socialization needs of students in the autism spectrum. In recent Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) testing, Pinnacle High School students scored 70 percent or better proficiency in all areas, with reading comprehension topping out at 95 percent in 2013. Pinnacle High School incorporates visual arts, music, languages, and extracurricular activities to provide your child with a well-rounded education. Music theory, orchestra, jazz band, and choir are just a few of the music classes offered. Your child can also take drama, ceramics, graphics, photography, and Spanish classes. Boys and girls sports include, but are not limited to, softball, swimming, basketball, cross country, golf, and tennis.

What Parents Are Saying

"Both my children graduated from Pinnacle High School. Their experience was great. The teachers were invested in the children and would spend any extra time requested from them to make sure they understood all material covered. Both my children graduated with over a 4.0 (weighted scale for AP classes), and received scholarship money for college." "I am pleased with the curriculum but this is where I end being satisfied. I feel the school is seriously over-crowded with the result of having a very high student teacher ratio in every class she has. (about 35:1)" "The extra-curricular activities are great - the coaches realize that academics come first. Have had experience with many different groups including: football, swim & dive, girls soccer, band, chorus, track & field. The teachers work hard in helping the student succeed." "...The new principal is not making any difference. Still high teacher turn over and no one there cares about the middle of the road students who need teachers to teach and administrators who care when you reach out for assistance."