CATALINA FOOTHILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT

  View a list of photos in the slideshow below.

Orange Grove Middle School students showcased their exceptional understanding of economics by winning the Arizona Council on Economic Education's (ACEE) statewide competition. Their achievement highlights the district's commitment to fostering critical thinking and applying economic principles in real-world settings among middle school students. The team was coached by OGMS teacher Dawn Willman and volunteer coach—and former teacher/program founder—Collin Flynn, whose guidance and support played a key role in the students' success. Check out the full story here.

At Catalina Foothills High School, Career and Technical Education student organizations (CTSOs) empower students to lead, serve, and succeed. From planning campus events to building real-world skills and forging strong networks, these Falcons are preparing for bright futures—and making a difference right now. Through hands-on projects, competitions, and community involvement, students extend their learning beyond the classroom and turn passion into purpose.

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OGMS Campus Tour for Prospective Families
Final Tour
Wednesday May 14 from 2:45 - 3:45 PM
To register for the tour, please email Ms. Degginger
bdegginger@cfsd16.org
Or call 520-209-8202

Alumni Spotlight: Max Rubin-Toles '21

Max Rubin-Toles, a 2021 graduate of Catalina Foothills High School, is heading to Harvard this fall to begin a PhD in Computer Science. His research will focus on artificial intelligence alignment—making sure that powerful AI systems act in ways that are safe, responsible, and aligned with human values.

Max discovered his passion for this work in college after attending an AI conference, where he saw both the potential of AI to do good and the risks it could pose if not carefully guided. But his journey started at CFHS, where classes in math and science with teachers like Mr. Collins, Mr. Duong, and Ms. Moreno sparked his love of learning and helped build the foundation for his success.

We’re incredibly proud of Max and excited to see what he’ll accomplish next—whether in research, industry, or helping shape the future of AI safety around the world. Congratulations, Max!

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• We are proud to share the outstanding results from the Math League State Competition held on May 2, 2025, in Queen Creek, AZ.  Students from Manzanita Elementary and Sunrise Drive Elementary represented CFSD with excellence in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade divisions and many are now heading to Nationals in June!

• Four of our CFHS art students were picked to showcase and exhibit their work alongside artist Hank Willis Thomas in his  ‘Love Rules’ exhibition at the University of Arizona Museum of Art. 

• Three seniors made the first ever Arizona All-State Guitar this year, and one senior  won 1st place in a guitar competition!  Maximilian Henry, Liam Posey, and Daniel Lizarraga all made the all-state guitar, and Daniel Lizarraga won the guitar competition.

• Congratulations to our students from Ventana Vista Elementary School and Sunrise Drive Elementary School for their outstanding performances at the 2025 Arizona State Chess Competition!

• CFHS sophomore and Tucson Jazz Institute Ellington Big Band member Keenan Sammani performed on International Jazz Day (April 30) at the Hotel Congress Plaza.

• We are proud to announce that Tahlia Chang Nian Szoke and Joseph I. Drexler have been selected to receive the prestigious National Merit – The University of Arizona Scholarship.

• We’re proud to recognize several students for their exceptional performances in a recent Mandarin language competition.  Representing both heritage and non-heritage divisions across multiple levels, these students demonstrated impressive language skills and cultural understanding.

• We are proud to share the outstanding results from the Math League State Competition held on May 2, 2025, in Queen Creek, AZ.  Students from Manzanita Elementary and Sunrise Drive Elementary represented CFSD with excellence in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade divisions and many are now heading to Nationals in June!

• The CFHS Boys Tennis team has earned the title of Division II State Champions for the 2024-2025 season.
   
  View more outstanding achievements here

Open enrollment is a state law that allows students to attend schools outside of their resident school if the receiving school has the capacity to accept them. CFSD residents who wish to attend a school other than their home area school must apply under the open enrollment program as well as non-resident families.

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Learning Beyond the Classroom