CFSD IN THE NEWS
OGMS Students Win Statewide
Economics Competition
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.
CHOOSE CFSD
Leaders in the Making:
The CTE Experience at CFHS
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.
ALUMNI NEWS
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!
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS
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Catalina Foothills School District (CFSD) proudly stands as Arizona’s only K-12 district to have every school earn an “A” rating from the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) for the 2023-2024 school year.
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CFSD students shined at the 2025 Southern Arizona Research, Science, and Engineering Fair with sixty-three (63) projects receiving awards.
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Catalina Foothills High School students William Jacobsen and Inara Smith have been selected for the prestigious 2025 KEYS Research Internship at the University of Arizona’s BIO5 Institute.
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At the Arizona Proficiency and Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) STAR Events competitions, five talented CFHS students demonstrated creativity, leadership, and a deep understanding of early childhood education through their impressive performances.
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Esperero Canyon Middle School Band, under the direction of Mr. Cory Walavich, received a Superior rating at the Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association (ABODA) Band Festival.
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The Catalina Foothills High School Choir earned a Gold rating and placed 2nd in the Concert Choir category in the 3A division at the Nashville Heritage Festival.
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CFHS Choir Senior Finch Silverman was awarded first chair in the Tenor section for the 2025 Arizona All-State Choir.
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We are proud to share that CFHS students Jaylin Peterson and Sofie Collins have been selected to participate in the prestigious STARTALK Chinese language program at the University of Arizona in 2025.
View more outstanding achievements here
OPEN ENROLLMENT
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.
Learn More About CFSD Open Enrollment
Special Distinctions
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