Catalina Foothills School District

The Catalina Foothills School District (CFSD), formally known as Catalina Foothills Unified School District #16, has served the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson, Arizona, since 1931. It began humbly with just one teacher and nine students—three of whom were the children of local developer John Murphey—gathering for class in the Murphey family’s garage.

As enrollment grew, Murphey sold 2.2 acres of land on River Road to the district for $10, with the stipulation that it be used for public education. That same year, in 1939, the district constructed its first permanent building: a two-room country schoolhouse designed by noted Tucson architect Joseph T. Joesler and built with support from the Works Progress Administration. Originally known as the River Road School, the building still stands today and now houses the Murphey Administration Center.

CFSD expanded thoughtfully over the decades in response to community growth and student needs. In 1992, Catalina Foothills High School opened its doors and quickly earned a statewide reputation for academic excellence. Today, more than 90% of CFHS graduates pursue higher education, and the school has consistently been ranked among the top non-selective high schools in Arizona by U.S. News & World Report, The Washington Post, and Newsweek.

CFSD now includes eight schools: four elementary schools (K–5), two middle schools (6–8), one high school (9–12), and one early learning center (PreK). The district serves more than 5,000 students from 35 Tucson-area ZIP codes.

Throughout its history, CFSD’s success has been built on a foundation of strong community support. Residents have passed every bond and override measure in the district’s history, ensuring modern facilities, innovative programs, and sustained investment in student success. Under the leadership of Superintendent Mary Kamerzell, Ph.D., who served from 1996 to 2024, the district experienced significant growth in programs, strategic planning, and educational innovation.

In 2014, CFSD launched a new strategic plan focused on preparing students for an increasingly complex and global future. The plan reaffirmed the district’s commitment to academic excellence, personalized learning, and a whole-child approach.

CFSD schools consistently receive top academic ratings. Every CFSD school holds an “A” designation from the Arizona Department of Education—making CFSD the only district in Arizona with a perfect record across all K–12 schools. The district has also been named Arizona’s #1 public school district by Niche.com and is a nationally recognized P21 Exemplar District for 21st-century learning.

Students across the district regularly earn top honors in academics, arts, and athletics. CFSD students have excelled in National Merit Scholarships, Math League, Science Olympiad, Robotics, Speech and Debate, visual and performing arts, and numerous state and national championships. Schools in the district have been honored as National Blue Ribbon Schools, and the district’s early learning center, Valley View, has received state recognition for innovation in early childhood education.

Today, CFSD continues its mission of providing a world-class public PreK–12 education. From Spanish and Chinese partial immersion to STEM, music, orchestra, guitar, choir, band, visual arts, physical education, and Career and Technical Education, students have access to a rich and rigorous curriculum supported by exceptional educators and a caring, engaged community.

With a legacy built on innovation, integrity, and investment in students, CFSD remains a proud leader in Arizona public education—committed to preparing students not only for success in school, but for life.