Staff Reports | Community Updates
The Scottsdale Unified School District is expanding the Math and Science Academy at Saguaro High School to Mohave Middle School, which school officials say will create a premier destination for families seeking a rigorous Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education.
The new Middle School Math and Science Academy will provide specialized course offerings, curriculum pathways, and extracurricular experiences that emphasize rigorous math and science education, preparing students for a seamless transition to the renowned Scottsdale Math and Science Academy at Saguaro High School, SUSD officials tell the Digital Free Press.
Mohave Middle School has long been the natural, next step for students from some of Scottsdale’s most innovative elementary schools:
•Navajo Elementary School feeds into Mohave, bringing a legacy of STEM-focused learning. Navajo is a STEM Cognia-certified school known for its commitment to cultivating critical thinking and innovation in its students, who are well-prepared for the advanced robotics opportunities that will be available to them at Mohave.
•Kiva Elementary School offers SUSD’s Comprehensive Gifted Program, and many of its students continue their accelerated academic journey at Mohave, taking advantage of Honors classes and the opportunity to earn high school credit while they are still in middle school.
•Pueblo Elementary School is home to SUSD’s renowned Spanish Dual Language Immersion program, and its students bring rich cultural and linguistic diversity as they advance into Mohave’s STEM-driven environment.
Expanding STEM Learning Opportunities at Mohave Middle
As part of the Math and Science Academy initiative, Mohave will offer exposure to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and innovative career exploration through its “Design My Future” program, connecting students’ passions with real-world career paths.
Mohave Middle School is committed to fostering STEM learning experiences that ignite curiosity and creativity in students. Through hands-on, project-based activities ‒ both during regular school hours and in after-school extracurricular programs ‒ students will have the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.
“Our vision is to create a space where students can explore, innovate, and thrive,” said Paul Ferrero, principal of Mohave Middle School. “We are committed to providing students with experiences that not only prepare them for academic success but also spark their interest in STEM fields, setting them on a path toward future careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.”
Key Features of the Scottsdale Math and Science Academy at Mohave:
•Honors Classes and High School Credit: Students can accelerate their learning through a variety of Honors-level courses and have the unique opportunity to earn high school credits while still in middle school.
•CTE and Career Exploration: Students will gain exposure to CTE programs and participate in career exploration initiatives such as “Design My Future,” helping them understand and plan for future academic and career opportunities.
•Collaborative STEM Spaces: Mohave will create cutting-edge learning environments where students, industry professionals, and community partners can collaborate on authentic STEM challenges.
The expansion of the Math and Science Academy at Mohave is a key part of SUSD’s commitment to increasing student achievement in math and science.
“This expansion is about providing our students with the resources, curriculum, and experiences they need to excel,” said Dr. Scott Menzel, SUSD’s superintendent. “Our goal is to establish Mohave as a premier destination school, where students are empowered to pursue their passions and achieve their full potential.”
