Catalina Foothills Unified School District

The student plaza at Catalina Foothills High School was inspired by Michelangelo's Piazza del Campidoglio.

The Catalina Foothills Unified School District #16 (often referred to as the Catalina Foothills School District, CFSD or District 16) is the PreK-12 school district for the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson, Arizona. Established in 1931, it has eight schools: one high school (9-12), two middle schools (6-8), four elementary schools (K-5) and one early learning center (PreK). The district educates over 5000 students who live throughout the greater Tucson metro area. Mary Kamerzell, Ph.D., has served as superintendent since 1996.

CFSD's strategic plan outlines its ongoing commitment to prepare students well for a 21st-century life that is increasingly complex and global. In the plan, the district details how it creates a learning environment in which each student achieves academic and personal excellence.

According to the most recent report from the Arizona Auditor General for fiscal year 2023, Catalina Foothills School District (CFSD) demonstrates notable fiscal responsibility and strong academic outcomes. The district-wide attendance rate is 95%, and the high school graduation rate stands at 94%. Additionally, 94% of Catalina Foothills High School graduates proceed to college, maintaining a high level of post-secondary readiness.

CFSD has a student-teacher ratio of 17.8 students per teacher, which is slightly below the state average, providing a conducive learning environment. The average teaching experience within the district is 11.3 years, reflecting a seasoned and experienced faculty.

In terms of fiscal efficiency, CFSD allocates 60.5 cents of every dollar towards instruction or instructional support, underscoring the district's commitment to prioritizing educational spending. This allocation is above the state average, highlighting the district's effective use of resources to enhance instructional quality and support.

History

The history of the Catalina Foothills School District (CFSD) dates back to 1931. The district started modestly, with nine students and a single teacher meeting in a garage. This small beginning marked the start of what would become a significant educational institution in Tucson, Arizona.

In 1939, John Murphey, a local developer, sold 2.2 acres of land on River Road to the district for a nominal fee of ten dollars. This transaction came with the condition that the land be used specifically for a public school. During that summer, a two-room schoolhouse was designed by Joseph T. Joesler and constructed with the assistance of the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Originally called the River Road School, this building now serves as the Murphey Administration Center.

In 1993, the district went before the U.S. Supreme Court to argue that it did not have to provide an American Sign Language interpreter to a deaf student who transferred to a private, parochial school Salpointe Catholic High School. The district argued that, while the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act would normally require such services if the student attended public school, providing it for religious instruction would be unconstitutional. In Zobrest v. Catalina Foothills School District, the court found "that the Establishment Clause does not bar the school district from providing the requested interpreter." but also did not rule that the district is required to provide an interpreter.

Over the years, CFSD has grown significantly. From its humble beginnings, the district now encompasses eight schools and serves more than 5,400 students from PreK through 12th grade. The district has established a reputation for providing high-quality education and a variety of comprehensive programs that cater to the diverse needs of its student population.

Testing and test scores

According to the Arizona Department of Education (ADE), the Catalina Foothills School District has consistently been recognized for its outstanding academic performance. CFSD has been designated as a top-performing "A" school district, a recognition it has maintained for multiple years. Prior to this, the district was ranked as an "Excelling" district for eight consecutive years.

Dr. Denise Bartlett listens to a student explain how he solved a problem in science class.

In 2023, CFSD was acknowledged for having the highest AzMERIT (now AzM2) scores in both English Language Arts and Math statewide. This achievement underscores the district's commitment to academic excellence and high student performance.

Additionally, the ADE ranked CFSD as #1 for the AP Excellence Index, which measures the percentage of all 9th-12th grade students who earned a score of 3 or higher on any AP exam, based on data from the College Board. This highlights CFSD's strong Advanced Placement program and its success in preparing students for college-level coursework.

For more detailed information, you can visit the CFSD testing information page.

Academic programs

The Catalina Foothills School District (CFSD) provides comprehensive and rigorous academic programs that are recognized nationally for preparing students well for postsecondary education. From early childhood through high school graduation, CFSD's wide array of programs and learning experiences equip every student with the necessary knowledge and skills to meet the challenges and opportunities in a global society.

A CFHS student runs an experiment in chemistry class.

Students analyze pulmonary data in Sports Medicine.

While academics are at the core of a comprehensive education, CFSD also embraces the obligation to graduate students who are self-directed and have the skill set for lifelong learning. This set of skills include the capacity to see problems in new ways, think critically, design innovative solutions, and collaborate and communicate in diverse settings. These skills enable CFSD students to engage in deeper learning; that is, to go beyond the mastery of content knowledge to applying what is learned and transferring it to new situations or contexts. CFSD is committed to fully engaging students in their learning and evaluating program results to ensure they move on from their PreK-12 education confident that they are well prepared to flourish in future studies, careers, and in life.

A student explores a virtual environment using a VR headset.

CFSD has four elementary schools: Canyon View, Manzanita, Sunrise Drive, and Ventana Vista, all of which offer a variety of educational experiences for students. Sunrise Drive offers a dual language Chinese immersion program and Spanish immersion is offered at Ventana Vista. At each school, students engage in a challenging curriculum that fosters a love of learning. Students continue their education through the middle school years with a rigorous and comprehensive program at Esperero Canyon or Orange Grove. Students are equipped with the necessary strategies and tools that prepare them for success in high school. At the high school, students are given more flexibility to customize their schedule based on their interests and passions, graduation requirements, and postsecondary endeavors. Students are offered over 150 rigorous college preparatory courses, including 23 Advanced Placement (AP) courses; an array of electives; 10 Career and Technical Education programs; robust arts programs; and an extensive roster of athletics, clubs, and activities. At all levels, students are challenged to think critically and engage deeply with the content under study. The achievements of CFSD students demonstrate a long-standing pattern of excellence.

CFSD is known for its high academic standards and diverse programs:

Canyon View students mark Veterans Day with an annual school performance and community walk through Sabino Canyon.

• Career & Technical Education Pathways: Ten pathways available.
• Language Immersion Options: Spanish and Chinese immersion at PreK and grades K-5, with Spanish available K-8 and both languages offered at grades 9-12. Eleven years of world language study is required.
• Gifted Education: Advanced programs in Reading/ELA and Math at grades K-8, Algebra and Geometry at middle school, and Honors and AP options at high school.
• Title I/Read Strong Support: For grades K-3.
• Visual & Performing Arts: Provided by specialists at grades K-12.
• Physical Education & Health: Provided by specialists at grades K-12.
• Certified School Counselors: Available at all schools.
• Robotics and Computer Science: Programs at grades K-8, with First LEGO League teams and high school robotics teams, and a computer programming pathway at high school.
• Extended Day and Summer Programs: Various options for students.
• Extracurricular Activities: Numerous offerings before and after school, including the CARE program.
• Professional Learning Programs: Including "Great Beginnings" for new educators and "Professional Pathways" for ongoing leadership and learning.

Awards and recognition

2024

US News & World Report: All CFSD K-12 schools rank among US News & World Report's Best Schools.

A student addresses the Class of 2024 at Catalina Foothills High School commencement.

Niche Rankings: The district and all schools earned an A grade.

Best Communities for Music Education Award: CFSD recognized.

National Board Certification: 12 CFSD teachers hold this rigorous qualification.

Arizona's Counselor of the Year: Esperero Canyon Middle School counselor awarded.

Seal of Biliteracy: 51 seniors earned the Arizona Seal of Biliteracy on their diplomas. The seals represented 7 different languages, including Spanish, French, German, and Mandarin.

Flinn Scholars: Two CFHS students named for the top scholarship in the state of Arizona.

National Merit Scholarship Finalists: Two CFHS seniors named.

Navy ROTC Scholarship: CFHS senior awarded.

Teacher Maura Baker receives the Tucson Values Teachers Award.

KEYS Research Internship: Three CFHS students selected.

Tucson Values Teachers' (TVT) Award: Maura Baker, MZES Gifted Specialist honored.

AMEA Regional Honor Choir: Twenty-four CFHS students selected.

AMEA Regional Honor Band and Orchestra: Sixty-eight band students selected.

Junior Olympics: Three CFHS students invited to compete.

Congressional Art Show: CFHS art student placed first.

Southern Arizona Festival of Theatre: CFHS Advanced Theatre students received multiple awards.

Arizona All-State Choir: Five CFHS students participated.

NCAA National Signing Day 2024: Thirteen CFHS student athletes signed letters of intent.

CFHS Yearbook: Selected for national feature.

These outstanding Catalina Foothills High School students were awarded National Recognition from the College Board in 2023. These students earned this academic honor because of their outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT® and/or AP® Exams and a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Monte Awards: CFHS senior won Best Actor.

Arizona Regional Science & Engineering Fair (SARSEF): Multiple CFSD students placed well.

Outstanding Emerging High School Artist Award: CFHS art student chosen as one of five winners.

Aline Goodman Young Artist Award: OGMS student won 1st place.

FCCLA Competition: CFHS senior in Early Childhood Education program won Gold Medal.

In 2023-2024, Sunrise Drive Elementary School was named a Blue Ribbon School by the US Department of Education.

To win the Tucson robotics tournament, the Escape Artists used a Vernier force and acceleration sensor and Makey-Makey to program an interactive Scratch game called "Escape from Boredom" as a way to share their common interest in gaming and their individual hobbies: cooking, hockey, and music.

Chinese Language Speech Contest: Eleven Sunrise Drive students placed.

Hispanic Heritage Foundation Youth Awards: Three CFHS seniors chosen.

State Robotics Championship: CFHS team Pioneer 327 won the MOTIVATE Award.

Shakespeare Competition: Two CFHS Intermediate Theatre Arts students selected as finalists.

Western Spirit Museum Exhibit: Three CFHS art students selected.

DECA State Competition: Ten CFHS students competed; five advancing to International Center Development Conference.

ABODA Area Concert Festival: CFHS orchestras performed well; ECMS band also performed well.

Falcon Yearbook Award: 2023 CFHS Falcon Yearbook received 1st Place from Arizona Scholastic Association.

Teacher of the Year Finalists: CFSD Foundation announced five finalists for 2024.

Science Olympiad Invitational Tournament: CFHS placed first.

FIRST LEGO League State Championship: CFSD teams had a strong showing.

STARTALK Chinese Language Program: Five students admitted.

Science Olympiad: Orange Grove's "The Atoms" team scored first place overall.

FTC AZ Diamondback Tucson Qualifier: CFHS Pioneer Robotics earned two awards.

2023

Arizona Department of Education: All CFSD K-12 schools graded "A."

National Blue Ribbon Award: Sunrise Drive named among the best schools in the United States.

US News & World Report: All CFSD K-12 schools rank among US News & World Report's Best Schools.

Niche Rankings: The district and all schools earned an A grade.

National Merit Recognition: 3 Semifinalists and 7 Commended Students named.

College Board Recognition: 14 CFHS seniors are National Recognition Program Scholars.

The largest marching band in the state of Arizona, The Falcon Marching Band, performs at the Tucson VA Hospital.

Regional Fall Choral Festival: CFHS choirs earned Superior with Distinction.

ABODA Fall Orchestra Festival: Sinfonia earned Excellent with Recognition; Symphonic Strings earned Superior with Distinction.

Bands of America Festival: CFHS Falcon Marching Band placed 8th overall, 2nd among Arizona bands.

Arizona State Thespian Festival: CFHS Advanced Theatre students won 2nd place in tech challenge.

FIRST Lego League "Masterpiece" Season: Eight CFSD robotics teams competed; some advancing to state tournament.

U of A 2023 Young Women of Impact: CFSD student recognized.

Apple Developer Lab: CFHS senior admitted.

Melikian Center Award: CFHS sophomore received the award.

Monte Awards: 3 CFHS semi-finalists named.

Tucson Mini-Master LEGO Building Competition: "Brick Bros" team won first place.

All-State Choir Festival: CFHS student selected as the sole performer in the Tier III honors recital.

Computer Programming National Competition: Two CFHS students qualified.

ABODA Area Festival: CFHS Sinfonia Orchestra earned Superior with Distinction.

Arizona Percussive Arts Society Festival: CFHS senior performed.

Pima County Library Art Invitational: CFHS photography student won Special Recognition.

SARSEF: Multiple CFSD students and projects won awards.

Aline Goodman Young Artist Award: Sunrise Drive 5th grader among winners.

Arizona Music Educators High School Regional Festival: CFHS singers held 1st chair positions.

Mt. View Winterguard Invitational: CFHS Colorguard took 1st place.

ABODA Concert Band Festival: Three CFHS concert bands received Superior with Distinction.

FIRST Tech Challenge State Championship: Pioneer 327 won three judged awards.

O.M. Hartsell Award: CFHS Assistant Director of Bands recognized.

Governor's Art Contest: Two CFSD students named runners-up.

State championships

2023-2024 High School AIA Achievements

• Boys Basketball: The team had a strong season with an overall record of 16-10 and a section record of 5-1, finishing first in the 5A Southern section and qualifying for the state playoffs​.
• Girls Basketball: The girls' team also performed well, securing a spot in the state playoffs​.
• Boys and Girls Tennis: Both the boys' and girls' tennis teams had successful seasons, with the boys' team winning the state championship and the girls' team also qualifying for the state tournament​.
• Baseball: The baseball team had a commendable season, qualifying for state play and achieving several significant victories during the season​ ​.
• Boys Wrestling: The wrestling team had a notable presence in state competitions, showcasing strong individual and team performances throughout the season​​.
• Track and Field: Participated in the AIA Track and Field State Championships.
• Pomline: The CFHS Pomline competed at the state level, demonstrating high skill levels and choreography. They won Pink State and participated in national competition.
• Cheer: CFHS Varsity and JV Cheer teams won first place in state competition.
• Swim & Dive: Foothills Girls Swim and Dive placed second overall in the state.
• Boys Golf: The team's consistent performance throughout the season, coupled with individual achievements, underscored their competitive edge in the state, leading to successful qualification for the state championship.
• Boys Soccer: The boys' soccer team had a strong season with an overall record of 9-1-2 and a conference record of 5-1-2. They were particularly successful in their region, ending with a record of 4-1-1.
• Girls Soccer: The girls' soccer team performed well, achieving an overall record of 10-2 and a conference record of 7-1. They dominated their region with a perfect record of 6-0​.

2022-2023 High School AIA Achievements

• Boys Basketball: The team had a successful season, finishing first in their region and qualifying for state play.

• Girls Basketball: The girls' team also had an impressive season, ranking 12th in their conference and advancing to the state tournament​​.

• Boys and Girls Tennis: Both tennis teams had outstanding performances, with the boys' team winning the state championship. The girls' team also qualified for the state tournament and had a strong showing​
• Baseball: The CFHS baseball team qualified for the state competition, continuing their tradition of strong performances in high school baseball​​.

Girls basketball players celebrate Senior Night.

Past state championships

Since 1996, Catalina Foothills High School (CFHS) has achieved numerous state championships across various sports and activities, highlighting the school's athletic and academic prowess. Here are some of the key championships:

Tennis

• Boys Tennis: The boys' tennis team has been exceptionally successful, winning 17 state championships from 1997 to 2023. They have secured titles in 1997, 2005-2011, 2014-2019, and 2021-2023​.
• Girls Tennis: The girls' team has also excelled, winning 18 state championships since the 1999-2000 school year​​.

Science Olympiad

• Science Olympiad Team: The "Blue" Science Olympiad team has won state championships eleven times, including 2006, consecutively from 2008 to 2014, in 2016, and from 2021 to 2022​.

Chess

• Chess Team: The chess team has won multiple national and state championships, securing the High School National Championship in 2005, 2007, 2008, and 2014, and the AIA State High School Championship from 2005-2009, and 2011-2014​ (Wikipedia)​.

Swimming and Diving

• Swimming and Diving: The swimming and diving teams have also achieved notable success, with multiple state titles, including Division II titles in 2014, 2013, and 2010

Boys Soccer

• Runner-up finishes: 1996 and 1997 in 4A state competition​ (PCSHF)​.

Boys Golf

• Runner-up finishes: CFHS boys' golf team had three state runner-up finishes during Julie Walters' tenure as coach.

Student academic awards

National Merit Scholars, AP Scholars, Pima County Spelling Bee Champion, FIRST LEGO League (also won Mentor and Research Awards at Worlds and second place at North American Open), Speech and Debate, Science Olympiad, CIAU Chinese Immersion student trophies, Young Author's Competition, Southern AZ Thespian Festival, Model UN, Southern Arizona Research Science & Engineering Foundation (SARSEF), State History Day, Future Farmers of America (FFA), FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics and VEX Robotics.

Schools

Early Learning Center

During the 2015-16 expansion of Valley View, students participated in several "construction day activities" led by professional contractors.

Valley View Early Learning Center

All Valley View Early Learning Center teachers are certified teachers, which is unique for a preschool. The school fosters an inquiry-based approach to learning, with developmental areas include dramatic play, sensory activities, art, literacy, science, math, socio-emotional activities, and systems thinking. VVELC offers a PreK Spanish and Mandarin immersion program. Beginning in 2016–2017, VVELC will add one Chinese Immersion classroom. There is a summer program for children ages 2 1⁄2 - 5.

Elementary schools

At Manzanita Elementary School, fifth grade students designed a playground for kindergarteners.

All CFSD elementary schools offer music, visual arts, Spanish (K-5), and physical education taught by highly qualified, certified teachers. Every classroom is a technology-enhanced classroom, with access to laptops (2:1 ratio), iPads, iPods, digital cameras, student response systems, Gmail, and Google academic accounts. Each school has specialists in gifted education, counseling and special education. Extended math and reading services are available for all grades. From grades 2–5, all students participate in robotics classes as part of their educational program. There is a before and after school CARE program at each campus, along with dozens of extracurricular offerings through CFSD Community Schools.

• Canyon View Elementary
• Manzanita Elementary

• Sunrise Drive Elementary (The CFSD Chinese Immersion program is located at this campus.)

With a team from the University of Arizona, students learned how to program an autonomous car.

• Ventana Vista Elementary (The CFSD Spanish Immersion program is located at this campus.)

Middle schools

Esperero Canyon Middle School has a vibrant visual and performing arts program.

The CFSD middle school curriculum includes English Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science, Health & PE, World Languages learning (Spanish), performing arts, and visual arts. Each school has specialists in gifted education, counseling and special education. Every classroom is a technology-enhanced classroom, with access to laptops (2:1 ratio), iPads, iPods, digital cameras, student response systems, Gmail, and Google academic accounts. Math classes are offered at grade level and above grade level to serve differentiated student needs.

• Esperero Canyon Middle School
• Orange Grove Middle School

High school

Every year Catalina Foothills High School students hold a 9/11 remembrance ceremony.

At Catalina Foothills High School (also known as Foothills), students are encouraged to take the highest-level courses that are appropriate for them. The high school offers 18 AP courses and an extensive array of honors classes. Career and Technical Education is composed of eight program areas: Agri-science, Audio Visual Technology, Bioscience, Engineering, Entrepreneurship Business and Marketing, Graphic Communications, Journalism and Technical Theatre-Theater Productions. Language offerings include Spanish and Chinese. Through a four-year program in engineering, Project Lead the Way, students can earn college credit at the University of Arizona. With about 250 members, the school boasts the largest high school marching band in Arizona.

Notable alumni

• Matt Brase '01, head coach of NBA G-League team, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers
• Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of Today on NBC. She attended Manzanita Elementary School and Orange Grove Middle School.
• Chris McCaleb '96, Emmy-nominated editor whose credits include AMC television shows Fear, The Walking Dead, Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad, and Halt and Catch Fire
• Joe Pagac '99, locally recognized muralist, winner of Tucson Weekly’s "Best Mural" award multiple years in a row
• Andrew Sherwood '99, Representative Arizona House of Representatives for District 26.
• Tom Udall United States Senator (New Mexico)
• Max Weisel '10, founder of RelativeWave, software engineer and digital artist
• Parker Young '06, an actor best known for his role as Ryan Shay on the ABC comedy Suburgatory

Five CFHS graduating seniors committed to serving their country at the 2024 Military Signing Ceremony.

District boundaries

The boundaries of CFSD are: East side of First Avenue from Ina Road south to 5600 block (westward extension of Sunrise Drive); 5600 block east to a northern extension of Campbell Avenue from the intersection of Campbell Avenue and River Road; south to River Road; River Road (1900 block) east to the east edge of John W. Murphey Administration Center (2101 East River); north to 4800 block (westward extension of Snyder Road); east to 8700 block (northern extension of Camino Seco); north to Coronado National Forest; west along the south boundary of the forest; north along the west boundary of the forest to Ina Road extended east.

External links

• Official website