Originally published in the Peoria Times

Founded in 2018, ASU Preparatory Academy offered everything a traditional online high school experience did, with one caveat — easily accessible college credits.

Due to a close partnership with Arizona State University, the academy instituted a concurrent enrollment program which allowed for students to earn credits toward a high school diploma and receive college credits at the same time. This is available for students across the Valley.

“The students don’t pay tuition to another school. This is their school of choice, and they get a diploma through us. Those students are able to receive a waiver to take two classes per semester at the university,” said Karen Sanderson, learning success coach at ASU Preparatory Academy. “They take a combination of high school and college classes. When they take those college classes, it transfers back to the high school transcript as a credit.

“So, it’s really nice for the students who want our diploma, but also then to start building up their ASU transcripts.”

Only a few students took advantage of the concurrent enrollment at first, but the program then took off during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many students flocked to ASU Prep as a beneficial educational option during a time when online learning was at its peak.

“As the years have progressed and word has gotten out a lot of families come because they were talking to another family,” she said. “But now, last year, that’s about 25% of my kids that took at least one class and 40%. So, it’s only been, I think, four or five years, and it just keeps getting bigger and bigger.”

Along with the size of the classes increasing, the quality of the students the school was producing, Sanderson said, increased similarly. By giving an abundance of demographics a free way to earn college credits, students took advantage of the accessibility of the program.

Sanderson named one student who was able to amass 78 college credits through their time at ASU Prep, essentially making that student a senior in college.

“I mean, that’s huge,” Sanderson said. “Out of all the reasons to take the ASU classes, the No. 1 reason why families do this is financial.”

This model of getting their students into college-level education while still in high school has presented many benefits. While enrolled in the university class, the advisers at ASU Prep are “hands off,” allowing for the student to grow in their independence — something that Sanderson said the school feels is beneficial to their growth and success.

“I think it’s amazing, I really do,” Sanderson said. “At the high school, there’s a little bit more hand holding. We accept late work. We’re very flexible to meet the needs of all of our students. But then when they get to that university level, it’s serious.

“I think that definitely prepares them for life after high school. I would say 99% of these kids are going to be going to university when they graduate from high school, but they are going to be way ahead of the rest in terms of understanding time management and understanding how to reach out to professors.”

To be a part of the concurrent enrollment program, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in order to take two college-level courses per semester. The school aims to have every student graduate with at least 15 college credits completed at no cost.

ASU Prep’s goals to help students attain college credits was working in 2023, as 45% of the students took college courses and compiled 3,712 college credits in total. These numbers alone are staggering to Sanderson, who said the work is rewarding, as she gets to watch each student start their path to success through ASU Prep.

“I love it so much because I don’t ever really get to meet them until they graduate from high school,” Sanderson said. “To me, the most rewarding thing is to get the kids that started here and went there toward the end. And then taking ASU class is the cherry on the top.”

To learn more about ASU Prep and enrollment information, visit asuprep.asu.edu/enroll, call 1-844-692-3372, or email asuprepdigitaladmissions@asu.edu. Enrollment for fall 2023 is still open.

Picture a cozy nook as you immerse yourself in the pages of a captivating story. Welcome to the enchanting realm of Book Lovers Day, a celebration of literature and the transformative power of reading, recognized on August 9.

Studies have shown reading is not just a source of entertainment but also a gateway to numerous health benefits. As you embark on literary adventures, you simultaneously stimulate your mind, improve memory retention, reduce stress levels, and even enhance your social skills. It’s like a workout for your brain, leaving you feeling refreshed, inspired, and intellectually invigorated.

What better way for bibliophiles around the world to celebrate Book Lovers Day than to share in new authors, different genres, and a love for books with fellow enthusiasts? Recently, ASU Prep staff and students shared their favorite literary treasures. Let’s take a look at their recommendations.

Student Recommendations

Or Give me Death by Ann Rinaldi, historical fiction, is a Revolutionary War tale about Patrick Henry’s family as told by his daughters about their mother Sarah, who is locked in a cellar due to her mental illness.

Neanderthal Opens the Door to the Universe by Preston Norton, contemporary young adult, is the tale of two mismatched classmates on a mission to make their high school a little less awful.

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garica, gothic horror, is set in glamorous 1950s Mexico and follows a young woman investigating her cousin’s claims that her husband is trying to murder her.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson, young adult mystery, is a series about an investigation turned obsession when a student re-examines the closed case of a murdered schoolgirl.

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean, young adult fiction, tells the story of a Japanese American girl discovering her father’s true identity—the Crown Prince of Japan—and being caught between two worlds.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, fantasy fiction, is a two-book series following the Shadow and Bone trilogy that tells the story of a criminal prodigy and his crew on an impossible heist.

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han, young adult romance, is a trilogy that follows Belly’s most memorable summers, growing up and falling in love.

Some notable reliables that were also recommended by students include the fantasy series Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling and The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, as well as coming-of-age classics Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery and Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.

Staff Recommendations

The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman, nonfiction, combines commentary on product design and the principles of cognitive psychology.

Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time by Mark Adams, memoir, is an engaging and funny recounting of the author’s journey to the historic site.

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, historical fiction, recounts the lives of two half sisters, one living in a castle, and the other sold into slavery and imprisoned in that same castle.

Last Train to Memphis by Peter Guralnick, biography, tells the story of legendary musician Elvis Presely like never before.

The Human Target by Tom King & Greg Smallwood, detective story, follows the mystery of who is out to murder DC Comics villain Lex Luthor.

Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune by Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell, Jr., nonfiction, delves into the life of a reclusive heiress, tracing her family’s immense wealth from the Gilded Age opulence to a twenty-first-century legal battle over inheritance.

Many staff members recommended nonfiction instructional books including: The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier, Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip Heath and Dan Heath, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini, Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend, and Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Tawwa.

Contemporary fiction novels often seen on book club lists were also common suggestions, including This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub. His and Hers by Alice Feeney was recommended and may lead to reading more of her popular thrillers. The same is true for The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, which may turn readers into superfans of her many bestselling books.

Celebrate Book Lovers Day

Whether it’s a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or enlightening nonfiction, there’s always something new to discover in the pages of a good book. Join ASU Prep in celebrating Book Lovers Day by checking out one of these recommendations or sharing your own recommendation with our ASU Prep community on Instagram using #ASUPrepReads. Remember, every book you haven’t read is a new adventure waiting for you.

At ASU Preparatory Academy, we recognize excellence in teaching, and want to thank all teachers for their skill, knowledge, and dedication to the profession. We are thrilled to announce the nominees selected for ASU Preparatory Academy’s 2023 Teacher of the Year. Meet our exemplary educators:

 

Guadalupe Diaz
ASU Prep Phoenix, K-6

Guadalupe Diaz is currently a Dual Language teacher who was instrumental in the development of ASU Preparatory Academy Downtown Phoenix’s Dual Language Spanish Immersion Program. She has demonstrated highly effective pedagogical skills and an understanding of language pedagogy. Guadalupe places high importance on fostering positive relationships with diverse populations of students while maintaining high standards in her classroom. She meets students at their cognitive level to provide comprehensible input and ensures that students master each standard. Her passion for student success, knowledge of quality instruction, and eagerness to continue learning, are just a few qualities that make her a wonderful teacher.  

 Eira Rodriguez
ASU Prep Phoenix, 7-12

For the past five years, Eira Rodriguez has taught Geometry, Algebra II with Trigonometry and College Algebra at ASU Prep Downtown Phoenix. She is also the campus’ National Honor Society advisor. Eira is dedicated to her students and wants them to become successful leaders. Under her guidance, the After school Tutoring Club not only helps younger students with their academics, but the fourth and fifth grade students learn mentoring skills. She believes the younger students will want to do well in their classes and will want to become leaders as well. Prior to ASU Prep, she taught at Carl Hayden High School for 24 years. 

Patricia Arrellanes
ASU Prep South Phoenix, K-6 

With 18+ years of experience in early childhood education, Patricia Arrellanes teaches second grade at ASU Prep South Phoenix. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in literacy education to further enhance her teaching skills to better serve her students. One of Patricia’s core beliefs is that every child has the ability to learn and grow, and it is her responsibility to provide them with the tools and opportunities to do so. Patricia has had the opportunity to also participate on the Design Team where she has been able to create a positive and engaging classroom environment that fosters student choice and independence.

Lisa Mills
ASU Prep South Phoenix, 7-12

Prior to teaching at ASU Prep, Lisa Mills taught both middle school and high school math for 10 years. For the past two years, she has taught high school math at ASU Prep South Phoenix High School. Lisa studied chemical engineering at ASU, and in addition to her love of math, also brings a love of science to her classroom. This year she received a STEM fellowship and has thoroughly enjoyed building rockets for an upcoming launch.

Danielle Houseman
ASU Prep Polytechnic, K-6

Elementary STEM teacher Danielle Houseman impacts her students through interactive scientific and mathematical application, and introductions into engineering and computer science fields. This year, she was accepted to the ASU STEM Fellowship program which provides STEM-specific professional development opportunities that she uses to enhance her curriculum and acquire new resources for the students at our ASU Prep STEM Academy. Danielle was a classroom teacher and reading specialist in the Apache Junction Unified School District for more than 24 years. Her experiences have given her the understanding of how effective instruction contains multiple academic disciplines, which she is mindful of when developing her STEM lessons.

Hector Herrera
ASU Prep Polytechnic, 7-12 

Seventh grade math teacher Hector Herrera brings his knowledge from the Poly Design and Innovation team to the ASU Prep Polytechnic campus. Hector completed his final year of student teaching and 200+ hours of volunteering/interning throughout his time at ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. He challenges his students to think critically and stretch outside their comfort zone through various project-based learning units. With three years under his belt at ASU Prep, Hector is piloting the start of a Student Council club for middle school.

Jeff Whipple
ASU Prep Casa Grande, 7-12 

For the past seven years, Jeff Whipple has taught World History, American History, Economics, American Government, Entrepreneurship, and Senior Seminar at ASU Prep Casa Grande, along with co-sponsoring Student Government. He has Highly Qualified endorsements for History, Government, Business, and Criminal Justice. Jeff is also College Board approved to teach Advanced Placement courses in Government and Politics, U.S. History, and World History. Prior to ASU Prep, he taught middle and high school social studies in Coolidge. Jeff was also a member of the ASU Prep Casa Grande delegation that presented at the Blended and Personalized Learning Conference in Rhode Island, sponsored by the Highlander Institute. He continues to explore different tech tools to build fun, engaging, and active learning experiences.

Katherine Coleman
ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest, K-6 

Over the past 15 years, Katherine “Kat” Coleman has served the Phoenix metropolitan area as a veteran teacher, coach, mentor, and is a founding teacher at ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest. Her pedagogy is around designing and modeling strategies to advance teachers to shift their instructional style to best serve scholars under a personalized and student-centered learning environment. Kat thrives in classroom management while ensuring her students know that they are loved and belong, and have a safe environment for learning. From her elaborately decorated classrooms, willingness to try new approaches, and her bright persona, she is passionate about helping her students reach and exceed their goals through creating out-of-the-box lessons. Kat is currently completing her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. 

Laura Young
ASU Prep Digital, K-5 

With more than 15 years of teaching experience, nine of those in digital learning, Laura Young believes that all children are capable of achieving their dreams, goals, and experiencing academic success. Laura is a certified special education and general education teacher with a Bachelor’s degree in General Education and a Master’s in Special Education. She is passionate about helping children—specifically those with special needs—reach their goals and help parents successfully navigate the process and advocate for their children. Laura is dedicated to maintaining a safe, loving, and engaging learning environment for all her students, while also utilizing research-based methods to ensure their success.

Eric Roth
ASU Prep Digital, 6-8 

Eric Roth is a middle school math teacher at ASU Prep Digital. Prior to coming to ASU Prep, he taught math for more than 10 years at Coconino High School in Flagstaff, Arizona. During this time, Eric was also a special education teacher who worked with pre-kindergarten through second grade during the summer and high school during the school year. He aptly points out the strengths in each of his students, and supports them in attaining their academic and personal goals. Eric’s keen attention to detail, his communication with students and families, and his ability to make each student feel special enable him to create a welcoming classroom. 

Carli Stiller
ASU Prep Digital, 9-12 

Carli Stiller currently teaches Social Studies and Electives to high school students at ASU Prep Digital. She is a highly qualified educator with extensive credentials in various subject areas, including certifications in Math, Science, English, and Social Studies (grades 4-8); Technology Education and Technology Applications (K-12); and Social Studies (grades 8-12). Additionally, she is certified in 10 different states, allowing her to teach in multiple areas. One of her most notable career achievements has been assisting with data tracking and facilitating discussions among fellow educators to identify and support students. Throughout her 15-year career, Carli has shown an unwavering dedication to education, opening doors, and supporting students.

Congratulations to these outstanding educators! We appreciate you and are proud to see you #RepThePrep.

It was GameOn! April 1 when ASU Preparatory Academy South Phoenix held an all-out game themed event at the high school campus. 

Students and families were not SORRY! that they came out to enjoy some friendly competition at the fun Family Arcade Day.

From basket hoops to cornhole, football throws to foosball, classic arcade games and old-fashioned family board games, there was much to play and do. Mix in some music, pizza, and an ice cream social, and there was no time for boredom in this neighborhood.

Terrance Hudson with Fabkids Events said, “These events are very important because they bring the community together and also the families to see what exactly ASU Prep has to offer.”

Terrance is also on the ASU Prep South Phoenix staff, and provided free haircuts to kids at the event.

Charlie, a family member of a student said, “I think it’s really nice because they share the fun and folks can come and just check out the school and just have a good time.”

ASU Prep Teacher Wendy Cornacchio said, “I love ASU Prep and I love ASU Prep South Phoenix because it has a family feel to it. We’re a small school, and we know every student and every student’s name and I love coming and working and being part of that community.”

ASU Prep South Phoenix is a college preparatory school that serves students in PreK-12th grade. For more information on ASU Prep and the communities it serves, visit asuprep.asu.edu.

Last month, ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest hosted a STEAM-Stravaganza to celebrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math with the community. The neighborhood event was packed with free STEAM-themed entertainment and was a way to spotlight the local campus and the ASU Prep network.  

Students and families had the opportunity to do several hands-on experiments and activities, such as coding games, career exploration, and arts and crafts, as well as photo booth fun. Additionally, the evening featured live music, refreshments, and guided tours of the campus. 

Parent Cheanell Jones said the evening was “a great opportunity to come in, get involved, meet the teachers, the staff, and other students.”

ASU Prep Academy Pilgrim Rest K-6 Assistant Principal Reggie Powell shared that they were very excited to host the event as a way to “step from behind the desk, meet our students where they’re at, and to connect with our scholars and families on a personal level.”

ASU Prep Academy Pilgrim Rest is a tuition-free public charter school open to all students in grades PreK–6. For more information on ASU Prep and the communities it serves, visit asuprep.asu.edu.

ASU Preparatory Academy South Phoenix students returned from fall break to find some unexpected inspiration on campus—new artistic murals of diverse and notable figures. The murals include Maya Angelou, Dolores Huerta, Frida Kahlo, Nelson Mandela, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Principal Patrick Gibbs said they installed the beautiful art celebrating different cultures because, “we really wanted to build something positive, uplifting, and something the students can relate to.”

The 220 students at the South Phoenix high school campus come from various backgrounds as well. The murals and messages provide a way to express the beauty and uniqueness of their culture.  

Mahkaylah Hopkins, student body president, said: “I honestly think that the murals are going to do a great job with promoting diversity and letting people know it’s okay to be different, no matter who you are, your background, or where you come from.”

Watch Fox 10 News Report LINK

7-12 Principal at ASU Prep Phoenix 

 
ASU Preparatory Academy is pleased to welcome Michael Hernandez to the team. Hernandez began his career in the United States Marine Corps, where he served with focus and purpose for nine years. While his educational journey did not start until 2004, Hernandez found a similar mission, finding individual purpose in a collective cause. He is passionate about working together to ensure a safe, challenging, and innovative learning experience.

“I have been fortunate to have had so many mentors and role models along the way,” said Hernandez. As Principal, he stands ready to maintain the high standards of student safety and conduct, and will assume responsibility for the management and operation of the school.

Hernandez is currently working to complete his PhD with the University of Arizona.

In his spare time away from work and school, he enjoys spending time with his two daughters. Swimming, watching movies, being creative, laughing, and going on road trips are among their favorite pastimes.   

Principal Michael Hernandez can be reached at: mvherna7@asu.edu.

K-12 Principal at ASU Prep South Phoenix

 
ASU Preparatory Academy is pleased to welcome Dr. Taime Bengochea to the team. Bengochea, often referred to as Dr. B, has built strong relationships in public education for the last 30 years. She is passionate about supporting students in finding their own pathway to success and working to support her staff in the ever-changing climate of education.

A respected and trusted leader, she has advocated for thousands of students and staff members across the Valley. Bengochea has held a variety of positions as a teacher, director of technology, assistant principal, and principal, and she has taught graduate courses for Argosy University in finance and educational leadership.  

She is an Arizona State University alumnus and received her graduate degree in elementary education. She has a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Phoenix, and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy from Pepperdine University in California.

When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family and pets, which includes three dogs and a crested gecko named Figment.

Principal Taime Bengochea can be reached at: Taime.Bengochea@asu.edu.