Dr. Debbi C. Burdick

February, 2010   

Dear CCUSD Staff, Parents and Community,

We are excited to announce two new concepts to our all excelling schools.  Enrolling now for August 2010, CCUSD will add Desert Sun Academy, K-8, and Cactus Shadows Prep Academy, a 7-12 campus.

Desert Sun Academy will expand the current Desert Sun K-5 School, to a K-8 configuration over the next three years.  In August 2010, grade six will be added with one grade per year thereafter.  Desert Sun Academy will be the first public, non-charter K-8 school in the North Valley using the Core Knowledge® curriculum at all grade levels.  Currently a Friend of Core Knowledge® school, Desert Sun Academy will emphasize challenging academics and advanced preparation.  Students will experience honors classes, special area classes, foreign language instruction, and extra-curricular activities. Students will be required to wear uniforms.  Interested families can contact Principal Bert Honigman at 480-575-2900 for information, tours or to attend monthly parent meetings.  The first information night will be held on February 3^rd  at 6:00 pm at Desert Sun.

Cactus Shadows Prep Academy will be a small secondary school choice with grades 7-12, enrolling students in grades 7-9 in August 2010 and then growing a grade per year. Each grade cohort of fifty students will be taught in small classes with an honors curriculum.  Prep Academy students will wear uniforms and experience a small school setting at the Learning Center at 60^th Street and Dove Valley Road.  Limited transportation services and sports will be available.  For information, call Principal Steve Bebee at 480-575-2401.  An information night will be held on February 16^th in the CCUSD Governing Board Room on 60^th Street at 6:00 pm.

Both new concepts will provide a private school education at a public school cost and join our other excelling schools, providing choice, skilled and caring educators and an outstanding education.

Sincerely,  

Debbi Burdick