relationships • rigor • relevance

At Pinnacle High School the focus is on relationships, rigor and relevance!  We strive to offer rigorous academic experiences that are relevant to 21st century learners, while building positive relationships with our students and stakeholders.

By Chad Lanese
Principal, Pinnacle High School

Pinnacle High School takes a comprehensive approach when considering the educational experience of our students. Over the years our school has had great success academically.  For example, Pinnacle was placed 17th in the state of Arizona and ranked #1160 nationally in the recent US News and World Report’s Best High Schools. Approximately 25% of our student population is enrolled in honors and advanced placement courses, taking over 1,100 Advanced Placement exams in the spring of 2017.

While academics is an integral part of our school culture, there are a variety of other experiences available to students.   We have strong extracurricular offerings which include 15 sports programs that regularly field competitive teams.  During the winter season, both boys and girls soccer as well as basketball are experiencing successful runs in the playoffs.  Our drama students are also making an impact.  Over 20 students were invited to the International Thespian Festival this summer because of their “Superior” performances at the Northern AZ Festival of Theatre.  Additionally, PHS choir students successfully participated in the 2018 West Region Honor Choir, auditioning with over 600 students.  The end result was that 22 students placed in the festival ensemble and participated in the West Region Honor Choir on February 16th & 17th at North Canyon High School.  Whether it be our award winning Business and Marketing classes or our highly successful culinary program, there are a wide range of opportunities for students at Pinnacle.

Involvement in extracurricular activities serve as a great opportunity to enhance the education experience for students and are an important part of student life at Pinnacle High  School.    Our  student  groups make an enormous impact, organizing over 90 student run clubs.  Most recently, our Student Government raised over $1,100 dollars for the Make-A-Wish Foundation during the Pinnacle High School Hoopcoming Week. This serves as a wonderful example of the positive impact our students make on a regular basis.

Pinnacle High School is just one of the many great things that makes up the Desert Ridge Community!