By Delarita Ford
Twitter: @AzNewsmedia

Saguaro High School was recently listed amongst Newsweek’s Top 5,000 STEM High Schools for its exemplary science, technology, engineering and mathematics program.

Ranked at No. 4756, with a 24.34 score, the Scottsdale school joins other nationally-ranked top STEM high schools, which Newsweek recognized on Nov. 8, National STEM Day.

Saguaro High School Principal, Ann Achtziger says the school’s Math and Science Academy has grown from three students in 2008 to over 230 students --- and continues to grow.

“There is no competition for spots in our program. All interested and qualified students are accepted and supported to achieve their own maximum levels of success in the SMSA family. In this way, we feel we best support the needs and aspirations of all our students --- as we expect them, in turn, to support each other and the broader school community,” Ms. Achtziger said.

Newsweek historically reports scientific breakthroughs, technological advances and societal challenges, according to a published report.

The magazine partnered with STEM.org to rank America’s best STEM high schools in every region of the country with “skilled teachers who keep up with developments in the fields,” creating engaging learning environments for students.

There is a growing need, the report claims, for children to be fluent in STEM skills since fields in those areas will be expected of many people in the American workforce.

Following the announcement, Ms. Achtziger answered these questions about the recent accolade:

• How does it feel to be nationally ranked among America’s best STEM high schools?
Saguaro is happy to receive national recognition, we are proud of our students and staff and their efforts to excel in the STEM arena. Saguaro continues its focus on the needs of our students in the broader context of a changing technological world. We believe that it is important that our students can navigate and compete in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, technology, and mathematics.

• What makes Saguaro stand out among the rest?
Saguaro is home to the Scottsdale Unified School Districts Math and Science Academy. The Scottsdale Math and Science Academy is a relatively young program that started with just three students in 2008. Over the past 11 years, our program has grown to over 230 students and continues to grow each year.

• Will anything be done to celebrate the recognition?
Our Math and Science Academy parent booster club is planning a celebration for the whole school.

• How does the school’s programs compare to local schools offering STEM programs?
Our program is designed as a “school within a school,” modeled after successful International baccalaureate programs throughout the Valley --- with one exception: our program is intentionally designed as an all-inclusive environment in which all students with the will to succeed and functional performance levels are welcomed into the SMSA.

One of the most compelling and attractive aspects to the SMSA program is the flexibility we provide our students to reach beyond their academics and begin to explore and learn about other areas of interest and still maintain maximum academic growth.

We provide our students with an extensive set of enrichment options in the visual arts, performing arts, business, entrepreneurship, sports, robotics, and healthcare/CTE fields, recognizing that our students’ successes are very much founded on their breadth as people in all aspects of their lives, and not solely their academic performance.

• Are you aware of any former students of the school who have gone into STEM careers?
We do have a way to track students past their post-secondary experiences. That being said, we do keep track of the academy graduates’ college selections. Over the past 10 years, 110 students have completed the rigorous academy STEM distinction program. Last year the 20 academy distinction graduates were offered over $2.7 million in scholarship money.