SUSD Expands Math and Science Academy: Mohave Middle School to Become Premier STEM Destination for Scottsdale Families

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (March 31, 2025) – The Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) is proud to announce the expansion of the prestigious Math and Science Academy (MSA) at Saguaro High School to Mohave Middle School, creating a premier destination for families seeking a rigorous STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education. This expansion will further bolster Mohave’s role as a center for innovation and academic excellence in Scottsdale.

The new Middle School Math and Science Academy will provide specialized course offerings, curriculum pathways, and extracurricular experiences that emphasize rigorous math and science education, preparing students for a seamless transition to the renowned Scottsdale Math and Science Academy at Saguaro High School.

Mohave Middle School: A Premier Destination for Innovation and Learning
Mohave Middle School has long been the natural, next step for students from some of Scottsdale’s most innovative elementary schools:

• Navajo Elementary School feeds into Mohave, bringing a legacy of STEM-focused learning. Navajo is a STEM Cognia-certified school known for its commitment to cultivating critical thinking and innovation in its students, who are well-prepared for the advanced robotics opportunities that will be available to them at Mohave.
• Kiva Elementary School offers SUSD’s Comprehensive Gifted Program, and many of its students continue their accelerated academic journey at Mohave, taking advantage of Honors classes and the opportunity to earn high school credit while they are still in middle school.
• Pueblo Elementary School is home to SUSD's renowned Spanish Dual Language Immersion program, and its students bring rich cultural and linguistic diversity as they advance into Mohave’s STEM-driven environment.

As part of the Math and Science Academy initiative, Mohave will offer exposure to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and innovative career exploration through its “Design My Future” program, connecting students’ passions with real-world career paths.

Expanding STEM Learning Opportunities at Mohave
Mohave Middle School is committed to fostering STEM learning experiences that ignite curiosity and creativity in students. Through hands-on, project-based activities ‒ both during regular school hours and in after-school extracurricular programs ‒ students will have the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.

“Our vision is to create a space where students can explore, innovate, and thrive,” said Paul Ferrero, principal of Mohave Middle School. “We are committed to providing students with experiences that not only prepare them for academic success but also spark their interest in STEM fields, setting them on a path toward future careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.”

Key Features of the Scottsdale Math and Science Academy at Mohave

• Honors Classes and High School Credit: Students can accelerate their learning through a variety of Honors-level courses and have the unique opportunity to earn high school credits while still in middle school.
• CTE and Career Exploration: Students will gain exposure to CTE programs and participate in career exploration initiatives such as “Design My Future,” helping them understand and plan for future academic and career opportunities.
• Collaborative STEM Spaces: Mohave will create cutting-edge learning environments where students, industry professionals, and community partners can collaborate on authentic STEM challenges.

A Pathway to Success
The expansion of the Math and Science Academy at Mohave is a key part of SUSD’s commitment to increasing student achievement in math and science. With a focus on evidence-based instructional practices and differentiated learning strategies, Mohave will continue to improve academic outcomes, preparing students to succeed in their future endeavors.

“This expansion is about providing our students with the resources, curriculum, and experiences they need to excel,” said Dr. Scott Menzel, SUSD’s Superintendent. “Our goal is to establish Mohave as a premier destination school, where students are empowered to pursue their passions and achieve their full potential.”

Looking Ahead
As Mohave Middle School continues its journey toward becoming a Cognia STEM-certified school, the focus will remain on creating innovative, collaborative spaces for students to engage with real-world problems. With this expansion, Mohave is set to become a beacon of STEM education in the community, attracting students from across Scottsdale and beyond.

For more information about the Scottsdale Math and Science Academy at Mohave Middle School or to enroll your child, visit mohave.susd.org.

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#ChooseSUSD With more than 20,000 students in 30 schools, the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) has been a premier choice for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 public education for 128 years. Located northeast of metropolitan

Phoenix, the District serves the educational needs of students and families in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Tempe and Scottsdale. A highly experienced, professionally certified teaching staff fosters a diverse and rigorous educational environment that engages all students in world-class, future-focused learning. Offering gifted learning, special education, career and technical education, and a variety of athletics, arts and enrichment programs and clubs, SUSD provides the rich environment today’s students need to explore their interests, develop important social skills and grow into tomorrow’s leaders. For more information, visit www.susd.org and follow along on social media: Facebook: @ScottsdaleUSD, Instagram: @ScottsdaleUnifiedSD, LinkedIn and YouTube.