For more information on the Camelback Montessori College Preparatory program,

please contact Myra Ronan, Montessori Counselor, at (602) 764-7032.

Parents that are interested in the shadowing program, please contact (602)764-7032.

Camelback High School

4612 N 28th Street

Phoenix, Az 85016

Phone: (602)764-7432 Fax (602)764-7497

Letter from the Principal

Prospective Students,

Thank you for your interest in continuing to help establish one of the most innovative schools in the country, Camelback Montessori College Preparatory (CMCP).

We are looking for a diverse group of students who embodies many, if not all, of the following characteristics:

  • maintain a strong and consistent work ethic
  • are able to think critically and problem solve
  • are able to be innovative, flexible, and forward-thinking
  • embody a passion for change, for better, and for leadership
  • are self-motivated, self-directed, and self-disciplined
  • are open-minded to taking on new challenges
  • have a strong desire for a post-secondary education that will position you to succeed in your future endeavors

If many or all of the above characteristics describe you, then Camelback Montessori College

Preparatory may be for you.

Below you will find more information about CMCP and the application process, including the components, the rounds, and the timelines. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at 602-764-7000. Simply let the receptionist know that you are calling regarding CMCP and your call will be transferred to someone who can assist you. Good luck!

Sincerely,

Dr. Chad Gestson

Principal

Overview of Curriculum

Camelback Montessori College Preparatory (CMCP) is based on the traditions of Montessori education. CMCP offers a curriculum that has been designed to prepare students for success in college, career, and life. Emphasis is given to our mission of A Unified Community Dedicated to Building Graduates Worthy of the Spartan SHIELD. The SHIELD encompasses the following elements: Stewardship; Honor; Intelligence; Ethics; Leadership; and Discipline. CMCP will followthis mission in addition to teamwork, formal academic disciplines, and community-based learning. We are a small school-within-a-school on the third floor of our North Academic Building (known as the NAB or 4000). CMCP students will experience a highly technical 21st Century learning experience through one-to-one iPads, provided by the district. Each class will consist of 20-25 students per grade. Within four years, we will be at capacity housing 80-100 CMCP students.

The Camelback Montessori College Preparatory at Camelback High School will provide students with a strong academic core that go beyond the traditional graduation requirements. All core courses can be taken for Honors credit, and students will have opportunities to take AP courses as electives/through a research-based online self-paced course. CMCP curriculum is strengthened by additional consideration for interaction between the different academic disciplines. With elective classes being held on our Camelback High School campus, students are allowed to work collaboratively with other students outside the Montessori setting for increased social development and diverse experiences. Students will also have the opportunity to experience mainstream classes through electives, community service, clubs and sports outside of the Montessori setting.

CMCP is able to provide a curriculum this ambitious due to hiring highly trained teachers for our CMCP faculty, as well as our low student to teacher ratio with 20-25 students per cohort. The combination of conscientiously designed curriculum over the next four years led to the innovation for CMCP to be the first Montessori High School in the West Coast. The highly qualified and interactive faculty makes Camelback Montessori College Preparatory a superior choice for any committed, self-directed, ambitious, and motivated high school student.

Application Process

Camelback Montessori College Preparatoryapplication process has been designed to ensure that students and parents of students interested in enrolling understand our program, and are committed to academics. Completed applications will be reviewed and considered for admission to CMCP. Admission is not on a first-come-first-serve basis. When there are more qualified applicants than spaces available, a waiting list will be maintained for qualified applicants in the event that openings in enrollment occur.

Application Process Instructions

BetweenShadow at CMCP

Nov 30th -Feb 1stIf you have not already shadowed, please e-mail Danchi Nguyen at to set-up a one-day shadow experience. Friday dates are preferable but accommodations can be made.

Feb 1st Applications are due

All materials should be delivered in person to Camelback High School by applicant or applicant parent/guardian no later than 3:00pm Friday, February 1st, 2013. Applications can be turned into Applications and their components must be complete for submission as a packet (see attached checklist, which must include 2-3 letters of recommendation). INCOMPLETE APPLICATION PACKETS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED or REVIEWED.

Feb 11thFinalists notified

Feb 27th Finalists attend an admissions mixer

Each finalistmust attend the admissions mixer in the College Commons. At this time, finalist will be given an opportunity to get to know one another and participate in interviews with the CMCP selection committee.

March 4thNotification of acceptance

Accepted applicants must pick up a registration packet from Camelback High School. Please see Ms. Tamra Wnuck, Registration Clerk, for your registration packet.

March 25thRegistration packets due

Complete and submit the registration packet to Ms. Tamra Wnuck, Registration Clerk at Camelback High School byMarch 25, 2013. Enrollment packets received after March 25, 2012 may result in the applicant being placed on a waiting list or otherwise being denied admission. After this date, we will move to contact finalists on the waiting list and offer admissions.

May (TBD)Montessori Mixer with Current and Future Students

CMCP students and parents will have the opportunity to meet the 2012-2013 Freshman class. Future parents will also be able to interact with parents from this year’s current class.

August 1st Montessori Student Orientation/Lock-in

CMCP students will complete a day of Freshmen Academy with Camelback

High School incoming freshmen. In addition, CMCP students will spend an extended evening (until 10 pm) to provide overview and team build with the prior year’s freshman class.

August5th Classes begin

To Be Completed by Parent/Guardian

To the Parent/Guardian: This parent/guardian form is an important portion of your student’s application for Camelback Montessori College Preparatory. Please print legibly in BLACK OR BLUE INKor type.

Applicant Information for 2013-2014 School Year

Last Name ______First Name ______Middle ______

 Female Male Birthdate ______

Student’s Primary Address ______

City ______State ______Zip ______Home Telephone ______

(Optional) Languages Spoken at Home ______

(Optional) Racial/Ethnic Identification ______

*Special Needs:  Yes  No

(NOTE: Please attach an Individual Education Plan if student has received special education services. If student has received 504 or ELL services please disclose information about services received. Failure of disclosure may result in a school placement reevaluation. Previous special education, 504 or ELL services do not preclude a student from being accepted to Camelback Montessori College Preparatory).

Applicant’s School Information

Name of Present School ______Current Grade ______

Present School Address ______City______State ______Zip Code ______

Present School Telephone______

Previous Montessori Experience

School Name:City, StateDates Grade Levels

______

______

______

Family Information

(*Required Information)Parent/Guardian I (*Required Information) Parent/Guardian II

*Name / *Name
*Relationship to Applicant / *Relationship to Applicant
*Home Address / *Home Address
*City, State, Zip Code / *City, State, Zip Code
*Home Phone / *Home Phone
Cell Phone / Cell Phone
E-Mail Address / E-Mail Address

Parent/Guardian Application Agreement

Please provide a written response to the following statements (attach additional pages as necessary):

  1. Why do you specifically want your child to be in a highly-rigorous Montessori program geared toward college readiness?

______

______

______

______

  1. What is something you really want teachers to know and understand about your child? This might include health, learning differences/preferences, interests, leadership abilities, or family circumstances.

______

______

______

  1. When your child is faced with personal and/or academic challenges, how does he/she react and take steps to problem solve?

______

______

______

Confidentiality: Except for use by the CMCP Student Selection Committee during student selection, all information pertaining to the application of the applicant, including recommendations and evaluation materials, shall be completely confidential and shall not be disclosed to anyone, including the student, his/her family, and school staff.

Parent/Guardian Application Agreement

I/we understand that parent/adult support is critical to the academic success of students. Also, I/we understand that the CMCP curriculum is college preparatory and will require regular homework and outside-the-classroom activities. I/we agree to partner with CMCP staff in the education of our son/daughter and further to support academic interventions if they become be necessary.

Parent/Guardian Signature: ______Date: ______

Student Application Agreement (Must be completed by student applicant)

CMCP is a rigorous, self-directive academic program. At CMCP, we will challenge you to take initiative and give you opportunities to take charge of your own learning, problem-solving, and seeking out resources.

At CMCP, we have incorporate group collaboration along with independent work. Describe a time or situation when working in a team/group was advantageous.

______

What does a Montessori education mean to you? Feel free to research more to help you respond.

______

Please tell us about your sports, activities, hobbies, interests, and any offices you have held. These may include clubs or organizations, community service, summer experiences, theater, music or vocal training, art, writing, jobs that you have held, etc.

Description of Activity / Years of
Participation / # of Hours
Per Week

Student Application Agreement

I would like to attend CMCP and understand that if I am selected as a student I must put forth my best effort every day. I will comply with the CMCP student handbook. My signature below indicates that all of the information in my application is complete and true. I understand that falsification of information will result in the disqualification of my application.

Applicant’s Signature: ______Date: ______

Letters of Recommendation, Essays, and Transcripts

  • 2-3Letters of Recommendation

Required: 2 letters of recommendation using the included forms. The letters must be written by two of your teachers; past or present. In addition, the letters must be mailed directly to Camelback High School or submitted electronically.

Optional: 1 letter of recommendation by an adult other than ateacher (ie coach, club sponsor, pastor, etc.), to be mailed directly to Camelback High School or submitted electronically.

  • 2 typed essays must be written using the following prompts. Please do not seek help from anyone to write your essay. Each essay MUST remain at 500 words or less. Essays over 500 words will not be reviewed. CMCP is interested in your own perspective.

1) “Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure.”

-George Edward Woodberry.

Based on your past experiences how have you demonstrated the ability to overcome a challenge? What problem solving skills did you utilize? How did you accomplish your goal?

AND

2) At Camelback Montessori College Preparatory, we want students who are motivated and driven to reach their full potential. What are you currently doing to maximize your full potential? What are your future goals and how can your high school experience at CMCP help you to achieve those goals?

  • Academic Record

A copy of your middle school transcript or school records (7th and 8th grade) must be included in a SEALED envelope. Please have a member of school administration (principal, counselor, etc) sign across the seal.

Check List for Applicant

Remember that only completed and signed applications will be reviewed. If you need further assistance, please call 602-764-7000 to speak with someone.

To ensure that you have completed everything you need for your application to be accepted, please review the checklist below and mark each item as complete and as being included in the application packet before submitting your application for review.

□Is the To Be Completed by the Parent/Guardian form complete and signed?

□ Is the Parent /Guardian Application Agreement form completed and signed?

□Is the Student Application Agreement form complete and signed?

□HaveRecommendation Forms completed by the appropriate individuals and mailed directly to

Camelback or submitted online?

□Do you have bothessays included in the application packet?

□Is there a copy of your school records/ transcript from 7th and 8th grade?

□Have you made a copy of the completed application for your records?

□Do you have all your materials in a sealed envelope to be hand-delivered to Tamra Wnuck, Registration Clerk at Camelback High School? Materials may also be mailed to:

ATTN: CMCP

Camelback High School

4612 North 28th Street

Phoenix, Arizona 85016

CMCP will assess the above documents using a rubric, and students earn a score from 1-4, four being the highest. Students who score a 4 are considered for acceptance for enrollment at CMCP. Students who score a 3 may be conditionally accepted. Students scoring a 1 or 2 will be sent a request for additional information to assist the committee in making a determination as to the applicant’s potential for success at CMCP. Should we have more qualified applicants than space available, a wait list will be created. A lottery will be used to select wait listed students for acceptance should space become available prior to the start of school.

I have read the above information and I understand the application process for acceptance at Camelback Montessori College Preparatory.

Parent/Guardian Signature:______Date:______

Student Signature:______Date:______

Teacher Recommendation Form

Instructions: You may complete this form electronically or you may complete this paper copy. AIf you would like to complete this form electronically, please e-mail Danchi Nguyen at for an electronic version of the application via Google Docs. If you are completing the paper copy, please mail the form in a sealed envelope with your signature across the seal to:

ATTN: CMCP ______

(student’s name)

Camelback High School

4126 North 28th Street

Phoenix, AZ 85016

Deadline: Applications are due to Camelback Montessori College Preparatory no later than Friday, February 1st.

Student Applicant’s Name:______Date:______

Teacher’s Name:______Telephone Number:______

School E-Mail Address:______Number of years you have known the

student: ______

Subject(s) taught to the student: ______

Directions: Please evaluate the student on the following scale:

1-Very poor2- Below Average3- Average4- Above Average 5- Outstanding

  1. The student is kind and respectful to others. 12345

  1. The student is a risk-taker within limits. 12345

  1. The student is creative. 12345

  1. The student is honest and trust-worthy. 12345

  1. The student is reliable. 12345

  1. The student develops positive peer relationships. 12345

  1. The student has strong problem-solving skills.12345

  1. The student manages time well and has a consistent work ethic.12345

  1. The student completes assignments and projects on time.12345

  1. The student is an active learner, asks questions and12345
assists others academically.
  1. The student follows directions.12345

  1. The student is self-directive and can work independently.12345

  1. The student displays leadership skills.12345

  1. The student has consistent attendance.12345

  1. The student has organizational skills for academic success.12345

Student’s strengths:

______

______

______

______

______

Student’s areas of improvement:

______

______

______

______

______

Additional comments (feel free to attach an additional letter if desired):

Teacher Recommendation Form

Instructions: You may complete this form electronically or you may complete this paper copy. These recommendation forms will be read by only the Montessori teachers and selection committee. If you would like to complete this form electronically, please e-mail Danchi Nguyen at for an electronic version of the application via Google Docs. If you are completing the paper copy, please mail the form in a sealed envelope with your signature across the seal to:

ATTN: CMCP ______

(student’s name)

Camelback High School

4126 North 28th Street

Phoenix, AZ 85016

Deadline: Applications are due to Camelback Montessori College Preparatory no later than Friday, February 1st.

Student Applicant’s Name:______Date:______

Teacher’s Name:______Telephone Number:______

School E-Mail Address:______Number of years you have known the

student: ______

Subject(s) taught to the student: ______

Directions: Please evaluate the student on the following scale:

1-Very poor2- Below Average3- Average4- Above Average 5- Outstanding

  1. The student is kind and respectful to others. 12345

  1. The student is a risk-taker within limits. 12345

  1. The student is creative. 12345

  1. The student is honest and trust-worthy. 12345

  1. The student is reliable. 12345

  1. The student develops positive peer relationships. 12345

  1. The student has strong problem-solving skills.12345

  1. The student manages time well and has a consistent work ethic.12345

  1. The student completes assignments and projects on time.12345

  1. The student is an active learner, asks questions and12345
assists others academically.
  1. The student follows directions.12345

  1. The student is self-directive and can work independently.12345

  1. The student displays leadership skills.12345

  1. The student has consistent attendance.12345

  1. The student has organizational skills for academic success.12345

Student’s strengths:

______

______

______

______

______

Student’s areas of improvement:

______

______

______

______

______

Additional comments (feel free to attach an additional letter if desired):

Optional Recommendation Form

Instructions: You may complete this form electronically or you may complete this paper copy. These recommendation forms will be read by only the Montessori teachers and selection committee. If you would like to complete this form electronically, please e-mail Danchi Nguyen at for an electronic version of the application via Google Docs. If you are completing the paper copy, please mail the form in a sealed envelope with your signature across the seal to: