Veritas Preparatory Academy: Difference between revisions

Browse history interactively ← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisual WikitextInline

Revision as of 02:37, 9 May 2016 editWiki567hw (talk \| contribs)32 editsNo edit summary← Previous edit		Latest revision as of 01:52, 25 November 2024 edit undoDip in Hummus (talk \| contribs)5 edits →Notable alumni: A more formal tone to better honor Brody Richter. An upgrade from my previous addition which was very much rushed.Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
(114 intermediate revisions by 64 users not shown)
Line 1:		Line 1:
			{{Short description\|Charter school in Phoenix, Arizona}}
	{{Refimprove\|date=November 2010}}
			{{Use mdy dates\|date=April 2024}}
	{{Infobox school		{{Infobox school
	\| name = Veritas Preparatory Academy		\| name = Veritas Preparatory Academy
			\| latin_name =
	\| image =
			\| logo =
	\| imagesize =
			\| image = Veritas_Preparatory_Academy_Crest.jpg
	\| logo =
	\| caption =		\| caption =
			\| motto = "Verum, pulchrum, bonum" <br /> ("Truth, beauty, goodness")
	\| location = 3102 N. 56th St., Suite 100<br />]
			\| motto_translation = Truth, Beauty, Goodness
	\| country = ]
			\| location = 3102 N. 56th St., Suite 100<br />]
	\| coordinates = {{Coord\|33\|29\|3.39\|N\|111\|57\|40.61\|W\|display=inline,title}}
			\| region = Arcadia
	\| district =
			\| city = Phoenix
	\| headmaster = David Dean
			\| county = Maricopa
	\| faculty =
			\| state = Arizona
	\| ratio =10:1
			\| country = United States
	\| enrollment = 705 (2015-2016)<ref name="Veritas Profile">"http://veritasprepacademy.org/downloads/VPA_2015_2PG.pdf"</ref>
			\| coordinates = {{Coord\|33\|29\|3.39\|N\|111\|57\|40.61\|W\|display=inline,title}}
	\| type = ]
			\| schooltype = Charter
	\| grades = ]
			\| type = ]
	\| conference =
			\| established = 2002
	\| motto = "Verum, pulchrum, bonum" or "Truth, beauty, goodness"
			\| district =
	\| mascot = Falcons
			\| headmaster = Theresa Weiland<ref name="GHVPSTAFF">{{cite web \|title=Faculty & Staff \|url=https://veritasprep.greatheartsamerica.org/about-us/faculty-staff/ \|website=Great Hearts Veritas Prep, Serving Grades 6-12 \|access-date=February 8, 2024 \|archive-date=February 5, 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205205336/https://veritasprep.greatheartsamerica.org/about-us/faculty-staff/ \|url-status=live }}</ref>
	\| mascot image =
			\| faculty =
	\| team_name =
			\| grades = ] (K-6 Archway Veritas)
	\| nickname =
			\| gender = ]
	\| colors =
			\| enrollment = 705 (2015-2016)<ref name="Veritas Profile">Veritas Preparatory Academy. 2015. {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602072345/http://veritasprepacademy.org/downloads/VPA_2015_2PG.pdf \|date=June 2, 2016 }}</ref>
	\| established = 2002
			\| ratio = 10:1
	\| homepage =
			\| medium_of_language = English/Latin
			\| conference = 2A Metro
			\| mascot = Falcons
			\| nickname = VPA Falcons
			\| team_name = Falcons<ref name=colors/>
			\| publication = ''Humanitas'' (Literary and Arts Magazine), ''V-M Squared'' (Math Magazine)
			\| newspaper = ''The Falcon Flyer''
			\| affiliations = ]
			\| imagesize =
			\| campus type = ]
			\| mascot image =
			\| colors = Carolina blue, black and white<br>{{colorbox\|#4fc3ff}} {{colorbox\|black}} {{colorbox\|white}} <ref name=colors>{{Cite web\|title=Veritas Preparatory Academy\|url=https://aiaonline.org/schools/682\|access-date=March 25, 2024\|website=Arizona Interscholastic Association\|language=en-US}}</ref>
			\| homepage = {{URL\|http://veritasprepacademy.org}}
	}}		}}
	'''Veritas Preparatory Academy''' is ~~one of the elite~~ charter ~~schools~~ in ]. ~~Founded~~ in ~~2002,~~ ~~Veritas~~ ~~Prep~~ is ~~owned~~ ~~and~~ ~~operated~~ by ]. ~~Founded~~ ~~on the ideals of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness, Veritas offers a great books curriculum that includes the writings of Homer, Plato, Hemingway, Dostoyevsky, Locke, and other influential Western thinkers~~.		'''Veritas Preparatory Academy''' is a charter school in ] centered around classical education and is a member of the ] charter network.

	Its students outscored peers in every country in the recent ], which the ] called the “world cup of school standards” and “the world’s most important exam.”<ref>http://humanitasnewsletter.blogspot.com</ref>

	With over 20% of the student body named ] Semi-Finalists, Finalists, Commended, and Hispanic Scholars, the school has a 100% graduation rate and has matriculated students at some of the top universities in the world, including Duke University, Harvard University, Brown University, Dartmouth University, and West Point, to name only a few.<ref>http://veritasprepacademy.org/downloads/VPA_2015_2PG.pdf</ref>

	== School philosophy ==		== School philosophy ==
	As a ] Veritas Prep offers a Great Books education centering on fundamental texts in the Western ~~pantheon~~. Veritas Prep's philosophy includes small class sizes and education using the ].		As a ], Veritas Prep offers a Great Books education centering on fundamental texts in the Western canon. Veritas Prep's philosophy includes small class sizes that reach up to 30 students and education using the ].<ref> {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925185330/https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/arizona/districts/veritas-preparatory-academy/great-hearts-academies-veritas-prep-892 \|date=September 25, 2019 }} US News. Retrieved November 22, 2022</ref> While at school, students are prohibited from mentioning anything seen as “]” focusing rather on classical texts and works such as those of ], ], and other canonical philosophers of the Western tradition.<ref name=":0" />

	Teachers ask questions, ~~awakening a sense of wonder in the students~~ and ~~prompting~~ them to think deeply about the subject matter. A key idea or assignment might require that the teacher present material to the class, but the forward progress of the class is driven by the questions that the teacher asks of the students, the answers that they give, and the further questions that those answers inspire.		Teachers ask questions, and prompt them to think deeply about the subject matter. A key idea or assignment might require that the teacher present material to the class, but the forward progress of the class is driven by the questions that the teacher asks of the students, the answers that they give, and the further questions that those answers inspire.<ref name="advanc-ed.org">{{Cite web\|url=http://www.advanc-ed.org/oasis2/u/par/accreditation/summary/pdf;jsessionid=BE9F5D8B58C7E52548D943FC3D1191BE?institutionId=37743\|title=Cognia\|access-date=June 2, 2016\|archive-date=April 15, 2017\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415104236/http://www.advanc-ed.org/oasis2/u/par/accreditation/summary/pdf;jsessionid=BE9F5D8B58C7E52548D943FC3D1191BE?institutionId=37743\|url-status=live}}</ref>

	=== Curriculum ~~Overview~~ ===		=== Curriculum overview ===

	All students seeking graduation from Veritas Preparatory Academy must take at least one course in ~~latin~~. While high school students have the opportunity to choose between Spanish, French, Latin, ~~and~~ Ancient Greek, all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students take ~~latin~~.		All students seeking graduation from Veritas Preparatory Academy must take at least one course in Latin. While high school students have the opportunity to choose between Spanish, French, and Latin / Ancient Greek, all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students take Latin.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Curriculum \|url=https://veritasprep.greatheartsamerica.org/academics/Curriculum/ \|website=Great Hearts Veritas Prep, Serving Grades 6-12 \|access-date=2 June 2024}}</ref>

	High school students are required to take ~~two~~ ~~years~~ of honors physics, including kinetics, dynamics, electricity, magnetism, mechanical waves, light, and sound. Students also take a year of honors chemistry, honors biology, as well as natural, life, and earth science. These courses are taken ~~along~~ ~~side~~ ~~two years~~ of honors ], ~~hours~~ ], and honors ] II/~~Trig~~.		High school students are required to take one year (with an extra optional year) of honors physics, including kinetics, dynamics, electricity, magnetism, mechanical waves, light, and sound. Students also take a year of honors chemistry, honors biology, as well as natural, life, and earth science. These courses are taken alongside one year of honors ] (calculus II is optional), honors ], and honors ]<ref>{{Cite web \|url=http://www.veritasprepacademy.org/downloads/Curriculum%20Overview%202015.pdf \|title=Archived copy \|access-date=June 1, 2016 \|archive-date=March 22, 2016 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322102242/http://www.veritasprepacademy.org/downloads/Curriculum%20Overview%202015.pdf \|url-status=dead }}</ref>

			Throughout middle and high school, students take five years of music, three years of ], and one year of honors ], drama, and poetry. Students were forbidden from choosing their own classes with the exception of a foreign language. As of the 2020–2019 school year, students were given some electives in the high school.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Family Handbook \|url=https://veritasprep.greatheartsamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2022/06/Veritas-Prep-Handbook.pdf \|website=veritasprep.greatheartsamerica.org \|access-date=June 2, 2023 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001025207/https://veritasprep.greatheartsamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2022/06/Veritas-Prep-Handbook.pdf \|archive-date=October 1, 2022 \|language=en \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	Throughout middle and high school, students take four years of music, three years of ], and two years of honors ], drama, and poetry.

	=== ~~Notable Faculty~~ ===		=== Uniform ===
			Veritas Prep uniform requires a blue or white shirt with the Veritas logo badge for all students, and a plaid skirt for girls or ] shorts or pants for boys. Boys are required to wear pants from fall break to spring break. All students 7th grade and above must wear black ] and black ]. Boys’ hair must not grow over their ears which is a ].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web\|url=http://veritasprep.greatheartsacademies.org/academy-life/handbook/\|title=Handbook\|website=Great Hearts Veritas Prep\|language=en-US\|access-date=July 3, 2019\|archive-date=July 3, 2019\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703060751/http://veritasprep.greatheartsacademies.org/academy-life/handbook/\|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-education/2018/09/05/great-hearts-academies-rewrites-policy-impacting-transgender-students/1205141002/\|title=Great Hearts Academies rewrites policy impacting transgender students\|first=Lauren\|last=Castle\|website=The Arizona Republic\|access-date=September 25, 2019\|archive-date=January 23, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123020317/https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-education/2018/09/05/great-hearts-academies-rewrites-policy-impacting-transgender-students/1205141002/\|url-status=live}}</ref>
	*Instructor in the Humane Letters ], member of the ]
	*Instructor in the Humane Letters David Wagner, senior writer, ] and ]; speechwriter, ]

	== Admission ==
	As a ] in the state of Arizona, Veritas Preparatory Academy has no entrance requirements but may cap its enrollment. Interested families must apply for the school's annual admissions lottery, which takes place in the spring of each school year. However, if a family has one child enrolled, any other children automatically receive a spot. Software designed by alumnus Joseph Irvine is used to perform these lotteries randomly. An addition in the 2010-2011 school year was one class of sixth grade.

	== ~~Coursework~~ ==		=== Admission ===
			{{Unreferenced section\|date=May 2020}}
	Veritas Preparatory Academy offers an all honors academic curriculum. 9-12th grade students may choose to study Latin and Ancient Greek, French, or Spanish, but the rest of the curriculum is fixed. Students at Veritas Prep exceed all requirements for students graduating from the state of Arizona.
			As a ] in Arizona, Veritas Preparatory Academy has no entrance requirements but limited enrollment. Interested families must apply for the school's annual admissions lottery, which takes place in the spring of each school year.

			However, if a family has one child enrolled, any other children automatically receive a spot. Software designed by alumnus Joseph Irvine is used to perform these lotteries randomly.
	=== Senior Thesis ===

			== Achievements ==
	Senior students at Veritas Prep must complete a written thesis and defense before receiving a diploma from the school. The Senior thesis is the culmination of the student’s years at the academy. It is a yearlong project completed in addition to the normal course load. The student, under the supervision of a faculty advisor, explores one of the “Six Great Ideas”of humanity (Truth, Justice, Liberty, Equality, Beauty and Goodness) through the close reading of three works from the Western Intellectual Tradition. During spring semester the student produces a 15-25 page paper examining a thesis developed during the readings and discussions with the advisor. The project is completed by a public defense of the final draft of the thesis before a committee of faculty members.
			Veritas Prep students outscored peers in every country in the ].<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://humanitasnewsletter.blogspot.com/\|title=Humanitas\|website=humanitasnewsletter.blogspot.com\|access-date=May 9, 2016\|archive-date=January 22, 2016\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122112556/http://humanitasnewsletter.blogspot.com/\|url-status=live}}</ref> Veritas was also named one of the top three high schools in all of Arizona by the ],<ref>{{Cite web \|url=http://azednews.com/veritas-prep-achieves-top-position-in-az-board-of-regents-report/ \|title=Veritas Prep achieves top position in AZ Board of Regents report \| AZEdNews \|access-date=April 14, 2017 \|archive-date=April 15, 2017 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415201119/http://azednews.com/veritas-prep-achieves-top-position-in-az-board-of-regents-report/ \|url-status=dead }}</ref> as nearly 20 percent of the student body is recognized as ] commended, semifinalists, or finalists, a percentage higher than any other school in the state.<ref name="advanc-ed.org"/>

	== Facilities ==		== Facilities ==

	=== Academic ~~Facilities~~ ===		=== Academic facilities ===
	*The central location of the campus is housed on the Quayle Campus, named after the son of former United States Vice President ], a donor of ] board member.<ref>http://www.greatheartsaz.org/about-us-mainmenu-26/leadership-team</ref>		*The central location of the campus is housed on the Quayle Campus, named after the son of former United States Vice President ], a donor and ] board member.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.greatheartsaz.org/about-us-mainmenu-26/leadership-team\|title=Great Hearts Academies\|access-date=May 9, 2016\|archive-date=June 17, 2016\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617153653/http://www.greatheartsaz.org/about-us-mainmenu-26/leadership-team\|url-status=live}}</ref>
	*'''Lund Center for Performing Arts''', houses the school's seasonal choir concerts, drama performances, and speeches from visiting guests. ~~Such~~ ~~speakers~~ ~~include~~ Governor ], Russian-American Conductor ], and author ]		*'''Lund Center for Performing Arts''', houses the school's seasonal choir concerts, drama performances, and speeches from visiting guests. Speakers have included Governor ], the ], Russian-American Conductor ], and author ].{{citation needed\|date=May 2020}}
	*'''John X. Evans Library''', houses the Veritas Preparatory Academy Library stacks, as well as serves as a hub for social and academic life at the school.		*'''John X. Evans Library''', houses the Veritas Preparatory Academy Library stacks, as well as serves as a hub for social and academic life at the school.{{citation needed\|date=May 2020}}

	=== Athletic ~~Facilities~~ ===		=== Athletic facilities ===
	*'''Van Brunt Gymnasium''', dedicated to a founding member of Veritas Preparatory Academy, is home to the Falcon basketball and State Champion volleyball teams.		*'''Van Brunt Gymnasium''', dedicated to a founding member of Veritas Preparatory Academy, is home to the Falcon basketball and State Champion volleyball teams.
			*Full football and soccer field, west of academic facilities.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://archive.azcentral.com/community/nephoenix/articles/2012/08/10/20120810veritas-prep-academy-grows-new-campus.html\|title = Help Center - the Arizona Republic}}</ref>
	*'''Hall Family Weight Room''', named after ] board member, President and CEO of the Arizona Diamondbacks, ], serves as the primary work-out facility for all Veritas sporting teams.
	*Full football and soccer fields, south of academic facilities

			== Athletics ==
			For high school sports, Veritas Prep competes in the ] and is a member of its 2A Conference. Great Hearts operates its own sports league for its junior high students. Veritas is home to over 15 competing ] athletic teams and nearly 15 ] and middle school teams.

			The Falcons have historically had a strong ] program, having won 5 ]s in Volleyball and garnering several ] winners from the program.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/high-school/2016/05/25/arizonas-high-school-state-champions-2015-16/84423150/\|title=Arizona's high school state champions 2015-16\|access-date=September 25, 2019\|archive-date=March 2, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302212027/https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/high-school/2016/05/25/arizonas-high-school-state-champions-2015-16/84423150/\|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.maxpreps.com/news/_5wP4TJW-kaicciy5zVs7Q/zana-muno,-sarah-sponcil-dominate-volleyball-indoors-and-at-the-beach.htm\|title=Zana Muno, Sarah Sponcil dominate volleyball indoors and at the beach - MaxPreps\|date=November 26, 2013\|access-date=September 25, 2019\|archive-date=September 25, 2019\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925185333/https://www.maxpreps.com/news/_5wP4TJW-kaicciy5zVs7Q/zana-muno,-sarah-sponcil-dominate-volleyball-indoors-and-at-the-beach.htm\|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/high-school/2017/09/14/azcentral-com-sports-awards-academic-all-stars-2017-18/659534001/\|title=Alexa Spartz named azcentral sports Academic All-Star of the Year\|access-date=September 25, 2019\|archive-date=May 10, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510075720/https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/high-school/2017/09/14/azcentral-com-sports-awards-academic-all-stars-2017-18/659534001/\|url-status=live}}</ref> Veritas has also won 2 Individual State Championships in Swimming.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.maxpreps.com/high-schools/veritas-prep-falcons-(phoenix,az)/home.htm\|title=Veritas Prep (Phoenix, AZ) Sports - Football, Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Volleyball, and more \| MaxPreps\|access-date=June 1, 2016\|archive-date=June 11, 2016\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611044740/http://www.maxpreps.com/high-schools/veritas-prep-falcons-(phoenix,az)/home.htm\|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2020, the Boys Varsity Soccer Team won the AIA 3A State Championship for the first male team championship in the history of the school. Also in 2020, the Falcons won the Boys AIA Division 4 State Championship in Cross Country.
	== Student Life ==

			In the spring of 2018, Brooks Dockter a successful ] ] from North Dakota, was hired to lead the Falcons Men's basketball team. He led them to a 5–16 season, the most wins by the program in over 5 years.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.maxpreps.com/m/team/info.aspx?gendersport=boys,basketball&schoolid=f45beaee-b566-4298-88ec-20aaa0014675\|title=Veritas Prep (Phoenix, AZ) Basketball {{!}} MaxPreps\|website=www.maxpreps.com\|access-date=July 2, 2019}}</ref>

			==Notable alumni==
	=== House System ===
			Andrew Oei (2019)- basketball and football captain who led the revival of both programs including the football team's first winning season in over a decade and the basketball team's best record in 5 years. He led the basketball team in both scoring and rebounding.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.maxpreps.com/m/team/stats_by_player.aspx?schoolid=f45beaee-b566-4298-88ec-20aaa0014675&ssid=c3d47049-daf2-47e3-8a8e-1e4552d8a797\|title=Stats by Player - Veritas Prep Falcons 2018 Football (Phoenix, AZ)\|website=www.maxpreps.com\|access-date=July 3, 2019}}</ref>
	Students take part in a ]. Students are assigned to houses and compete in field days for the house cup. Each house is lead by a senior ] and two ] and representatives comprised of high school students. These groups of students organize athletic competitions, ], and mentor programs.

			] (2014) qualified for the Tokyo Olympics in beach volleyball.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/olympics/2021/06/09/arizona-native-sarah-sponcil-qualifies-tokyo-olympics-beach-volleyball/7625949002/\|title=Arizona native Sarah Sponcil qualifies for Tokyo Olympics in beach volleyball\|website=www.azcentral.com\|access-date=June 24, 2021\|archive-date=June 15, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615142928/https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/olympics/2021/06/09/arizona-native-sarah-sponcil-qualifies-tokyo-olympics-beach-volleyball/7625949002/\|url-status=live}}</ref>
	=== Extracurricular Activities ===
	Veritas Preparatory Academy offers over 35 extracurricular clubs and activities. These groups compete in local choir festivals, debate competitions, and the ] competition organized by the ]<ref>http://www.veritasprepacademy.org/downloads/VPA%20Extra-Curricular%20Catalogue%2020151006.pdf</ref>. There are three newspapers published by these student groups, including a Humanitas Newsletter, Veritas Math Magazine (VM-Squared), and Linguistic Fellowship Publication.

			Brody Richter (2022)- during his time at Veritas, Richter earned recognition for his athletic achievements, including ranking 80th in the nation for punt average. His performance on the field led to his recruitment by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he continued his football career at the collegiate level. Richter's success in both academics and athletics highlights his dedication and talent, establishing him as a notable alumnus of Veritas Preparatory Academy. <ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.maxpreps.com/az/phoenix/veritas-prep-falcons/athletes/brody-richter/?careerid=eog9ntc8rosn7\|title=Stats by Player - Veritas Prep Falcons 2022 Football (Phoenix, AZ)\|website=www.maxpreps.com\|access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref>
	=== Student Traditions ===
			<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://arizona.greatheartsamerica.org/veritas-prep-graduate-punts-his-way-to-ucla/\|title=Players college - Veritas Prep Falcons 2022 Football (Phoenix, AZ)\|website=www.maxpreps.com\|access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref>
	The ] is a long-standing and capstone experience at Veritas Preparatory Academy, where students explore together their heritage contained in great art and architecture, scientific and technological marvels, religious, political and cultural achievements in and around the Federal City, ]. and in ]. It is an exercise in cultivated leisure, a kind for which they have been uniquely prepared. Students engage in mutual reflections on profound things, ideas and reality come together, and as a consequence they learn more deeply ]’s teaching on friendship as shared experiences.

	Students newly transferring into Veritas Preparatory Academy, and anyone in need of practicing day-to-day classroom skills enroll in Veritas' Study Skills Workshop and ] Program, an event that helps students adjust more effectively to the rigorous academic and cultural expectations and practices of Veritas. Under the guidance of veteran Veritas teachers, students practice essential skills such as organization and time management, math operations skills, note-taking, active and critical reading, and ] discussion.

	As incoming high school students, all ninth graders partake in the ninth grade retreat, organized and run by upper class-men. At the event, students stay overnight at school and participate in student lead games and leadership building events.

	== Athletics ==
	For high school sports, Veritas Prep competes in the ] and is a member of its 1A Conference. Great Hearts operates its own sports league for its junior high students. Veritas is home to over 15 competing ] athletic teams and nearly 15 ] and middle school teams.

	The Falcons have won 5 State Championships in Volleyball and 2 State Championships in Swimming.

	== References ==		== References ==
	{{Reflist}}		{{Reflist}}

			{{authority control}}

	]		]

Latest revision as of 01:52, 25 November 2024

Charter school in Phoenix, Arizona

Veritas Preparatory Academy

Location

3102 N. 56th St., Suite 100 Phoenix, Arizona Arcadia Phoenix, Maricopa, Arizona United States
Coordinates	33°29′3.39″N 111°57′40.61″W / 33.4842750°N 111.9612806°W / 33.4842750; -111.9612806
Information
School type	Secondary Education Charter
Motto	"Verum, pulchrum, bonum" ("Truth, beauty, goodness") (Truth, Beauty, Goodness)
Established	2002
Headmaster	Theresa Weiland
Grades	6 to 12 (K-6 Archway Veritas)
Gender	Coeducational
Enrollment	705 (2015-2016)
Student to teacher ratio	10:1
Language	English/Latin
Campus type	Urban
Color(s)	Carolina blue, black and white
Athletics conference	2A Metro
Mascot	Falcons
Nickname	VPA Falcons
Team name	Falcons
Publication	Humanitas (Literary and Arts Magazine), V-M Squared (Math Magazine)
Newspaper	The Falcon Flyer
Affiliations	Great Hearts Academies
Website	veritasprepacademy.org

Veritas Preparatory Academy is a charter school in Phoenix, Arizona centered around classical education and is a member of the Great Hearts Academies charter network.

School philosophy

As a charter school, Veritas Prep offers a Great Books education centering on fundamental texts in the Western canon. Veritas Prep's philosophy includes small class sizes that reach up to 30 students and education using the Socratic method. While at school, students are prohibited from mentioning anything seen as “Pop culture” focusing rather on classical texts and works such as those of Plato, Aristotle, and other canonical philosophers of the Western tradition.

Teachers ask questions, and prompt them to think deeply about the subject matter. A key idea or assignment might require that the teacher present material to the class, but the forward progress of the class is driven by the questions that the teacher asks of the students, the answers that they give, and the further questions that those answers inspire.

Curriculum overview

All students seeking graduation from Veritas Preparatory Academy must take at least one course in Latin. While high school students have the opportunity to choose between Spanish, French, and Latin / Ancient Greek, all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students take Latin.

High school students are required to take one year (with an extra optional year) of honors physics, including kinetics, dynamics, electricity, magnetism, mechanical waves, light, and sound. Students also take a year of honors chemistry, honors biology, as well as natural, life, and earth science. These courses are taken alongside one year of honors calculus (calculus II is optional), honors Euclidean Geometry, and honors algebra II/trig.

Throughout middle and high school, students take five years of music, three years of studio art, and one year of honors economics, drama, and poetry. Students were forbidden from choosing their own classes with the exception of a foreign language. As of the 2020–2019 school year, students were given some electives in the high school.

Uniform

Veritas Prep uniform requires a blue or white shirt with the Veritas logo badge for all students, and a plaid skirt for girls or Khaki shorts or pants for boys. Boys are required to wear pants from fall break to spring break. All students 7th grade and above must wear black Dress shoes and black Dress socks. Boys’ hair must not grow over their ears which is a Controversy of Great Hearts Academies.

Admission

This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (May 2020) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

As a charter school in Arizona, Veritas Preparatory Academy has no entrance requirements but limited enrollment. Interested families must apply for the school's annual admissions lottery, which takes place in the spring of each school year.

However, if a family has one child enrolled, any other children automatically receive a spot. Software designed by alumnus Joseph Irvine is used to perform these lotteries randomly.

Achievements

Veritas Prep students outscored peers in every country in the Programme for International Student Assessment. Veritas was also named one of the top three high schools in all of Arizona by the Arizona Board of Regents, as nearly 20 percent of the student body is recognized as National Merit commended, semifinalists, or finalists, a percentage higher than any other school in the state.

Facilities

Academic facilities

The central location of the campus is housed on the Quayle Campus, named after the son of former United States Vice President Dan Quayle, a donor and Great Hearts Academies board member.
Lund Center for Performing Arts, houses the school's seasonal choir concerts, drama performances, and speeches from visiting guests. Speakers have included Governor Doug Ducey, the Arizona House of Representatives, Russian-American Conductor Ignat Solzhenitsyn, and author Rod Dreher.
John X. Evans Library, houses the Veritas Preparatory Academy Library stacks, as well as serves as a hub for social and academic life at the school.

Athletic facilities

Van Brunt Gymnasium, dedicated to a founding member of Veritas Preparatory Academy, is home to the Falcon basketball and State Champion volleyball teams.
Full football and soccer field, west of academic facilities.

Athletics

For high school sports, Veritas Prep competes in the Arizona Interscholastic Association and is a member of its 2A Conference. Great Hearts operates its own sports league for its junior high students. Veritas is home to over 15 competing varsity athletic teams and nearly 15 junior varsity and middle school teams.

The Falcons have historically had a strong Volleyball program, having won 5 State Championships in Volleyball and garnering several Gatorade Player of the Year awards winners from the program. Veritas has also won 2 Individual State Championships in Swimming. In 2020, the Boys Varsity Soccer Team won the AIA 3A State Championship for the first male team championship in the history of the school. Also in 2020, the Falcons won the Boys AIA Division 4 State Championship in Cross Country.

In the spring of 2018, Brooks Dockter a successful Basketball Coach from North Dakota, was hired to lead the Falcons Men's basketball team. He led them to a 5–16 season, the most wins by the program in over 5 years.

Notable alumni

Andrew Oei (2019)- basketball and football captain who led the revival of both programs including the football team's first winning season in over a decade and the basketball team's best record in 5 years. He led the basketball team in both scoring and rebounding.

Sarah Sponcil (2014) qualified for the Tokyo Olympics in beach volleyball.

Brody Richter (2022)- during his time at Veritas, Richter earned recognition for his athletic achievements, including ranking 80th in the nation for punt average. His performance on the field led to his recruitment by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he continued his football career at the collegiate level. Richter's success in both academics and athletics highlights his dedication and talent, establishing him as a notable alumnus of Veritas Preparatory Academy.

References

"Faculty & Staff". Great Hearts Veritas Prep, Serving Grades 6-12. Archived from the original on February 5, 2024. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
VPA 2015Veritas Preparatory Academy. 2015. Archived June 2, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
^ "Veritas Preparatory Academy". Arizona Interscholastic Association. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
Great Hearts Academies - Veritas Prep Archived September 25, 2019, at the Wayback Machine US News. Retrieved November 22, 2022
^ "Handbook". Great Hearts Veritas Prep. Archived from the original on July 3, 2019. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
^ "Cognia". Archived from the original on April 15, 2017. Retrieved June 2, 2016.
"Curriculum". Great Hearts Veritas Prep, Serving Grades 6-12. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
"Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 22, 2016. Retrieved June 1, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
"Family Handbook" (PDF). veritasprep.greatheartsamerica.org. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 1, 2022. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
Castle, Lauren. "Great Hearts Academies rewrites policy impacting transgender students". The Arizona Republic. Archived from the original on January 23, 2021. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
"Humanitas". humanitasnewsletter.blogspot.com. Archived from the original on January 22, 2016. Retrieved May 9, 2016.
"Veritas Prep achieves top position in AZ Board of Regents report | AZEdNews". Archived from the original on April 15, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2017.
"Great Hearts Academies". Archived from the original on June 17, 2016. Retrieved May 9, 2016.
"Help Center - the Arizona Republic".
"Arizona's high school state champions 2015-16". Archived from the original on March 2, 2021. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
"Zana Muno, Sarah Sponcil dominate volleyball indoors and at the beach - MaxPreps". November 26, 2013. Archived from the original on September 25, 2019. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
"Alexa Spartz named azcentral sports Academic All-Star of the Year". Archived from the original on May 10, 2021. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
"Veritas Prep (Phoenix, AZ) Sports - Football, Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Volleyball, and more | MaxPreps". Archived from the original on June 11, 2016. Retrieved June 1, 2016.
"Veritas Prep (Phoenix, AZ) Basketball | MaxPreps". www.maxpreps.com. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
"Stats by Player - Veritas Prep Falcons 2018 Football (Phoenix, AZ)". www.maxpreps.com. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
"Arizona native Sarah Sponcil qualifies for Tokyo Olympics in beach volleyball". www.azcentral.com. Archived from the original on June 15, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
"Stats by Player - Veritas Prep Falcons 2022 Football (Phoenix, AZ)". www.maxpreps.com. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
"Players college - Veritas Prep Falcons 2022 Football (Phoenix, AZ)". www.maxpreps.com. Retrieved November 24, 2024.

Categories: