High School Programs

Program Options for Gifted High School Students

Gifted students have options when they are looking for challenging, stimulating coursework as they enter high school. Besides Honors and AP courses at all of our high schools, our district supports three exclusive programs that promote rigor, advanced thinking, and specialization. We encourage you to read an overview of these programs here and then follow the appropriate link(s) to delve even further.

DAAPS (Developing Authentic Academics through Purposeful Scholarship)

DAAPS (Developing Authentic Academics through Purposeful Scholarshi) is a signature program offered at Shadow Mountain High School. The DAAPS program is a Humanities block geared toward the gifted student.

DAAPS courses are designed to exceed the district and state curriculum requirements and challenge the gifted or honors student. Students read, interpret, analyze and evaluate literature. In writing, students master the essay structure in narrative, expository, persuasive, research, and technical writing. Also included in the courses are required assignments in speaking/listening and viewing/presenting.

While enrolled in this program, students are also able to participate in the full range of courses and activities that Shadow Mountain has to offer, such as NVAA, ROTC, Band, Choir, Orchestra, Athletics, and much more.

Please visit the links below for more program information.

Visit the DAAPS Website

CREST Program (Paradise Valley High School)

CREST offers exceptional students the opportunity to study in a school-within-a-school at Paradise Valley High School (PVHS), and to focus their studies on Biotechnology, Engineering or Computer Technology. Students must apply for admission.

CREST is a popular destination for open-enrolled students who come from all over the greater Phoenix area to receive subject matter specialization and postsecondary readiness.

Learn More About CREST

International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme (North Canyon)

North Canyon High School is the last destination for students going through the K-12 International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme in our district.

The IB program is an internationally recognized honors program that creates well-rounded students, rigorous learners, and lets students earn college credit that is applicable not just to American universities but universities around the world.

Visit the North Canyon Website

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