Catalina High Magnet School

This school has been a failing school under No Child Left Behind for several years, and a review of the schools scores shows that the scores are dropping every year. In addition, while many of the teachers do a very good job, I have found several to be unwilling to communicate with me regarding the curriculum or what teaching methods they are using.
—Submitted by a parent

Catalina is a great school! It's the largest (size) high school in Arizona, the second biggest (1,500 students) and the 2nd oldest (built 1957) high school in Tucson. The school has many great magnet programs such as an Aviation program if you want to be a pilot, Allied Health if you want to be a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, etc. (you can be an intern @ UMC senior year), an Air Force/ROTC program, Terra Firma Honors Program for Gifted Students, FBLA program (Future Business Leaders of America) and the school with the most options for sports (Basketball, Volleyball, Golf, Football, Tennis, Swimming, etc.) Also, if you want to get out of P.E, you can take Lifeguard Training (which helps if you're in Allied Health)
—Submitted by a student

I went to Catalina High School from 1994 to 1995. It was terrifying. There are warring factions of gangs here from the Western Hills and Vista 36th St. barrios. When I was a student here I saw brutal fights, beatings, and there were even two shootings. My mother preferred that I drop out than continue to go to this school. Granted, this was a long time ago, but it says something that it wasn't a "magnet school" back then, and it is a well known fact that the only reason they make a school a magnet school is to attract students that would otherwise not want to go there. They need to kick all of the bad kids out if they are dangerous and have no interest in learning. Why should the good kids suffer?

Like every other school, Catalina has gone through changes.. In my opinion they are moving in the right direction, new Principle is trying to build stronger classrooms, family and community partnership. They have great security and are constantly trying to improve their facility maintenance and safety standards. In addition the academic and career related studies offered at Catalina are awesome but need to be profiled more. The diversity of students is amazing, especially for as few problems as they have. My issue's with the school is the unbending policy of some Teachers in Core Subjects to fail students, no matter how much support that student has or does not have at home, many of the teachers fail to use or update Agave or send progress reports home (other than what is required); Additionally, the curriculm requirements and academic progression for graduation are confussing...
—Submitted by a parent

Catalina is a very excellent school. The enviorment is wonderful for a student's learning. No riots, excellent security, The programs and basically everything else about this school live up to expectations!
—Submitted by a parent

There is a serious lack of discipline with the students. Written school and district rules are broken regularly. Administrators seem unwilling to stop such behavior due to their overwhelming belief that all students should be given 'second chances'. Teachers who try to enforce a productive learning environment are unable to do so with no administrative support. In such an environment the only students who do well are those who have intrinsic motivation or parents who are paying very close attention.
—Submitted by a parent

Terrible security. Students pick and choose which classes to attend and which to be truant with little to no consequences. Lecture hall classes provide no individualized attention to students who are not yet ready for college, and shouldn't need to be. Too many students, not enough resources.
—Submitted by a parent

Many issues with this school both good and bad. The programs haven't lived up to expectations. The admin is mostly abysmal and in a state of flux. Teachers on both ends of the spectrum, good grief! Good Luck! Still have two more years!
—Submitted by a parent

In my opinion it is a dangerous school and should be avoided. This in no way reflects on the admin or staff.
—Submitted by a parent

Unique programs at a campus that has seen many revisions.
—Submitted by a former student

This school is a decent high school. It offers a lot of different programs. My daughter decided to go there because she wants to specialize in nursing later on and Catalina has classes there which will be helpful to her later on.
—Submitted by a parent

A lot of the teachers try hard to reach their students but with lack of strong leadership and lack of caring for students from that leadership it is very difficult for them. There is also a safety issue at this school.