ASU Prep Academy-Phoenix welcomes founding principal

University Public Schools Inc. (UPSI), in collaboration with Arizona State University, has appointed Dr. Gerry Petersen-Incorvaia as principal of the new ASU Preparatory Academy High School Phoenix Elementary School District campus.

Petersen has 13 years of experience in K-12 education and has been the school’s assistant principal since Sept. 2010. Before that Petersen held several teaching and administrative roles for the Phoenix Union High School District, the Creighton Elementary School District and the Tucson Unified School District.

Beatriz Rendon, chief executive officer of UPSI, said “Gerry has the ideal background for implementing and enhancing our instructional program to provide early access to university resources and faculty, resulting in a seamless transition for our students into ASU.  We are thrilled to have such a dynamic and dedicated leader for our high school who believes that all students, regardless of their life circumstances, can achieve a four-year university degree.”

Petersen not only has an extensive background in administrative experience, but he is also regarded as a community leader, having developed a host of relationships to support public education in central Phoenix.

To learn more about the new schools, which will offer a challenging educational program in a safe and supportive setting, families are encouraged to attend one of the information sessions:

High School only information session for 8th graders and their families will be held at 6 p.m., on March 29th at the ASU Preparatory Academy Phoenix Campus at 735 E. Fillmore Street (on the corner of 7th Street and Fillmore). Additional K-9th grade information sessions will be held on March 30, April 12 and April 28 at the Phoenix campus.

For information about locations, orientation meetings, registration or the program philosophy, visit the ASU Preparatory Academy website at http://asuprep.asu.edu.

UPSI currently operates two charter schools. More than 325 students are enrolled at the Polytechnic Elementary School near and on the ASU Polytechnic campus in Mesa. ASU Preparatory Academy-Phoenix is located in Downtown Phoenix on 7th and Fillmore streets, opened in August 2009 and currently serves approximately 480 students in grades K-8. Both campuses will launch 9th grade in fall 2011 with an expansion to grades 10-12 over the next three years.

For information, call ASU Preparatory Academy-Phoenix campus at 602.496.3322 or 602-257-4843 or visit http://asuprep.asu.edu.