Duplissis to head new ASU Prep Academy high school

March 23, 2011

University Public Schools, Inc., in collaboration with Arizona State University, appointed Mark Duplissis as its founding principal for the ASU Preparatory Academy – Polytechnic High School, for the inaugural 2011-2012 school year. Currently he is serving in a supportive administrative role at ASU Preparatory Academy – Polytechnic Middle School.<separator></separator>Duplissis, the current executive director of High School Relations and the director of the Collegiate Scholars Program for the Office of Education Outreach and Student Services at ASU, has more than 26 years of education and administration experience at Tempe Union High School and Corona del Sol High School.<separator></separator>Before coming to ASU in his current capacity, he was the assistant principal for nine years at Corona del Sol, a high school with a 2,800-plus student body, where he was responsible for student activities, discipline, facilities usage, public relations and the creation of more than 45 clubs.<separator></separator>“Mark’s leadership experience in high school and university environments make him an ideal founding principal for UPSI’s ASU Preparatory Academy – Polytechnic Campus," said Beatriz Rendon, CEO of UPSI. "His well-established relationships with the East Valley community and with ASU faculty will assist with ASU Preparatory Academy’s goal to provide a high school program that integrates university faculty and resources. We want to provide students with a high school experience that offers an early introduction to university courses and a seamless transition to ASU. Dr. Duplissis has the right background for achieving and leading this effort.”<separator></separator>In addition to working with high school students, Duplissis has taught for ASU and Rio Salado College. He sees this next step as a natural progression in his career.<separator></separator>“I’m excited about starting a high school that captures everything I believe makes for a strong school environment – college completion emphasis, personalized attention, family and community involvement, and rigorous academic standards all provided in a safe and supportive environment,” Duplissis said.<separator></separator>ASU Preparatory Academy is an innovative, free, public charter school open to all students living in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, with two locations: one in downtown Phoenix and the other in the East Valley.<separator></separator>The UPSI’s Polytechnic campuses are located in Mesa either near or on ASU’s Polytechnic campus, at Williams Field and Power roads. Currently the K-8 schools serve approximately 325 students. The Phoenix campus is located at 7th Street and Fillmore, serving more than 480 students in grades K-8. Both campuses will launch ninth grade in fall 2011 with an expansion to grades 10-12 over the next three years.<separator></separator>ASU Preparatory Academy provides the instruction and support to help every child achieve the dream of a college degree. Our collaboration with ASU, as well as Phoenix Elementary, ensures students and families receive a university embedded experience.<separator></separator>For more information, plan to attend one of the information sessions for grades K-9 at 6 p.m., March 30, and a high school only information session for eighth-graders and their families March 31. Both will take place at the ASU Preparatory Academy-Polytechnic Middle School at 6110 S. Sagewood in Mesa, near ASU’s Polytechnic campus. Additional sessions will be held on April 12 and April 28.<separator></separator>For information about locations, orientation meetings, registration or the program philosophy, visit UPSI’s ASU Preparatory Academy website at <a href="http://asuprep.asu.edu">http://asuprep.asu.edu</a>.<separator></sep… Contact: Christine Lambrakis, <a href="mailto:lambrakis@asu.edu">lambrakis@asu.edu</a> (480) 727-1173, (602) 316-5616

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