Desert Heights Preparatory Academy (DHPA)

Desert Heights Preparatory Academy (DHPA) With an academic, technology, fine arts and athletics focus, Desert Heights Preparatory Academy (“ Welcome to Desert Heights Preparatory Academy!

At DHPA, we take to heart the Latin phrase, Esse quam videri (“To be, rather than to seem”). This motto signifies our community’s commitment to be the best; to explore, question, communicate and evaluate, as these are skills necessary for life-long learning and high moral character. Instead of relying on familiar ways of looking at the world, instead of depending on what we think we already know,

we appraise questions, exploration, and communication—our own and those of others—in ways that seek new insights and develop values. Using Esse quam videri, we seek out what things are, not merely what they seem to be. It is found in Cicero's essay "On Friendship," "Virtute enim ipsa non tam multi praediti esse quam videri volunt" (Few are those who wish to be endowed with virtue rather than to seem so). Just a few years after Cicero, Sallust used the phrase writing that Cato the Younger "esse quam videri bonus malebat" (He preferred to be good rather than to seem so). Previous to both Romans, Aeschylus used a similar phrase in Seven Against Thebes at line 592, at which the scout (angelos) says of the priest Amphiaraos: "ou gar dokein aristos, all' einai thelei" (his resolve is not to seem the best but in fact to be the best). Our uniform displays the honor of being part of a community that strives for excellence. We proudly display our crest to communicate our value for academic achievement, technology, the fine arts, and humanities. Our partnership with parents is focused on our commitment to provide all which is necessary to develop students that can present themselves to our community as models of integrity and hard work. We are all excited to begin our adventure with this clear vision as our guide.

09/05/2026

Pass it down… game day is officially here! 🏈🔥 Roll through TONIGHT to watch us take on Cicero Prep! 🎟️💪

09/03/2026

Our staff got to break out their new spirit shirts today, so of course we had to get some pictures! 💙🐾

A little Coyote spirit to send us into the long weekend. Looking good, Yotes!

We’re throwing it WAY back for our first ! 🐺Back in 2014, our Prep campus was growing! These photos captured the constr...
09/03/2026

We’re throwing it WAY back for our first ! 🐺

Back in 2014, our Prep campus was growing! These photos captured the construction of our new two-story Building, along with the gym, gym offices and dance room.

It’s pretty incredible to look back at where it started and see how much our campus has grown since then. Who remembers watching this all come together?

Long weekend ahead, Coyotes!Coyote families, don’t forget there will be no school this Friday, September 4 or Monday, Se...
09/02/2026

Long weekend ahead, Coyotes!

Coyote families, don’t forget there will be no school this Friday, September 4 or Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day.

Enjoy the extended weekend, and we’ll see everyone back on campus Tuesday, September 8! 💙

Celebrating academic excellence! 🏆📚Last week, we had the opportunity to recognize our Middle and High School students wh...
09/01/2026

Celebrating academic excellence! 🏆📚

Last week, we had the opportunity to recognize our Middle and High School students who earned Academic Awards for their achievements during Semester 2 of the 2025–2026 school year.

We are so proud of the hard work, dedication, and commitment these Coyotes showed throughout the semester. Congratulations to all of our award recipients, keep up the amazing work! 🐺💙

Save the date! Our annual Desert Heights Preschool–12 Fall Festival is coming up on Friday, November 6th! Join us at the...
08/31/2026

Save the date! Our annual Desert Heights Preschool–12 Fall Festival is coming up on Friday, November 6th! Join us at the Desert Heights Prep campus for one of our favorite community traditions, with rides, inflatables, games, food trucks, vendors, entertainment and plenty of fall fun for the whole family.

Presales begin September 21st, so mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details!

Congratulations to our DHPA Employees of the Month!We’re excited to celebrate Mrs. Wistar, Mrs. Colon, Mrs. Elliott, Ms....
08/28/2026

Congratulations to our DHPA Employees of the Month!

We’re excited to celebrate Mrs. Wistar, Mrs. Colon, Mrs. Elliott, Ms. Padamanaban, and Mr. Strickland as our Employees of the Month! 💙

Each of these incredible Coyotes has been recognized for the impact they make through their dedication, support, positivity, and willingness to go above and beyond for our students and staff.

Thank you for everything you do to make DHPA such a special place. We appreciate you and are so excited to celebrate you! 🐺👏

When the text evidence comes to life… 👀🍫Our 6th graders took their reading lesson to the next level as they used text ev...
08/27/2026

When the text evidence comes to life… 👀🍫

Our 6th graders took their reading lesson to the next level as they used text evidence to illustrate Mrs. Pratchett and Mrs. Wistar decided to bring the character to life herself! 😂 From the details on the page to their drawings (and one very committed teacher!), this was definitely a lesson they won’t forget.

08/26/2026

Deals are FLYING in! 🛍️💸
Come shop the DHPA Student Council Yard Sale this Saturday! You never know what treasures you might find. 👀

📍 DHPA Parking Lot
📅 Saturday, August 29th
⏰ 8:00 AM–12:00 PM

Stop by, score some great deals, and support DHPA Student Council!

Formal on. Coyote pride always. 💙🐺Just a few of our high school Coyotes looking sharp around campus!
08/26/2026

Formal on. Coyote pride always. 💙🐺

Just a few of our high school Coyotes looking sharp around campus!

Address

3540 W Union Hills Drive
Glendale, AZ
85308

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 4pm
Tuesday 7am - 4pm
Wednesday 7am - 4pm
Thursday 7am - 4pm
Friday 7am - 4pm

Telephone

+16028962900

Website

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