Chaparral High School is a public high school located in Scottsdale, Arizona, in the United States. Its mascot is the firebird, and the school colors are black, red, and gold. Chaparral opened in February 1973 with 800 students, comprising freshman, sophomore, and junior classes. The principal was Spencer Saunders Sr. The initial structures were built at a cost of $3.5 million. Chaparral's first graduates were the class of 1974. The original campus was designed by Varney, Sexton, Sydnor Associates. TGK Construction Company built the campus with construction starting in 1971. In 2008 many of the outdated buildings were demolished and replaced with new ones designed by Orcutt | Winslow Architects. In 2014, Newsweek ranked Chaparral No. 22 among top American high schools, and No. 1 in Arizona.

Student body and academics

Chaparral High School has consistently ranked in Newsweek's list of Best High Schools in America. In 2007, Chaparral High School was one of only 12 schools ranked in Arizona. The high school holds the state record for having the most National Merit Scholars in one year (37 in 2014). Additionally, the school has also earned the record most in-state Presidential Scholars in Arizona, with 17 in 2003.

Former Principals

Joshua Pantier (2022-Present) Todd Dreifort (2018-2022) Dr. Angela Chomokos (2017-2018) Gayle Holland (2011-2017) Mary Lou Mucino (2002-2011) Dr. John Kreikard (1995-2002) Kim Greenwalt (1993-1995) John Paul Jones (1988-1993) Evelyn Caskey (1983-1988) Tom Smith (1980-1983) Stuart Kammerman (1976-1980) James Curlett (1972-1976)

Notable alumni

Athletes and coaches

Entertainment and media