Parent
We want to be your partner in preparing your child to take on the world. We have found that the more involved parents are, the better we can customize their child’s educational experience. This would be a great section to bookmark, as it includes many important links, resources, and other information you will access often.
ParentVUE
Access our technology platform for student and family engagement, all in one place. The StudentVUE portal provides quick access to realtime information from a web browser or mobile app.
- Class Schedule
- Calendar
- Assignments/Grades
- Class Websites
- Report Cards
- Course History
- and more!
Handbooks
Please note that we revise the handbook annually, so reviewing it is important for returning families, as well as new. The provided handbook clarifies many details essential to being a part of Desert Heights community.
Communication
We pride ourselves in staying in constant communication with our parents and students. We offer a variety of communication methods so our families can stay up-to-date regarding school events and activities. Please immediately contact the front office if you experience any issues receiving school communication.
The school, administration and teachers will heavily use e-mail to communicate with families. At a minimum, parents should look for e-mail correspondence on a daily basis to ensure information is not missed. Additionally, the school provides 3rd-12th grade students with an Office365 account so they can also receive e-mails.
On occasion the school will leverage text messaging to remind families of upcoming events and activities or to notify them of critical situations (emergency school closures, etc.).
- Text messages from Desert Heights will be received from the 23177, 53291, 63079 or 82932 short code. We recommend saving these numbers for reference.
- To opt-out from receiving text messages, text “STOP 8962900” to any of the short codes listed above.
- To opt-in to receive text messages, text “SUBSCRIBE 8962900″ to any of the short codes listed above. Please note that only the #1 and #2 parent/guardian on file for each student can opt-in to text messaging, and these contacts must have a valid mobile phone number on file in our system. Please confirm your student’s information and make changes as needed in ParentVUE.
Note: Depending on your cellular plan, message and data rates may apply.
We use voice messaging as another method of communicating with our families when needed. Calls from the school will be generated from our main phone line (602-896-2900).
We leverage many social media sites so don’t forget to follow us!
- Desert Heights Charter School (K-4) Social Media
- Desert Heights Preparatory Academy (5-12) Social Media
*Note: Additional sites exists for DHPA clubs and activities. Please ask sponsors for additional information.
Drop off/Pick up
To ensure the safety of our students, staff and other community members, we ask for patience and cooperation during arrival and dismissal times. Click the appropriate grade level for a copy of the map designating drop off and pick up locations per campus.
Volunteer
At Desert Heights Charter Schools, we are committed to ensuring a safe and engaging environment for our students and value the crucial role that our volunteers and visitors play in our school community. Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us maintain a safe and supportive learning environment. We appreciate your involvement and commitment to our school community!
Visitor Policy:
To maintain a secure environment, all visitors (including parents, family members, stakeholders, community members, contractors, and vendors) must undergo a screening and sign-in process at the front office. This process utilizes the Raptor Visitor Management System, which:
- Requires a government-issued ID (Driver’s License, Military ID, or Passport) for entry.
- Checks the ID against a national database of registered sex offenders.
- Issues a visitor badge with details of the visit upon approval.
This is required of all visitors on campus.
Volunteer Policy:
We are grateful for the time and effort our volunteers contribute to enrich the educational experience. To ensure safety, all volunteers must:
- Create an account and complete the application process through the Raptor Volunteer Management System.
- Undergo a screening as part of their application to ensure a safe environment for our students.
Volunteering offers a valuable way to stay connected with your child’s education, whether in the classroom or on field trips.
Families that have completed their account and are ready to look for volunteer opportunities.
Click here to access the Volunteer Portal!
Volunteer Process FAQ's
- Volunteer Application is completed through Raptor.
- Acknowledgement of the Volunteer Handbook and training materials. All available through Raptor.
- Complete FirstAid & CPR Training through National CPR Foundation.
- Backgound Check completed through Raptor.
This is done out of the safety of our students, faculty and community, which is the upmost importance.
The application results should be available within 10 business days. This timeline could be affected by holidays and school breaks. We ask that families please plan accordingly when wanting to sign up for a volunteer opportunities!
Applications through Raptor are valid for two years.
Parking Pass
At DHPA, parking passes are sold on a first-come first-serve basis to juniors and seniors only. All student drivers must have a Desert Heights Preparatory Academy Parking Permit for the current school year to park in the dirt lot across the street. Students are to still follow the same guidelines and expectations of parking on site.
Access DHPA's Parking Pass Agreement.
Parking Pass Agreements for 2024-2025 school year will be accepted starting July 24th!
Locker Information
Lockers are not required but are available to 5th-12th grade students for a fee. Students have an annual locker lease option of $30.00/year or if desired can purchase a locker for their lifetime at DHPA for $50.00. Please contact the DHPA front office to obtain a locker for your student today!
