Canyon State Academy facts for kids

Canyon State Academy is a private school located in Queen Creek, Arizona. It is a home and school for young men between 11 and 17 years old. These students may have faced challenges in their lives. The school helps them with their education and personal growth.

The campus is 180 acres and offers different programs. Some students stay for a short time, while others live there long-term. The school is managed by Rite of Passage. This organization provides many programs for young people across the United States. Canyon State Academy is also a member of the Canyon Athletic Association.

The School's History

Arizona Boys Ranch Era

The school first started in 1948. Back then, it was known as the Arizona Boys Ranch (ABR). Over time, it grew to include eight different locations. These locations were in places like Oracle and Queen Creek.

The original mascot for ABR was the Spartans. Their school colors were green and white. This was a tribute to Frank Kush. He was a coach who helped start the school's football program in 1994.

The ABR football team quickly became very successful. From 1995 to 1997, they had almost perfect seasons. They only lost to one team: Blue Ridge High School. ABR played Blue Ridge in the 3A championship game three years in a row. They lost each of those games.

From 1995 until September 1998, Blue Ridge was the only team to beat ABR. This winning streak ended when Hamilton High School beat the Spartans. This game was played at the Boys Ranch. It was the first time a visiting team had ever won there.

In 1998, the Arizona Boys Ranch faced some difficulties. Its operating license was temporarily suspended. This caused a big change in the school's size. Its enrollment dropped from 458 students to only 45. Many students from California were no longer sent to ABR. As a result, the school closed its Oracle facility and four other sites. All activities then focused on the Queen Creek location.

Canyon State Academy's New Chapter

In March 2000, the school changed its name. It became Canyon State Academy (CSA). This change happened after new owners, Rite of Passage, took over. They wanted to make the school's name and colors similar to their other programs. This also helped to create a fresh start away from the ABR era.

The school's athletic identity also changed. In 2005, the Spartans mascot was replaced. The new mascot became the Rams. The school colors changed from green and white to maroon and gray.

On July 1, 2020, school officials shared some news. They announced that 23 students and 8 staff members had tested positive for COVID-19.

See also

• George Fuller Miller Sr.