Marywood Palm Valley Boasts Record Enrollment

Marywood-Palm Valley School kicked off its new school year with the highest enrollment for its high school since its opened in 1952, educators said.

This year the school has 449 students, up from 428 the last school year.

“Our enrollment is the highest it’s been in the past four years, and I am pleased to say that our attrition rate was the lowest it’s ever been,” said Vincent Downey, head of the private school. “Our high school enrollment is at an all time high, and our senior class is the largest graduating class in our history with 36 students.”

The Rancho Mirage-based school also has a high passing rate on AP Tests, with 78 percent of students receiving a score of 3 or better (out of 5).

In addition, 15 students were named AP Scholars by the College Board for their performance during the 2010/11 school year.

Students who were awarded AP Scholar with Honor (scored at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and 3 or higher on at least four exams) include Sean Boland, Hannah Frimtzis, Alwyn Kalapuracan, Korina Tolbert and Spencer Virtue.

Students who were awarded AP Scholar (scored 3 or higher on three or more AP exams) include Connor Campbell, Albert Catalano, Emilia Dimare, Cameron Donahue, Lauren Dougherty, Lia Maresca, Grant Martin, Kelsey Mezrahi, Taylor Whelchel and Taylor Willcox.

The school’s AP high school courses include English Language and Composition, Biology, Studio Art, Spanish, French, World History, US History, European History, US Government/Politics, and English Literature.