Tesseract School Increases Upper School Merit Scholarship Program

13 for '13 Offers Qualified High School Students Opportunities


PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwire - Jan 14, 2013) - For several high school students the opportunity to receive up to a 50% scholarship from a prestigious independent school is a chance in a lifetime -- especially when the students are being encouraged to pursue educational opportunities that they already love. Those opportunities are presenting themselves in the face of Tesseract's Merit Scholarship Programs.

Tesseract believes that if students are encouraged to explore their existing interests and passions while seeing the value and importance of their education, they will take greater ownership of their learning. Tesseract School today announced a substantial increase to its renowned Merit Scholarship Program, which includes a portion of the tuition (up to 50% plus need-based financial aid), an iPad and all costs related to Upper School class trips, which go to Hawaii, Europe, China and Peru.

Students entering grades 9-12 are invited to apply for any of the prominent scholarships, which include math, science, history, technology, languages, arts, literary, oration, athletic, leadership, entrepreneurism, environmentalism and community outreach. These scholarships directly correlate with Tesseract's mission, vision and core values for deserving students. While the Tesseract Upper School Merit Scholarship Program is established and recognized by ten deserving students, the holiday season clarified for the school's administration and board of trustees that this worthwhile program should be additionally promoted with more fervor to attract many more talented Upper School students.

"The Merit Scholarship Program is a unique and valued program for Tesseract Upper School students," said Nigel Taplin, Head of School. "Our high school students demonstrate on a daily basis why our student-centered education is superb. The new 13 for '13 merit program offers deserving students seeking a challenging curriculum a unique opportunity, which will prepare them for greater opportunities in life."

Tesseract founded its Upper School in fall 2008 with the dedication of its Middle and Upper School campus (grades 5-12) on 40th Street and Shea Boulevard.

Today, Tesseract is a thriving, 21st Century education leader focusing on a student-centered approach and innovative curriculum, which emphasizes critical thinking, love of learning and experiential travel to reinforce global perspectives.

Last year's inaugural senior class -- 18 students -- were awarded over $500,000 in scholarship -- based on merit. Through similar rationale, Tesseract's Upper School Merit Scholarship Program is designed to acknowledge, attract and retain academically talented students who seek opportunities for leadership, intellectual stimulation and personal development. Through this scholarship program, Tesseract is able to provide four-year scholarship awards that afford up to 50 percent of tuition for students who retain excellent grades, demonstrate character, strength and leadership potential, and have the desire to excel in college and beyond.

About Tesseract:
The education leader in the Valley, Tesseract School prepares students to excel in college and beyond, lead lives of purpose, and become ethical and compassionate citizens with a global perspective. Tesseract's innovative educational approach engages students to master the basics and become critical thinkers. As a non-profit, independent private school for students from age two through grade 12, resources are directed to recruit and retain outstanding educators to continually enhance the school's two campuses in Phoenix and Paradise Valley. For information, visit www.tesseractschool.org or call 480.991.1770 to schedule a visit at the Lower or Upper School campuses.

UPPER SCHOOL
MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS

The Upper School Merit Scholarship Program is designed to acknowledge, attract and retain academically talented students who seek opportunities for leadership, intellectual stimulation and personal development. Through this scholarship program, Tesseract is able to provide four-year scholarship awards that include up to 50 percent of tuition (plus need-based financial aid) for students who retain excellent grades, demonstrate character, strength and leadership potential, and have the desire to excel in college and beyond.

We believe that if students are encouraged to explore their interests and passions while seeing the value and importance of their education, they will take greater ownership of their learning. A portion of the tuition, an iPad and all costs related to Upper School class trips to Europe, Hawaii, China and Peru will be covered by the Merit Scholarship. Recipients also receive personal attention from their academic advisor and attend regular meetings with the Director of the Upper School to guide and support their journey.

Tesseract's comprehensive scholarship programs are designed to acknowledge and attract talented students who will thrive in a unique, innovative, student-centered upper school program.

Tesseract offers several different merit scholarships, each designed for accomplished students who exhibit a love of learning, strength of character and the exploration of passions and interests.

TYPES OF SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Tesseract Merit Scholarship: Awarded to students who demonstrate considerable academic potential and have high standardized test scores. Educator recommendations are required.

Tesseract Math Scholarship: Awarded to students who have shown exceptional ability in pre-algebra and middle school algebra courses. Educator recommendations are required.

Tesseract Science Scholarship: Awarded to students who have a strong interest in and aptitude for science. Each student applying for this scholarship will create, plan and conduct a scientific investigation that will include forming a hypothesis, gathering/analyzing data and presenting data in the form of an essay/report.

Tesseract Technology Scholarship: Awarded to students who demonstrate experience and proficiency in areas including programming, digital film/music editing, game design and 3-D modeling.

Tesseract History Scholarship: Awarded to students who have a passion for history. Each student applying for this scholarship will research a historical event that significantly influenced present-day society. The recipient will then write an opinionated, well-researched essay detailing how present-day society would look had that historical event not taken place.

Tesseract Foreign Languages Scholarship: Awarded to students who have four or more years of foreign language experience. Academic documentation and educator recommendations are required.

Tesseract Literary Scholarship: Awarded to students who have a strong interest in and passion for literature and writing. Students applying for this scholarship must submit an original short story, either published or unpublished, or poem.

Tesseract Oration Scholarship: Awarded to students who have a strong interest in and aptitude for debate. Students applying for this scholarship will create a three- to five-minute video discussing the benefits of attending Tesseract based on the school's mission statement.

Tesseract Arts Scholarship: Awarded to students who excel in performing or visual arts and maintain strong academic records. Requirements include academic documentation, educator recommendations and a brief audition or portfolio.

Tesseract Athletic Scholarship: Awarded to students who excel in individual or team athletics and maintain strong academic records. Academic documentation and recommendations from coaches are required.

Tesseract Leadership Scholarship: Awarded to students who have distinguished themselves in leadership roles through experience and personal reflection within their community. Students applying for this scholarship must submit an essay detailing their leadership role. Educator recommendations are required.

Tesseract Entrepreneur Scholarship: Awarded to students who have demonstrated the creativity, skills, desire and abilities to become a micro-business owner. Students applying for this scholarship must submit an essay detailing their business plans.

Tesseract Environmentalism/Sustainability Scholarship: Awarded to students who have a special interest in environmentalism. Students applying for this scholarship must submit an original, creative project detailing environmental concerns and a plan of action outlining a solution.

Tesseract Community Outreach Scholarship: Awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding volunteer service in their community. Students applying for this scholarship must each submit an essay detailing the volunteer services they have performed. Recommendations are required.

HOW TO APPLY

Tesseract School wants every student who will benefit and thrive from a Tesseract education to be able to attend this extraordinary school. Students who are interested in attending Tesseract are encouraged to explore all scholarship and financial assistance opportunities available.

Scholarship applications are due by March 1, but will continue to be accepted after this date dependent on available funds. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit scholarship applications as early as possible.

The director of admissions schedules interviews for finalist candidates. During the interview day, candidates should be prepared to complete the following:

1. A shadow day with the 9th or 10th grade class
2. An essay
3. A series of evaluative assessments
4. A personal interview with the director of the Upper School

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

Scholarships are automatically renewed for each year the recipient remains at Tesseract assuming the candidate continues to meet academic standards and maintains a clear record of conduct. Scholarship recipients are also eligible to apply for need-based financial aid.

For information on applying for a Tesseract Upper School Merit Scholarship, please contact Scott Salk, director of admissions, at 480-991-1770 or via e-mail at ssalk@tesseractschool.org.

Contact Information:

Contact:
Brian Kaplan
Director of Marketing and Communications

917.523.9507