High Schools
Best Buddies High Schools pairs people with intellectual disabilities in one-to-one friendships with high school students. Without friends and family, we are alone. In the past, individuals with intellectual disabilities have not had the opportunity to have friends outside of their own special education classroom. By becoming a High School Peer Buddy, volunteers offer a Buddy the chance to explore a new way of life and feel included in the high school environment.

By introducing Best Buddies into public and private high schools, we are crossing the invisible line that too often separates those with disabilities from those without.

The mission of Best Buddies High Schools is to provide an opportunity for high school students to be matched in a one-to-one friendship with individuals who have intellectual disabilities. Social experiences and relationships are a part of life; unfortunately, individuals with intellectual disabilities have historically been excluded from many of the social opportunities that most people enjoy. By becoming a high school peer buddy, you will not only befriend someone with an intellectual disability, but you will also learn about yourself in the process.

High School chapters are active in over 550 schools worldwide and currently on 33 campuses in Maricopa County.

Each chapter is a registered student organization within their school and is led by a chapter president.

Contact Briana Marshall for more information about the following Best Buddies Chapters:
call 602-253-6463 or email Briana

Chandler Unified School District
Chandler High School
Hamilton High School

Gilbert Unified School District
Gilbert High School
Highland High School
Mesquite High School
Desert Ridge High School

Higley Unified School District
Higley High School

Mesa Public School District
Mountain View High School
Red Mountain High School

Phoenix Private
Brophy College Preparatory

Phoenix Union School District
Carl Hayden High School

Scottsdale Unified School District
Chaparral High

Tempe Unified School District
Corona Del Sol High School
Marcos de Niza High School
Mountain Pointe High School

Contact Maggie Jenott for more information about the following Best Buddies Chapters:
call 602-251-2337 or email Maggie

Cave Creek School District
Cactus Shadows High School

Deer Valley School District
Deer Valley High School
Mountain Ridge High School

Dysart Unified School District
Dysart High School

Glendale Unified School District
Apollo High School
Cortez High School
Greenway High School
Thunderbird High School

Paradise Valley School District
Pinnacle High School
Shadow Mountain High School

Peoria Unified School District
Liberty High School

Phoenix Union School District
Alhambra High School
North High School

Scottsdale Unified School District
Coronado High School

Tempe Unified School District
Desert Vista High School

Tolleson Union School District
Tolleson Union High School

The Chapter President is a student that is matched in a friendship and is willing to organize, lead and maintain a chartered chapter of Best Buddies for the duration of one academic year.

Download the application:
[ High School Chapter President ]

Best Buddies Citizen, High School, and College programs are evaluated each spring by the Hardman Survey.  Dr. Michael Hardman, Dean of Special Education from the University of Utah, surveys Best Buddies participants throughout the country every year.

[ Download the High Schools evaluation from the Hardman Survey ]