Getting the Best Education for Your Child in the Phoenix Area

In the Phoenix area, the range of choices includes neighborhood schools, open enrollment schools outside your attendance area, magnet schools, charter schools and private schools. Read on to learn how to start your school search.

Imagining Your Ideal School
Do you prefer a small school where your child will get lots of individual attention or a large school that offers a variety of classes and after-school activities? Do you want a school close to home or are you willing to drive to a school that has the philosophy and curriculum that you are searching for? To help in setting your priorities, see the GreatSchools.net guide on Imagining Your Ideal School.

Break the Process Down into Manageable Steps
Given the large number of schools, as well as the variety, you may not be sure where to begin.

To learn what factors to consider read:
Eight Key Steps To Choosing a School in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area

Learn About Your Options
Arizona is considered a choice-friendly state. Within the Phoenix area, you can choose from neighborhood schools, open enrollment schools outside your attendance area, magnet schools, charter schools and private schools. You can apply to one of 47 different school tuition organizations for a partial scholarship to a private school through the state’s Tuition Tax Credit Program.

To learn about open enrollment read:
Open Enrollment: Beyond Your Neighborhood School

To learn about charter schools, check these articles:
Choosing a Charter School in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area
A Sampling of Charter Schools in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area

To learn about specific schools and districts in the Phoenix area read:
They’ve Got Our Attention: Notable Schools in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area

Research Specific Schools
Be sure to check the GreatSchools.net school profiles, where you will find information about test scores, teacher experience, student demographics and parent reviews.

Once you have gathered a list of potential schools, make an appointment to visit. To help you in preparing for your school visit check:

The School Visit: Things to Look For, Questions to Ask

Additional Resources

Check these articles on GreatSchools.net:
School Choice in Arizona: An Overview of Your Options
Online Resources for Charter Schools

Maricopa County Superintendent of Schools
Check this Web site for a list of schools, districts and boundary maps.

Raising Arizona Kids Education Book
Produced by Raising Arizona Kids magazine, this annual guide contains listings and descriptions of Maricopa County public, private and charter schools. You can order it online for $5.50.

Parents Guide Resource Book, Maricopa County Edition
This annual guide with information on charter schools, private schools, schools for special needs as well as information on summer camps, preschools and after-school activities. Available at supermarkets and Borders Books for $4.95.