Scottsdale Schools

Public, Charter, Private and a Community College

Arizona spells freedom of school choice

We’re quite fortunate. Scottsdale schools offer many of the best options — public, charter, and private. Choices include online and home school. Alternatives and resources also exist for students and families with special needs.

Arizona spells freedom of choice to families of school-age children through Open Enrollment. By law, students can apply for admission to any public school, as long as there is classroom space for them.

To learn more, Arizona School Choice is an excellent resource, from Governor Doug Ducey’s Office of Education. There is also a summary of available options at the AZ Department of Education.

Public Schools

Like most things about living in Scottsdale, our schools are exceptional community assets. Many schools here receive the A+ School of Excellence™ Award . It’s for academic excellence in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade schools.  Here’s everything you need to know about Scottsdale Public Schools!

Charter Schools

If you’ve seen or heard of Scottsdale Prep, GreatHearts or BASIS Schools, these are examples of charter schools in Scottsdale.

Here’s a handy table of charter schools in Scottsdale, from North to South, with links to their sites.

Charter Schools in Arizona came about in the mid-90’s as parents sought options to improve their students’ education. Some felt AZ public schools were missing the mark because they weren’t all getting good report cards. In June, 1994 a new law passed, paving the way for Arizona’s Charter School movement. 

The Cliffs Notes of Charter Schools in AZ

Charter schools are public schools. They serve as alternatives to traditional public schools. Their goal is to foster a learning setting for students to succeed. And, to offer varied schooling choices for parents of students.

Charter schools can be new schools. They may also be part of —  or, an entire current school. They receive state funding if they play by school rules.

The Word on AZ Charter Schools

The word from Arizona Charter Schools Association: ‘Public schools serving public students, charter schools are contracted with the state with the purpose of providing excellent academic options for all students and parents.’ You can find more information at the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools .

How does leadership differ between Charter and Public Schools?

Charter schools are often governed through boards. Board members are appointed by the schools’ operators or founders. And, these leaders may also may serve on the boards. A traditional district school board is governed by voter-elected members.

Private Schools

Scottsdale offers a wide selection of private schools for families and students seeking unique academic settings and opportunities. Here is a table of private schools in Scottsdale for infant, pre-K, elementary, middle, high school and students with special needs.

The table lists schools from North to South, broken down by communities, with links to their sites. It includes faith-based, like Scottsdale Academy, and non-faith based schools, plus those with special emphasis.

Scottsdale Community College

A gem of higher education is right here — Scottsdale Community College!  It’s a wonderful small, close-to-home — and online school.  Students get a fantastic taste of college to go forth and succeed.  I’m a proud Artichoke, with my SCC AA degree — Thanks Artie! 

Finals — Wrap-Up

Scottsdale Education Center is another academic asset offering tutoring and test prep assistance to ensure your student’s success.

Scottsdale offers a wealth of schools. Choices abound for academic programs and after school activities. Which doors to learning will your students enter?

If you find I’ve made what my English teacher marked as ‘EE’ for egregious error, please let me know and I’ll correct it ASAP. Thank you!