School Districts, Systems and School Options.

The Arizona Department of Education administers public schools throughout all of Arizona including the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale area. Exercising school choice is the concept in Arizona which it feels creates an environment of quasi free-market options that motivates public schools to continuously pursue education excellence.

By giving parents options of where they want to enroll their school-age children, public schools will be compelled to become better schools that are driven to respond to the needs and concerns of parents and children. The following will overview the options. However, please ask for more details from your particular neighborhood district.

Find The School District Best For Your Child.

It is important to note that the various grade levels are split differently depending upon city areas. For example in most Phoenix areas, elementary school systems include grades K through 8 and high school includes grades 9 through 12. In some areas in the East Valley, such as Mesa, Junior High Schools include grades 7 through 9 (HS freshman) while high school includes grades 10, 11 and 12 (sophomore, junior and senior grades).

View a list of Greater Phoenix Area School Districts.

Arizona Open Enrollment Law.

The State of Arizona requires that every school district must have an "Open Enrollment Policy." Students are permitted to request enrollment in any school in the entire state regardless of geographic location. However, there are space limitations which can make transfer to some schools difficult. Each school district can adapt unique requirements, but parents do have options. Each individual school district can answer your specific questions and are required to accommodate requests if reasonably possible. An Enrollment Transfer Request is required.

Charter Schools in the Phoenix Area.

Essentially Charter Schools are public schools that are somewhat liberated from traditional public school regulations that are set by the state. Charter School agreements are approved and granted by local school boards in respective cities. Providing there is space available, parents may enroll their children at any Charter School within Arizona regardless of what school district boundaries you happen to live within.

View a list of Phoenix Area Charter Schools.

What Are Magnet Schools?

Magnet Schools generally have a focused specialty such as art or technology and offer yet another choice for parents. Some school districts offer a Magnet School option. A Magnet School can mix grade levels within one classroom and can operate on a year-round schedule. They are not governed by neighborhood boundaries and are required to accept students regardless of domicile district. Check with your school district for the Magnet School option.

What Are Alternative Schools?

Many schools can be given the designation of "Alternative School" which have educational philosophies that are different from traditional public schools. Alternative schools have self-paced curriculum, have small classes and have a focus on social and emotional development curriculum. Check with your particular district or neighborhood school to see if it has the Alternative Title.

What Are Private Schools?

Private schools do not receive state funding and are not under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Department of Education code. Tuition is generally required and in some cases scholarships are available.

Home Schooling in Arizona.

Home schooling children at home is legal in Arizona but there are strict guidelines. Read more about home school regulations in Maricopa County and the Phoenix area.

Greater Phoenix Real Estate Markets.

If you are considering buying real estate in the Metro Phoenix area, aligning the city or community that combines your desired lifestyle and budget with the best education options for your children is a crucial decision.

Metro Phoenix Cities and Towns
Greater Phoenix Area Map