2024 Best Schools in the Phoenix Area

• Paradise Valley, AZ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.48 out of 5  235 reviews

Junior: I love Phoenix Country Day School. I have been going here since 3rd grade, and I am so glad I made the switch from being at public school from K-2nd grade to PCDS. Because we are such a small school (about 70-80 people per grade), you really have opportunities to develop deep relationships with everyone (students, faculty, other staff). I have really made such great connections with every teacher, regardless of whether or not they have actually taught me. The teachers are extremely well-qualified and I love learning from them. They really do make the extra effort to make sure you understand the material, and reach out outside of class to have other conservations not regarding school. The students are also extremely kind, responsible, and caring. I have made such great friends, even starting in middle school, that I will cherish with me past high school. I am so grateful to receive such an amazing education alongside wonderful classmates, taught by incredible teachers.... Read 235 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 768

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Phoenix, AZ•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  77 reviews

Sophomore: Basis Phoenix is a school that provides challenging coursework with many resources for students to learn and advance individually. They provide a wide selection of electives for students to delve deeper into their areas of interest and offer unique extracurriculars such as an advocacy and astronomy club. This school is just the right fit for students who hope to challenge themselves. However, one thing the school could improve on is its events. For example, having more well-planned award ceremonies and school dances.... Read 77 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 730

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Scottsdale, AZ•

• Public School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  122 reviews

Senior: My overall experience for this school is fairly positive I feel like every since I entered in fifth grade there have been changes for the better and changes for the worst. Amount of students are fairly larger at the lower grades and they begin to dwindle down as you get into higher grades and the courses become more rigorous and demanding of you. Because of this, all the students that remain are all very competitive with each other which is both good and bad, it helps foster growth and improvement but it also creates an environment that perpetually gatekept by a certain number of students that have just all the top positions and whatever they don’t have they just help their friends get it and this blatant bias is something I don’t unfortunately see going away anytime soon.... Read 122 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,057

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Mesa, AZ•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  58 reviews

Senior: The school has a reputation of being an academically rigorous STEM school, which can seem quite daunting to prospective students and families. Yes, there is a heavy academic focus (especially in STEM areas), and it is lots of hard work, however, the teachers are with the students each step, constantly supporting them, inspiring them with their passion for the subject (many teachers are experts in their field). The small class sizes (20-30 students per teacher) allow teachers to connect with students individually and help them in specific ways they may need, and the students always help each other. There is a large sense of community that makes the school feel welcoming and fun. When senior year rolls around, I've never seen students so prepared for college, and many graduates find college fairly easy due to the preparation provided. The school doesn't have some traditional things like football games, but the longterm benefits of the education outweigh the smaller things missed.... Read 58 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 808

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Phoenix, AZ•

• Public School•

• 4-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  44 reviews

Junior: I have been a student at Basis Ahwatukee since 2016 and I will be extremely sad to leave this school at my graduation. From elementary, all the way through middle school, and finally in highschool, this school has helped me grow and develop into the person I now am. I am proud to call myself a student at this school. The teachers get to know each and every one of their students so well, keeping up to everyone's individual needs, the curriculum is challenging and brings out the full potential of everyone in class. A sense of unity is built within the students, a sense that every student is in it together, building a strong community within the grade levels. I highly recommend this school and I believe my experience at this school could not ever be surpassed by any other.... Read 44 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 720

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Scottsdale, AZ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  47 reviews

Parent: We've been part of the Rancho family from 5th grade through 10th. Two very different kids, both extremely glad to be at Rancho. 'Things' always happen at schools, but it's how they're dealt with that matters. The administration at Rancho are dedicated to keeping our school safe and welcoming to all. The teachers are incredible. The students are kind. We are very happy at Rancho!... Read 47 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 850

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Phoenix, AZ•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.62 out of 5  194 reviews

Senior: My experience with Brophy College Preparatory has been nothing short of spectacular. This institution has left an indelible mark on my heart and mind, filling me with an appreciation for knowledge and a passion for excellence. The faculty and staff at Brophy are unparalleled in their dedication to nurturing young minds and preparing them for a lifetime of success. It is with great enthusiasm that I give Brophy College Preparatory an amazing rating, one that reflects the profound impact it has had on my life and the lives of countless others. Bravo, Brophy!... Read 194 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,407

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Chandler, AZ•

• Public School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  76 reviews

Parent: My student is in his second year here. Most of his teachers are phenomenal. There are a couple that he doesn't connect with, but that is any school. I like that he gets to take physics and chemistry and biology in 6th grade. He loves that! He is also very excited about his drama and PE classes. It is a very well rounded curriculum and I like the path he is on. He also has a ton of options for extracurriculars. They are affordable and are much cheaper than club sports or the things that he does outside of school. The administration is very visible every day at dismissal, which is nice. I am happy that he is here.... Read 76 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,154

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Peoria, AZ•

• Public School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  86 reviews

Junior: The school itself is pretty focused on academics and rigorous courses. It has plenty of available APs you can take and most of the teachers are great. However, sometimes if you put a lot on your plate, the work-life balance can be a little rough. Also, the school itself isn't your typical high school, where it's only 9-12th grades, but it also has all of middle school as well. So with the extra people with the building itself it's kind of crowded at times, but at the same time it's also good because you get to know everyone even if you're not in the same grade. Recently, we've also started a student council, so now there's going to be a lot more student-led events and changes being made, so it should be a nice pace of change. Honestly, the thing I'd really like to be improved is the extracurriculars, there's a wonderful Speech and Debate team (ranked #1 in Arizona), but maybe more options and a larger focus on some of the other clubs and emphasis on them.... Read 86 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 943

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Phoenix, AZ•

• Public School•

• PK, K-6

• grade A+

• Students 189

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Chandler, AZ•

• Public School•

• K-5

• grade A+

• Students 704

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Tempe, AZ•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  135 reviews

Senior: I attended TPA from grades 6-12 and loved it! It prepared me for college and guided me through the application process, helping me find success. On top of this, my time at TPA built long-lasting friendships and I always felt supported by a strong community.... Read 135 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 447

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Peoria, AZ•

• Public School•

• K-4

• grade A+

• Students 662

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Peoria, AZ•

• Public School•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Works Here: Archway Glendale is an excellent school! Academics are rigorous, but students love to learn and teachers love to teach!... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 558

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Scottsdale, AZ•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  80 reviews

Alum: My experience at Scottsdale Preparatory Academy was excellent. Both the students and teachers there are great and are always able to provide support whenever it is needed. The rigorous nature of this school's liberal arts education was, by far, the most challenging aspect of my experience at this school, yet it was instrumental in maturing my mind, body, and spirit. Additionally, this school prepares you outstandingly for university education through its difficult curriculum and overall structure. If I had to change anything, I would allow students greater opportunities to focus on athletics, extracurriculars, and professional jobs outside of school through decreasing the work load.... Read 80 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 851

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chandler Unified School District No. 80, AZ•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  141 reviews

Senior: Transferring from another high school to Arizona College Prep, I was welcomed into a community of academic excellence, intellectual rigor, and true care for students. I felt like I was not only supported academically, but the entire administration, faculty, and staff truly cared for my well-being and growth physically and mentally. My cognitive abilities were stretched in ways I never thought possible and I am proud to say that I have grown as a person, leader, athlete, and citizen. Going out into the "real world" next year, I feel adequately prepared with the foundations of success, leadership, grit, and education to thrive as a member of society. I would never change my experience at Arizona College Prep for anything!... Read 141 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,225

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Chandler, AZ•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  95 reviews

Sophomore: Chandler Prep is an amazing school that I believe offers academics and college prep you can find in Arizona. Although the curriculum is more advanced, the smaller class sizes, diverse tutoring schedules, and mixed teaching styles ensure that every student has an opportunity for success. Chandler Prep is strong academically, however, it lacks many "classic" high school aspects. By that I mean dances are small and low-budget, minimal varieties for clubs or electives and no-cut sports teams. Chandler Prep students will be academically strong and prepared for anything the future holds for them, however, they will miss out on many of the experiences that made high school so memorable.... Read 95 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 694

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Mesa, AZ•

• Public School•

• K-7

• grade A+

• Students 252

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chandler, AZ•

• Public School•

• K-4

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: BASIS Chandler Primary South has given my two boys an unbelievable elementary education experience. They have created a learning environment that is both welcoming and engaging while inviting my kids to take risks and challenge themselves. There is a strong family community and culture that makes you feel seen and heard when you need to express any needs to teachers or staff. We love BCPS!... Read 3 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 486

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Chandler, AZ•

• Public School•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Absolutely love this school. Teachers are amazing. So far only had one rough patch with a teacher one year. My children love the school love the effort that they put into teaching my children as if they were their own. The school is not for everyone there are lots of expectation. The only difficult I have is financially keeping up with the school supplies, uniforms and books. Financially I think the books cost more here than they did for my college tuition. Overall the education and support my children receive from the teachers and other students are worth coming to this amazing school. So I give it a four start just for the financial cost of the books otherwise I would give it Seven Stars for the amazing teachers in the amount of work that they put in.... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 529

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Phoenix, AZ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  46 reviews

Junior: ACA is a constantly improving and expanding school. There are pros and cons to its education, but overall, I believe it was best that I went here. Islamic education is vitally important. The Quran classes have especially improved from before, with middle and high school being taught based on skill level rather than grade. Arabic could use improvements for non-Arab speakers, along with more programs, but it is improving. Islamic Studies really depends, and a lot of the benefits come from whether the student pays attention or not, in my opinion. The other basic subjects, like Math and English, are just ordinary. Better than public schools, but perhaps lacking compared to other preparatory schools. Clubs and bonus hours are not too great, but considering the size of the school, I feel like that's acceptable. The environment depends on your stance. Personally, I did not hate or like it. I can't comment.... Read 46 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 366

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Scottsdale, AZ•

• Public School•

• K-5

• grade A+

• Students 1,076

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Scottsdale, AZ•

• Public School•

• K-4

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  7 reviews

Works Here: From day one, working at BSPW has been my dream job! I fell in love with the two-teacher model and have seen first hand how beneficial this is in offering differentiation and support to students in the classroom. The school culture is out of this world! Parents are so supportive and work hand-in-hand with the teachers and administration to ensure their child's success. The teachers give 100% to each and every child and have created a true love of learning in the classroom. The administration also works hard to support every aspect of the school and will jump in to help whenever help is needed. I am so thankful to be a part of the BSPW family!... Read 7 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 420

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Scottsdale, AZ•

• Public School•

• K-4

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: BSPE has been a wonderful experience. The teachers go out of their way to ensure my student is improving in the areas he struggles with and pushing him in the subjects he excels in. If he's struggling with a concept the teachers have student hours after school so my student can get more individualized support. The wonderful curriculum allows my son to receive the core subjects daily in addition to art, drama, music, engineering, and connections once weekly. The school also has a tremendous amount of extracurricular options, from sports to fun academic clubs. As a parent, I appreciate the first half of aftercare focuses on completing homework. When my student stays in LateBird they come home with all their homework done, which is so helpful. Lastly, the Boosters Club holds the best family-friendly events which allow me to make connections with other parents. Nothing is perfect, but this school has always been open to feedback and loves partnering with parents if they have any concerns.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 564

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chandler, AZ•

• Public School•

• PK, K-6

• •
  Rating 4.56 out of 5  9 reviews

Parent: I truly can't say enough good things about this school. These teachers put their heart and soul into their students and it truly shows. I've also been blown away at the level of effort put into online learning during the current pandemic. The academics are challenging without being stressful/overwhelming and the specials teachers are off the charts. Art, music, Spanish, and PE all go above and beyond what one would ever find at any other school.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 272

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1