The Best Private Schools in Arlington, Arizona
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Arlington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Veritas Preparatory Academy
Great Hearts Academies
Veritas Preparatory Academy is a highly acclaimed classical liberal arts school serving the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, including Arlington. As part of the respected Great Hearts network, it offers a rigorous Socratic-based curriculum emphasizing critical thinking, Western tradition, and character development. The school features exceptional college preparatory programs with nearly 100% college acceptance rate, comprehensive arts education, and competitive athletics. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong community environment focused on cultivating virtuous leaders.
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Trivium Preparatory Academy
Great Hearts Academies
Located in nearby Goodyear, Trivium Preparatory Academy serves students across the West Valley including Arlington families. This classical academy emphasizes the trivium of grammar, logic, and rhetoric through a comprehensive liberal arts education. The school boasts exceptional academic results with students consistently scoring above state and national averages. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic fields. The tight-knit community and dedicated faculty create an environment where students develop both intellectual virtue and moral character.
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Benjamin Franklin Charter School - Queen Creek
Benjamin Franklin Charter School
While located in Queen Creek, Benjamin Franklin Charter School serves students from across the East Valley region and is accessible to Arlington families seeking exceptional private education alternatives. The school implements the respected Core Knowledge curriculum with strong emphasis on phonics-based reading, traditional mathematics, and American heritage. Students benefit from small class sizes, highly qualified teachers, and a structured learning environment that has consistently earned top academic ratings. The school offers comprehensive extracurricular programs including robotics, music, and competitive sports.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Arlington, Arizona
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Arlington, Arizona?
Arlington itself is a small, rural community, so most families look to nearby cities for private school options. The most prominent and highly-regarded schools in the broader area are public charter schools, which are tuition-free and function similarly to private schools in terms of specialized curricula. These include Veritas Preparatory Academy and Trivium Preparatory Academy in nearby Goodyear, and Benjamin Franklin Charter School in Queen Creek. These schools follow a classical, Great Hearts-inspired liberal arts model. For traditional private or parochial schools, families often commute to the West Valley or Phoenix metro area. It's important to note that Arlington's specific location means school choice involves considering commute times along the I-10 corridor.
How does Arizona's school choice programs, like Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs), affect private school affordability for Arlington families?
Arizona's ESA program is a significant factor for Arlington families considering private education. The program allows state funding to follow a student to the private school of their choice, which can cover all or a substantial portion of tuition. This makes schools like Veritas Prep and Trivium Prep (which are public charter schools and already tuition-free) accessible, and it can make traditional private schools in Phoenix or the West Valley more financially feasible. Parents in Arlington should research ESA eligibility and application timelines carefully, as these funds can help offset the cost of tuition and potentially even transportation-related expenses for longer commutes.
What academic specializations or educational philosophies are most accessible to Arlington students without an extremely long commute?
The most accessible and distinctive educational philosophy for Arlington residents is the classical, liberal arts model offered by the nearby charter networks. Veritas Prep and Trivium Prep emphasize a Socratic seminar style, a core knowledge curriculum, character education, and the study of Western civilization and great books. This is a notable contrast to the more standard curricula of local public school districts. For other specializations like Montessori, STEM-focused, or faith-based education, families would typically need to commute into the larger suburbs of the Phoenix metropolitan area, making the classical charter schools the most geographically convenient specialized option.
What are the key enrollment timelines and lottery processes for the top charter schools near Arlington, AZ?
Enrollment for the in-demand charter schools like Veritas Preparatory Academy and Trivium Preparatory Academy is governed by an annual open enrollment period and a lottery system. These schools typically have their open enrollment window in the early winter (e.g., January-February) for the following academic year. Because these schools are not neighborhood-based and draw from a wide region, they often have waitlists. It is crucial for Arlington parents to mark their calendars and submit applications during the official open enrollment period to be included in the lottery. Applying after the deadline means your child will be placed at the end of any existing waitlist. Each school's website has specific dates and procedures.
How do the extracurricular and athletic opportunities compare between Arlington's local public schools and the nearby private/charter options?
Arlington's local public schools, being part of a smaller rural district, may have more limited extracurricular and athletic offerings compared to larger districts. The nearby charter schools like Veritas and Trivium offer robust extracurricular programs in academics, arts, and clubs, but their athletic programs are often smaller and may not have the same breadth of sports as a large public high school. They typically participate in the Canyon Athletic Association (CAA) for sports. For families prioritizing a wide array of competitive sports, the local public high school might offer more teams. However, for families prioritizing academic clubs, debate, theater, and character-focused activities, the charter schools provide extensive and structured programs.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated Private Primary Schools in Arlington, AZ | A Parent's Guide
When you begin searching for "private primary schools near me" in Arlington, Arizona, you're embarking on a significant journey for your family. Arlington, with its unique blend of rural community feel and proximity to the greater Phoenix metro area, offers a distinctive educational landscape. For parents here, the decision often goes beyond simple geography; it's about finding a school that aligns with your family's values and provides a strong, foundational launchpad for your child's future. The local options, including Veritas Preparatory Academy, Trivium Preparatory Academy, and Benjamin Franklin Charter School - Queen Creek, each present compelling, yet different, approaches to primary education.
Understanding the local context is crucial. Arlington families often value a tight-knit community atmosphere but also seek the rigorous academic opportunities typically associated with larger suburban districts. This is where the local private primary schools shine, offering structured environments with smaller class sizes where your child is known by name. A key consideration for Arlington residents is commute logistics. While these schools serve the area, they are situated to also draw from neighboring communities. Veritas and Trivium, as part of the Great Hearts Academies network, are located in nearby Phoenix and Goodyear, respectively, representing a commitment to a classical liberal arts model. This means your search for "private primary schools near me" might involve a short drive, but for many families, the trade-off for a specific, content-rich curriculum is well worth it.
Benjamin Franklin Charter School - Queen Creek offers another excellent model closer to home, emphasizing a back-to-basics, Core Knowledge curriculum. This can be particularly appealing for parents who want a strong focus on foundational skills in literacy, mathematics, and civic virtue within a public charter framework that feels private. As you evaluate these options, consider the daily rhythm you want for your child. The classical models at Veritas and Trivium involve Socratic dialogue, Latin instruction, and a shared pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty. This creates a distinctive school culture that permeates every grade level.
Your research into "private primary schools near me" in Arlington should include visiting campuses, even if they are a 15-20 minute drive away. Attend an information session, observe a classroom, and talk to current parents. Ask about how the school fosters community among families who may come from several different towns. Inquire about transportation options or carpool networks that Arlington families have established. Each of these schools has a defined character and academic philosophy. The best fit depends on whether your family prioritizes a rigorous classical tradition, a focused traditional curriculum, or a specific pedagogical approach. Ultimately, the investment of time in this search is an investment in your child’s formative years, providing them with not just an education, but a formative intellectual and moral foundation right here in the West Valley.