The Best Private Schools in Asu, Arizona
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Asu. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
BASIS Primary Chandler
BASIS Charter Schools
BASIS Primary Chandler is part of the highly acclaimed BASIS Charter Schools network, consistently ranked among the top schools in the nation. Located just minutes from ASU's Tempe campus, this school serves students from the greater Phoenix metropolitan area with a rigorous academic program that emphasizes critical thinking, advanced mathematics, and scientific inquiry. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, small class sizes, and a comprehensive extracurricular program including robotics, debate, and competitive sports. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty and challenging curriculum that prepares students for academic excellence.
Programs:
BASIS Scottsdale
BASIS Charter Schools
BASIS Scottsdale is consistently ranked as one of the top private schools in Arizona and serves students from across the Phoenix metropolitan area, including ASU families. The school offers an internationally benchmarked curriculum with exceptional college preparatory programs and consistently high AP exam scores. Facilities include advanced science laboratories, technology-integrated classrooms, and comprehensive athletic facilities. The school maintains strong relationships with Arizona State University, providing students with research opportunities and college-level experiences. Parent reviews highlight the academic rigor, exceptional teacher quality, and outstanding college acceptance records.
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Great Hearts Academies - Chandler Prep
Great Hearts America
Great Hearts Chandler Prep provides a classical liberal arts education that serves students throughout the East Valley, including those affiliated with ASU. The school emphasizes the Great Books tradition, Socratic discussion, and character development alongside rigorous academic preparation. Located just 15 minutes from ASU's Tempe campus, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with strong emphasis on writing, mathematics, and classical languages. The campus features traditional academic facilities, performing arts spaces, and athletic programs. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high, with reviews praising the school's commitment to developing well-rounded, thoughtful scholars prepared for top universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Asu, Arizona
What are the top-rated private school options near Arizona State University (ASU) in Tempe, and how do they cater to families affiliated with the university?
While ASU itself is in Tempe, the top-rated private schools in the broader metropolitan area include BASIS Scottsdale, BASIS Primary Chandler, and Great Hearts Academies like Chandler Prep. These schools are popular with ASU faculty and staff families due to their rigorous academic alignments. Many offer college-preparatory curricula, advanced STEM programs, and partnerships that leverage the university's resources, such as guest lectures or research opportunities. For families living in the Tempe/university area, commuting to these schools in Scottsdale or Chandler is common, as they represent the highest academic benchmarks in the region.
How does Arizona's school choice policy, specifically the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, impact private school tuition affordability for families in the ASU area?
Arizona's universal ESA program is a significant factor for families considering private schools near ASU. This program allows state-funded education dollars to follow a child to a private school, covering a substantial portion (or sometimes all) of tuition at approved institutions. Most top private schools in the area, including BASIS and Great Hearts, participate. For parents, this means the historically high tuition of these schools becomes more accessible. It's crucial to apply for the ESA through the state and then confirm acceptance and fund allocation directly with your chosen school, as processes and covered amounts can vary.
What unique academic specializations or pedagogical approaches distinguish the leading private schools in the Phoenix metro area surrounding ASU?
The leading private schools near ASU are known for distinct, high-intensity models. BASIS Charter Schools (like BASIS Scottsdale and Primary Chandler) follow a globally competitive, accelerated curriculum with mandatory advanced coursework and AP classes in middle school. Great Hearts Academies (like Chandler Prep) offer a classical, liberal arts "Great Books" education focused on Socratic seminars and virtue formation. This creates a clear choice: BASIS for a STEM-heavy, fast-paced track ideal for future engineers or scientists (complementing ASU's strengths), and Great Hearts for a humanities-focused, philosophical foundation. Both are college-prep but with fundamentally different approaches to learning.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and lottery process for competitive private schools like BASIS and Great Hearts in the ASU metropolitan region?
Enrollment for these highly competitive schools is strictly governed by annual lotteries due to high demand. The open enrollment period typically runs from October to February for the following academic year. For example, to secure a spot for Fall 2025, you would apply in Fall 2024. It is critical to apply to each school's lottery individually during their window; waiting lists are long. Siblings of current students and children of staff typically receive priority. Families moving to the area for ASU after the lottery should contact schools immediately for waitlist procedures, as mid-year openings are rare but possible.
For families considering both, how do the top private schools in the ASU area compare academically to the highest-rated public school districts like Chandler Unified or Scottsdale Unified?
The comparison is between exceptional options. Top public districts like Chandler Unified offer excellent, well-rounded education with extensive extracurriculars, often without tuition. However, the premier private schools (BASIS, Great Hearts) consistently rank nationally for academic outcomes, featuring a more specialized, accelerated, and uniformly rigorous curriculum across all classrooms. They often have higher standardized test scores, near-100% college acceptance rates to selective universities, and a singular academic culture. The choice hinges on whether a family seeks a comprehensive public school experience or a highly focused, academically intense private environment. The ESA program has made this private school tier a financially viable alternative for more families.