The Best Private Schools in Cave Creek, Arizona
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cave Creek. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
BASIS Scottsdale
BASIS Charter Schools
BASIS Scottsdale is consistently ranked among the top private schools in Arizona and nationally, serving the Cave Creek and Scottsdale communities. The school offers a rigorous STEM-focused curriculum with advanced placement opportunities starting in middle school. Students benefit from small class sizes, highly qualified faculty with advanced degrees, and comprehensive college counseling. The campus features state-of-the-art science laboratories, technology-enhanced classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. Extracurricular programs include robotics, debate, championship sports teams, and numerous academic clubs.
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Phoenix Country Day School
Independent School
Phoenix Country Day School is a premier independent college preparatory school serving Cave Creek and the greater Phoenix area. The school offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs, providing students with multiple pathways to academic excellence. The 40-acre campus features modern academic buildings, performing arts centers, athletic complexes, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. PCDS emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement, with strong programs in athletics, arts, and community service. The school maintains small class sizes and boasts a 100% college acceptance rate.
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All Saints' Episcopal Day School
Episcopal Diocese of Arizona
All Saints' Episcopal Day School provides a comprehensive private education serving families from Cave Creek and the Phoenix metropolitan area. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme alongside a strong college preparatory middle school curriculum. The campus features purpose-built learning environments, including dedicated science labs, art studios, music rooms, and athletic facilities. The school community emphasizes values-based education, diversity, and service learning. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports, performing arts, robotics, and numerous enrichment programs designed to develop well-rounded students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cave Creek, Arizona
Are there any private schools physically located within Cave Creek, Arizona, or will families need to commute to neighboring cities?
While Cave Creek itself has a limited number of private schools, families primarily look to high-performing institutions in the broader North Scottsdale and Phoenix metro area. Notable nearby options include BASIS Scottsdale, Phoenix Country Day School in Paradise Valley, and All Saints' Episcopal Day School in central Phoenix. Many Cave Creek families commute south via the 101 Loop or Cave Creek Road. Some local private options exist, such as small faith-based or Montessori schools, but the most sought-after college-preparatory schools are in adjacent communities, making transportation and carpool planning an important consideration.
How does Arizona's school choice programs, like Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs), affect private school tuition for Cave Creek residents?
Arizona's ESA program can significantly offset private school costs for eligible families. As a state-funded program, it allows parents to use a portion of their child's state education funding for approved expenses, including private school tuition. For Cave Creek families considering schools like BASIS or Phoenix Country Day, the ESA can cover a substantial part of the annual tuition, which often ranges from $20,000 to $30,000+. It's crucial to check each school's participation status, as not all private schools accept ESA funds. The application process is managed by the state, and eligibility has expanded, but specific income or special needs criteria may apply.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Cave Creek students offer that align with Arizona's landscape and lifestyle?
Private schools in the North Scottsdale/Cave Creek corridor often leverage Arizona's unique environment. Many, like Phoenix Country Day School, have robust outdoor education programs, including desert ecology studies, hiking, and environmental science projects that utilize the nearby Sonoran Desert. Equestrian programs are also notable, catering to Cave Creek's strong horse community. Additionally, schools emphasize sustainability and water conservation studies. For high school students, partnerships with Arizona State University and local tech companies provide internships and research opportunities in fields like sustainability and aerospace, which are key state industries.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and competitiveness for top private schools like BASIS Scottsdale for Cave Creek applicants?
The timeline is highly competitive and often begins over a year in advance. For schools like BASIS Scottsdale and Phoenix Country Day School, the application window for the following academic year typically opens in August or September, with deadlines in January or February. These schools frequently have waitlists, especially for entry grades like Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th. Cave Creek applicants are considered alongside a large pool from across the metro area. The process usually includes application forms, standardized testing, school records, student assessments, and family interviews. We recommend starting research and tours in the spring prior to your desired enrollment year.
How do the class sizes and educational approaches of private schools near Cave Creek compare to the highly-rated public schools in the Cave Creek Unified School District?
Cave Creek Unified School District (CCUSD) public schools, such as Cactus Shadows High School, are consistently top-rated, offering a strong academic environment with larger class sizes. In contrast, nearby private schools like BASIS Scottsdale offer a highly accelerated, STEM-focused curriculum with a rigorous workload and typically smaller class sizes. Phoenix Country Day School provides a more balanced, liberal arts approach with extensive arts and athletics. The choice often comes down to pedagogical preference: CCUSD offers excellent, tuition-free education with a broad range of programs, while private options provide specialized curricula, distinct educational philosophies, and often more individualized attention, albeit at a significant cost.
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