The Best Private Schools in Chandler, Arizona
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Chandler. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
BASIS Chandler
BASIS Charter Schools
BASIS Chandler is consistently ranked among the top private schools in Arizona and nationally. The school offers a rigorous STEM-focused curriculum with advanced placement opportunities beginning in middle school. With small class sizes and highly qualified faculty, the school emphasizes critical thinking and academic excellence. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, technology integration, and comprehensive athletic facilities. BASIS Chandler students consistently achieve exceptional test scores and college acceptance rates, with many graduates attending top-tier universities.
Programs:
Benjamin Franklin Charter School - Gilbert Campus
Benjamin Franklin Charter School
Serving Chandler and Gilbert families, Benjamin Franklin Charter School provides a classical education model emphasizing academic rigor and character development. The school follows the Core Knowledge sequence with strong foundations in literacy, mathematics, and classical studies. The Gilbert campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, and extensive athletic facilities. With a focus on traditional values and academic excellence, the school maintains high parent satisfaction through its structured learning environment and dedicated teaching staff. The curriculum includes comprehensive arts, music, and foreign language programs.
Programs:
Tempe Preparatory Academy
Tempe Preparatory Academy
Tempe Preparatory Academy serves students from Chandler and the greater East Valley with a rigorous classical education program. As an International Baccalaureate World School, it offers the IB Diploma Programme alongside traditional liberal arts curriculum. The school emphasizes Socratic discussion, critical thinking, and comprehensive college preparation. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and competitive athletic programs. With a strong community atmosphere and dedicated faculty, Tempe Prep graduates consistently achieve high college acceptance rates and academic success at the university level.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Chandler, Arizona
What are the primary types of private school options available to families in Chandler, Arizona?
Chandler offers a diverse range of private school models. You'll find nationally recognized college-prep schools like BASIS Chandler, which follows an accelerated liberal arts and STEM curriculum. There are also classical education institutions like Tempe Preparatory Academy (serving the broader East Valley, including Chandler), which emphasizes the Great Books and Socratic seminars. Additionally, Arizona's unique charter school landscape, which includes top-rated tuition-free public charter options like Benjamin Franklin Charter School on its Gilbert campus (attended by many Chandler residents), provides a significant alternative. Chandler also has several faith-based private schools and Montessori institutions, giving parents a spectrum of pedagogical and philosophical choices.
How does Arizona's school choice policy, specifically the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, impact private school affordability in Chandler?
Arizona's universal ESA program is a major consideration for Chandler families. It allows state-funded education dollars to follow a student to a private school of choice. For the 2023-24 school year, the award is approximately $7,000-$8,000 per student, which can be applied directly to tuition at an approved private school like BASIS Chandler or a faith-based academy. This significantly reduces the out-of-pocket cost for many families. However, it's crucial to verify that your chosen school is an ESA provider, understand the application and fund management process, and note that the ESA may not cover the full tuition at some elite preparatory schools.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable among top private schools in the Chandler area?
Chandler-area private schools are known for distinct specializations. BASIS Chandler is renowned for its intense STEM focus, with students often taking Advanced Placement® courses in middle school and engaging in high-level research. Tempe Preparatory Academy offers a unique Junior and Senior Thesis program, a capstone of its classical liberal arts model. For extracurriculars, many schools leverage the metro area's resources for robust robotics clubs, competitive sports leagues within the Canyon Athletic Association, and partnerships with local tech companies and ASU for internships. The climate also allows for unique outdoor education and athletic programs year-round.
What are the typical enrollment timelines and key deadlines for competitive private schools in Chandler, like BASIS Chandler?
Planning ahead is essential. For highly sought-after schools like BASIS Chandler, the open enrollment period typically begins in the fall (often October or November) for the following academic year. These schools often use a lottery system for any available seats after prioritizing siblings of current students. Missing the open enrollment window usually places your child on a waitlist. Other schools, like Tempe Preparatory Academy, may have application deadlines in January with entrance exams and family interviews scheduled shortly after. We strongly recommend checking specific school websites in August or September to mark your calendar, as deadlines are strict and spaces are limited.
How do the academic environments and outcomes of Chandler's top private schools compare to the highly-rated public schools in districts like Chandler Unified?
This is a key local consideration. Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) is consistently ranked among the best public districts in Arizona, offering strong academics, extensive AP/IB programs, and impressive facilities. The choice often comes down to educational philosophy and environment. Private schools like BASIS and Tempe Prep offer much smaller average class sizes, a highly curated peer group focused on college preparation, and a specific pedagogical approach (accelerated, classical). They often boast near-100% college acceptance rates to top-tier universities. Public schools in CUSD provide a broader, more diverse social environment, a wider array of elective and vocational tracks, and no tuition cost. The decision frequently hinges on whether a family seeks a highly specialized, intensive environment or a comprehensive, community-based one.