The Best Private Schools in Marana, Arizona
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Marana. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Gregory College Preparatory School
Independent
St. Gregory College Preparatory School is a highly regarded independent school serving the greater Tucson area including Marana. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. Students benefit from small class sizes averaging 12:1 student-teacher ratio, extensive arts programs including visual arts, theater, and music, and competitive athletics. The campus features modern facilities with science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic fields. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
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Salpointe Catholic High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson
Salpointe Catholic High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Marana and throughout Southern Arizona. With a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, Salpointe offers a comprehensive curriculum including 28 Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, athletic complex, and modern classroom technology. The school maintains a 15:1 student-teacher ratio and has a 99% college acceptance rate. Extracurricular activities include championship athletic teams, competitive robotics, and numerous clubs.
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Green Fields Country Day School
Independent
Green Fields Country Day School is an independent college preparatory school with a long history of serving students from Marana and the Tucson area. The school emphasizes personalized education with small class sizes and individual attention. The curriculum balances rigorous academics with character development and outdoor education. The 17-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, athletic facilities, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. Green Fields offers a comprehensive arts program, competitive sports, and requires community service. The school maintains strong college placement records and focuses on developing well-rounded students prepared for higher education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Marana, Arizona
What are the primary private school options serving families in Marana, Arizona, and are they located within the town limits?
While Marana itself has a limited number of standalone private schools, families commonly look to nearby Tucson for established institutions. The top schools serving the Marana community include St. Gregory College Preparatory School (Tucson), Salpointe Catholic High School (Tucson), and Green Fields Country Day School (Tucson). These schools are within a reasonable commuting distance. Marana-based private options are typically smaller, faith-based academies or charter schools. It's important for Marana parents to factor in commute times to Tucson, which can range from 20 to 40 minutes depending on exact location.
How does Arizona's school choice programs, like Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs), affect private school tuition for Marana residents?
Arizona's ESA program is a significant factor for Marana families considering private education. It allows eligible students to apply state-funded education dollars toward private school tuition, therapies, tutoring, and other educational services. For the 2023-2024 school year, the award amount is approximately $7,000-$8,000 per student, which can substantially offset tuition costs at participating schools like Salpointe Catholic or Green Fields. It's crucial to verify that your chosen private school accepts ESA funds and to apply for the program well in advance of the school year, as processing times can be lengthy.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Marana, AZ, that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Tucson area, accessible to Marana students, often incorporate Southern Arizona's unique geography and culture into their programs. For example, St. Gregory and Green Fields may offer environmental science programs that utilize the nearby Sonoran Desert for fieldwork. Salpointe Catholic has strong athletics programs that compete regionally. Many schools also emphasize Spanish language immersion, reflecting the border state culture. Robotics, aviation (leveraging local aerospace industries), and astronomy (with ties to Tucson's renowned observatories) are other notable specializations available.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private high schools like Salpointe Catholic when applying from Marana?
For sought-after Tucson private high schools like Salpointe Catholic, the process for Marana applicants typically begins a full year in advance. Admissions for fall entry often open in August or September, with application deadlines between December and February. The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and completing a entrance exam (like the HSPT). Many schools also require a family interview. It's highly advised to attend open houses in the fall. Due to competitive seats, especially for non-feeder school or non-parish applicants, starting early is essential for Marana families.
For a family living in Marana, what are the key considerations when deciding between the high-performing Marana Unified public school district and a private school in Tucson?
The decision hinges on several Marana-specific factors. Marana Unified School District (MUSD) is highly rated, offering advanced placement, CTE programs, and strong athletics without tuition or a commute. Choosing a private school in Tucson involves weighing the benefits of a specific religious education, smaller class sizes, or specialized curricula against the cost (even with ESAs) and daily commute time via I-10 or other routes. For high school, consider if a private school's college counseling network or unique programs justify the trade-off. Many families also consider the social and community aspect, as Tucson private schools draw from a wider geographic area than MUSD neighborhood schools.