The Best Private Schools in Scottsdale, Arizona
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Scottsdale. 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 charter schools in the nation, known for its rigorous STEM-focused curriculum and exceptional college preparation. The school features highly qualified subject expert teachers, advanced laboratory facilities, and a comprehensive AP program with students regularly earning top scores. The campus includes state-of-the-art science labs, technology centers, and athletic facilities. Students participate in nationally competitive academic teams and benefit from a culture of academic excellence with strong parent and community support.
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Phoenix Country Day School
Independent School
Phoenix Country Day School is a premier independent school serving the Scottsdale and Paradise Valley communities with a balanced approach to academic excellence and character development. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes, experienced faculty, and extensive arts and athletics programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic fields. PCDS emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and community engagement, with graduates consistently attending top-tier universities nationwide.
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Notre Dame Preparatory High School
Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Schools
Notre Dame Preparatory is a Catholic college preparatory high school serving Scottsdale and the surrounding communities with a comprehensive academic program rooted in faith-based education. The school features specialized academies in STEM, business, and fine arts, along with competitive athletic teams and extensive extracurricular opportunities. Campus facilities include modern science and technology labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. NDP maintains strong academic results with a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes character development through service learning and spiritual formation programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Scottsdale, Arizona
What are the most notable types of private schools available in Scottsdale, Arizona, and how do they differ?
Scottsdale offers a diverse range of private schools, each with distinct educational philosophies. The area is particularly known for highly ranked college-preparatory schools like BASIS Scottsdale, which follows an accelerated STEM-focused curriculum. Phoenix Country Day School provides a rigorous liberal arts education with extensive arts and athletics. Notre Dame Preparatory offers a faith-based, college-prep environment. Additionally, Scottsdale has Montessori, Waldorf, and other progressive independent schools. This variety allows parents to choose a school that closely aligns with their child's learning style and family values, a key advantage in the Scottsdale educational landscape.
How does Arizona's school choice policies, like the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, impact private school tuition in Scottsdale?
Arizona's universal Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program is a significant financial consideration for Scottsdale families. This program allows state education funds to follow a child to the private school of their choice, potentially covering all or a substantial portion of tuition. While tuition at top Scottsdale schools like BASIS or Phoenix Country Day can range from $20,000 to $30,000+ annually, the ESA can make these options more accessible. However, it's crucial to apply for the ESA separately from school admission, understand its annual renewal process, and confirm that your chosen Scottsdale private school is an ESA-approved provider, as most are.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Scottsdale, such as BASIS Scottsdale or Phoenix Country Day School?
The enrollment process for top Scottsdale private schools is highly structured and often begins over a year in advance. Most schools open applications in August or September for the following academic year. Key steps include attending fall open houses, submitting applications by January deadlines, and completing student assessments or shadow days. For schools like Notre Dame Preparatory, there may be an entrance exam. Notification of acceptance is typically sent in March. Due to high demand and limited seats, especially in entry grades, it is strongly recommended that Scottsdale families start their research and tours early, as waitlists are common.
Beyond academics, what unique extracurricular or community programs do Scottsdale private schools offer that leverage the local Arizona environment?
Scottsdale private schools uniquely integrate the Southwestern environment and community into their programs. Many, like Phoenix Country Day School, have robust outdoor education and sustainability initiatives, including desert ecology studies and hiking clubs. Athletics often feature competitive swimming, golf, and tennis, capitalizing on the year-round sunny climate. Arts programs frequently incorporate Native American and Hispanic cultural studies, and some schools organize community service projects with local desert conservation groups or Phoenix-area nonprofits. This connection to the local landscape and culture provides a well-rounded education distinct to the Scottsdale and Arizona experience.
For families moving to the area, how do the top public school districts in Scottsdale compare with the private school options?
Scottsdale is served by several highly-rated public school districts, including Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) and Paradise Valley Unified School District. These districts offer strong academic programs, particularly in gifted education. The choice between public and private often comes down to specific needs. Private schools in Scottsdale typically offer smaller class sizes, more specialized curricula (e.g., accelerated STEM at BASIS), distinct religious or philosophical foundations, and often more resources for college counseling. Public schools provide a tuition-free option with strong extracurriculars and a neighborhood community. Many families use Arizona's open enrollment and ESA program to tailor their choice, making a direct comparison and school visit essential for decision-making in Scottsdale.
Private Education Insights
Finding the Right Fit: A Guide to Scottsdale's Top Private Special Education Schools
As a parent in Scottsdale researching educational options, you may be searching for "private special education schools near me" with a specific set of needs in mind. This journey in the Valley of the Sun requires a nuanced understanding of the local landscape, which often blends specialized support within broader academic excellence. While Scottsdale is renowned for its top-tier private institutions like BASIS Scottsdale, Phoenix Country Day School, and Notre Dame Preparatory, these schools typically follow a rigorous, mainstream curriculum. For families seeking dedicated, private special education environments, the search often extends just beyond our city borders into the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, where several exceptional schools have established their campuses to serve a wider community.
The distinction is important. A private special education school is specifically designed with therapeutic, clinical, and individualized academic frameworks for students with identified learning differences, developmental delays, or social-emotional challenges. These schools offer small class sizes, licensed specialists like speech and occupational therapists on staff, and curricula tailored to diverse learning profiles. In contrast, many mainstream private schools may offer learning support departments or accommodations, but they are not fundamentally structured around specialized education. Therefore, your search in Scottsdale should begin by clarifying the level of support your child requires. For robust, integrated special education, looking toward neighboring cities such as Phoenix, Paradise Valley, and Tempe will reveal dedicated institutions.
Fortunately, Scottsdale’s central location in Maricopa County makes accessing these resources manageable. Several highly-regarded private special education schools are within a reasonable commute. When evaluating options, consider the daily drive along the 101 Loop or Scottsdale Road as you research schools that specialize in areas like autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, or ADHD. It’s advisable to schedule visits and observe classrooms in action. Look for schools accredited by organizations like the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education or those holding memberships in associations for special education. Ask detailed questions about student-to-teacher ratios, the integration of therapy into the school day, and their approach to developing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 Plans.
Furthermore, tap into local networks. Connect with the Arizona Department of Education’s Exceptional Student Services division for guidance and consult with Scottsdale-based pediatricians, educational psychologists, and parent advocacy groups. They often have firsthand knowledge of the programs that Scottsdale families successfully utilize. Remember, investing in a private special education school is an investment in an environment where your child can build confidence and foundational skills. While the perfect fit might not be within Scottsdale’s zip codes, the broader Phoenix area offers quality choices. Your proactive search ensures your child receives an education that doesn’t just accommodate their needs but celebrates their unique learning journey, all while allowing you to remain connected to the vibrant Scottsdale community you call home.