The Best Private Schools in Tubac, Arizona
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Tubac. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Gregory School
Independent
The Gregory School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving Southern Arizona, including the Tubac area. Founded in 1980, this accredited institution offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and personalized attention. The school features comprehensive Advanced Placement courses, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, the school emphasizes critical thinking and intellectual curiosity. The 30-acre campus includes modern science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Many graduates attend top-tier universities nationwide.
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St. Michael's Parish Day School
Episcopal Diocese of Arizona
St. Michael's Parish Day School is a respected Episcopal school that has served Southern Arizona families for over seven decades. The school offers a balanced approach to education combining academic excellence with character development and spiritual growth. Their curriculum emphasizes STEAM education, critical thinking, and community service. The campus features dedicated science labs, technology centers, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. With small class sizes and experienced faculty, the school provides a nurturing environment while maintaining high academic standards. The school serves families throughout the region, including those commuting from Tubac.
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Green Valley Pecos School
Independent
Green Valley Pecos School is a well-established private school located approximately 30 minutes from Tubac, serving students from preschool through middle school. Founded in 1999, the school combines Montessori principles with traditional academic excellence in a supportive learning environment. The school features small class sizes, individualized instruction, and a strong focus on developing independent learners. Their campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, art facilities, and extensive outdoor play areas. The school is particularly noted for its strong community atmosphere and commitment to whole-child education, making it a popular choice for families in the greater Santa Cruz County region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Tubac, Arizona
What are the realistic private school options for families living in Tubac, Arizona, given that many top-rated schools are in neighboring cities?
While Tubac itself is a small community with limited on-site private schools, families typically look to schools in the greater Santa Cruz County and Tucson areas. The schools you mentioned, like The Gregory School and St. Michael's Parish Day School, are located in Tucson, approximately a 45-60 minute commute from Tubac. Green Valley Pecos School is closer, in Green Valley, about a 30-minute drive. This means commuting is a significant factor for Tubac residents. Some families also explore smaller, local options or hybrid/home-school programs that leverage Tubac's artistic and historical community resources. It's essential to factor travel time into your decision-making process.
How does Arizona's school choice legislation, like Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs), affect tuition affordability for Tubac families considering private schools?
Arizona's ESA program can significantly impact affordability for eligible Tubac families. This program allows state-funded education dollars to follow a student to a private school of choice. For the 2023-2024 school year, ESA awards can be worth over $7,000 for students without an IEP, which can be applied to tuition at approved private schools like those in Tucson or Green Valley. Eligibility has expanded, but there are application deadlines and specific requirements. This makes schools like The Gregory School more accessible, though families must budget for the remaining tuition balance, transportation costs, and any additional fees not covered by the ESA.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools accessible from Tubac offer that align with the local culture and environment?
Schools serving the Tubac area often incorporate Southern Arizona's unique cultural and environmental landscape into their programs. For example, The Gregory School in Tucson offers robust environmental science and outdoor education programs that can include trips to the nearby Santa Rita Mountains or the Sonoran Desert. St. Michael's Parish Day School emphasizes community service, which can connect with Tubac's close-knit community. Furthermore, the region's strong arts scene is reflected in many schools' visual and performing arts offerings. When researching, ask about specific partnerships, field trip locations, and how they integrate local history, ecology, and Hispanic heritage into the curriculum.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Tucson area that Tubac families need to be aware of?
For competitive Tucson private schools like The Gregory School, the process often begins a full year in advance. Key dates typically include: opening applications in August/September, fall open houses and tours, a January/February application deadline, and admission decisions by March for the following academic year. St. Michael's may have a similar timeline. For Tubac families, it's crucial to start early due to the commute factor; schools may want to discuss your transportation plan. Many schools require entrance assessments, student visits, and parent interviews. We recommend initiating contact with admissions offices in the early fall to secure tour dates and understand any potential considerations for out-of-area applicants.
How do the class sizes and educational environments of private schools near Tubac compare to the local public school options?
The primary public school option for Tubac residents is the Tubac Elementary School District, which is small and rural. In contrast, private schools like The Gregory School offer much smaller average class sizes (often 12-15 students) and a low student-to-teacher ratio, allowing for highly individualized attention. The educational environment in Tucson private schools is typically more academically rigorous and resource-rich, with extensive facilities for STEM, arts, and athletics. However, Tubac's public school offers the advantage of an extremely close-knit, community-based environment with no commute. The choice often comes down to prioritizing specialized resources and a college-preparatory focus against the convenience and deep local integration of the community school.