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Guide to Local Schools in Scottsdale

Celina Acosta Real Estate Group October 18, 2024
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From well-respected public schools to competitive charter programs and elite private institutions, Scottsdale provides a wealth of opportunities catering to diverse educational needs. Whether you’re looking for a school with a solid academic reputation, a focus on extracurricular activities, or a specialized curriculum, Scottsdale offers something for every family. Below, we look at the public, charter, and private schools that make this city an exceptional place to raise and educate your children.

Public Schools in Scottsdale

Scottsdale is predominantly served by the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD), with a portion of northwest Scottsdale zoned for the Paradise Valley Unified School District (PVUSD). Both districts are known for their high academic standards and strong community support.

Sequoya Elementary School, PK-5

11808 North 64th Street, Scottsdale

Adjacent to Scottsdale’s Equestrian Manor neighborhood, Sequoya Elementary School is recognized for its commitment to fostering a love of learning. Sequoya’s approach blends academics with creative, hands-on learning experiences in a supportive and nurturing environment. The school offers a curriculum focused on developing critical thinking skills and creativity, encouraging students to explore subjects like math, science, and the arts with enthusiasm. A robust parent-teacher community enhances the student experience, ensuring a well-rounded education for every child.

Sonoran Sky Elementary School, K-6

12990 North 75th Street, Scottsdale

Sonoran Sky Elementary School
is part of the Paradise Valley Unified School District and offers an exceptional educational experience for kindergarten through 6th grade students. Known for its high academic standards and engaged teaching staff, Sonoran Sky is a leader in STEAM education. The school provides students with numerous opportunities to engage in hands-on learning, particularly in technology and science, making it a standout for families looking for a forward-thinking educational environment.

Cheyenne Traditional School, PK-8

13636 North 100th Street, Scottsdale

Cheyenne Traditional School
is a public school of choice in the SUSD that offers a structured, traditional educational model for preschool through 8th-grade students without geographical enrollment boundaries. Known for its rigorous academic standards, the school provides a core knowledge curriculum emphasizing mastery of fundamental subjects. Cheyenne also places a strong focus on character development, ensuring students not only excel academically but also grow into responsible and ethical citizens. 

Copper Ridge School, PK-8

10101 East Thompson Parkway, Scottsdale

Also, as a PK through 8th-grade SUSD school of choice, Copper Ridge School offers a comprehensive educational experience for students in the heart of North Scottsdale. Copper Ridge is celebrated for its innovative teaching methods, which combine academic excellence with social-emotional learning. The school’s AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) initiatives focus on collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to prepare students for future success. Additionally, Copper Ridge’s integration of technology into daily learning ensures students are well-equipped for the modern world.

Desert Mountain High School, 9-12

12575 East Via Linda, Scottsdale

One of the flagship schools in SUSD, Desert Mountain High School is the top-rated public high school in Scottsdale and offers a broad array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, a prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) program, and a diverse range of extracurricular activities. Known for its academic standards, Desert Mountain High School prepares students for college and beyond, focusing on critical thinking, leadership, and community engagement. The school’s strong athletics program and arts initiatives also allow students to develop talents outside the classroom.

BASIS Scottsdale, Charter Schools

11440 N. 136th Street, BASIS Scottsdale Primary East, K-4
7476 East Tierra Buena Lane, BASIS Scottsdale Primary West, K-4
10400 N. 128th Street - BASIS Scottsdale, 5-12

For families desiring a more specialized approach to education, Scottsdale offers several top-tier charter schools, including BASIS Scottsdale. Considered to be among the best schools of any kind in Arizona and consistently ranked as one of the top public charter schools in the country, BASIS Scottsdale and its two primary schools—BASIS Scottsdale Primary East and BASIS Scottsdale Primary West—are lauded for its demanding academic curriculum, which includes advanced coursework in math, science, and the humanities. Regardless of grade level, students at BASIS Scottsdale are encouraged to develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Upon reaching high school, there is an emphasis on mastering college-level material before graduation. The school’s success in preparing students for top-tier universities has made it a highly competitive choice for families in Scottsdale.

Private Schools in Scottsdale

Scottsdale is also home to a variety of prestigious private schools that offer small class sizes, individualized attention, and unique educational philosophies.

Phoenix Country Day School, K-12

3901 East Stanford Drive, Paradise Valley

Considered the top K through 12 private schools in Arizona, Phoenix Country Day School is a premier independent private school on a sprawling 40-acre campus in nearby Paradise Valley. Phoenix Country Day offers a challenging academic curriculum emphasizing the arts, athletics, and leadership. Boasting an 8:1 student-teacher ratio, the school’s small class sizes and dedicated faculty ensure each student receives individualized attention and support. With a track record of sending graduates to top-tier colleges and universities, PCDS is a popular choice for families seeking an elite, well-rounded education.

Rancho Solano Preparatory School, PK-12

5656 E Greenway, Scottsdale - Lower School
9180 East Via de Ventura, Scottsdale - Middle/Upper School

The leading private school in Scottsdale, Rancho Solano Preparatory School, offers a world-class education to students from preschool through 12th grade. Also considered the state’s top boarding/international school, Rancho Solano is celebrated for its personalized learning approach, allowing teachers to tailor instruction to each student's needs and strengths. Rancho Solano’s college preparatory curriculum includes a wide range of AP and honors courses and a strong emphasis on global citizenship and leadership. The school’s state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to innovation across its two campuses make it a top choice for families seeking a cutting-edge education.

International School of Arizona, K-8

9522 East San Salvador Drive, Scottsdale

The International School of Arizona offers a bilingual, multicultural education for kindergarten through 8th grade students. ISA provides a unique curriculum that combines the American educational system with the French and Spanish language immersion programs, fostering global awareness and cultural fluency. The school’s focus on academic excellence and international-mindedness makes it a standout for families seeking an education emphasizing language acquisition, critical thinking, and global citizenship.

Ready to Discover More with a Trusted Scottsdale Real Estate Expert

Scottsdale is more than just a luxury destination; it’s a place where families can thrive thanks to its wide array of educational opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a traditional public school, a specialized charter school, or an elite private institution, Scottsdale has something to offer for every family.

If you're interested in learning more about the educational opportunities in the region or are ready to begin searching for a Scottsdale home for sale, contact Celina Acosta today to start your real estate journey. Let Celina's experience and expertise help you navigate the Scottsdale luxury real market.



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