Moving - Where Are the Best Schools in Arizona?

Most children are apprehensive about moving. Thinkingyour child with you, so you can both get a feel for the
about going to a new school and making new friendsattitudes of students and teachers.
is intimidating for kids no matter what their age.Check the Schools' Scores
Choosing an area that has schools that cater to yourAll schools receiving public money are required to
child's needs and interests will ease the transition.report certain facts about their enrollment and staff
Neighborhood schools are by far used mostand to administer standardized tests to their students.
commonly. Transportation on a daily basis and forThe results of these are available at the Arizona
extracurricular activities is so much easier with aDepartment of Education website:
neighborhood school.Explore Magnet Schools
Most public schools in Arizona offer open enrollmentAlso, there may be magnet schools in your area.
on a space available basis. This means that parentsThese are public schools that have a special curriculum
can register their child at any public school, so long asdifferent from the rest of the district. Usually, they
they are willing to provide transportation to and fromfocus on a particular field, such as the arts or sciences.
school. This could be a different school in your ownAlthough public schools, they may have an enrollment
district or even in another district.standard that your child must meet in order to be
Arizona's Charter Schools Offer Optionsaccepted into the program.
Arizona parents have additional public options. CharterPrivate Schooling is Another Option
schools in Arizona are privately run schools financedSome parents prefer private education whether
by public money. Parents are usually required toreligious or academic in nature. The academic schools
provide transportation for their children. Limitedgenerally focus on preparing a child to get into the best
amounts of extra classes and extra-curricular activitiescolleges. Often, private schools also have excellent art
are available.and sports programs as well as more intellectual clubs.
During the school year you can visit the schools youThe more prestigious private schools can have an
are considering. Usually, you need to call ahead andextensive application process. As with any school you
make an appointment. Some schools prefer you toare considering, take the time to visit the school to
visit during scheduled tours. You may want to takedetermine if this is best for your child.