Might be relocating to Phoenix have a few questions about schools (Scottsdale: best suburbs, 2013)

[jmgjmg123123]

We might have an opportunity to relocate to Phoenix. I wanted to start researching just in case it happens.

What are the best suburbs around Phoenix ? I am looking for good schools as we have three kids ( 9 6 and 4) and a nice safe area. We are coming from NJ. I have never been to Arizona but I have been warned its hot. It looks gorgeous to me and we are looking for a change.

The job would be at n 27th Ave zip 85027

Thank you for your help

[JTW2013]

The first thing you need to understand about education in AZ is that we have open enrollment here as well as many charters. Open enrollment allows you to enroll your children in any school, that has space, in the state even if it's not your zoned district or school. Charters also practice open enrollment but some are very popular so spots are awarded through a lottery.

This gives parents more freedom to live where they want without worrying about the schools. However, I believe that it's best to live in a neighborhood with good neighborhood schools. Open enrollment does not guarantee a spot. Your children are guaranteed a spot at their neighborhood zoned school.

Second, not all charter schools are created equally. Many of them are worse than any public school. There appears to be little oversight here in AZ over charters.

The best charters (best being measured by test scores) are Basis and Great Hearts which both have very long waitlists. Also many parents do not like the Basis and Great Hearts approach.

The best school districts here are nothing like the best school districts in NJ. A quick comparison of the total spent per student makes that obvious. All of the schools here, even in the best districts and the affluent neighborhoods, are underfunded. And even the best districts in the most affluent neighborhoods are far more diverse than what you would find in affluent areas in the North.

Regardless, I believe it's still possible for children to receive a good education here. Parents here must be more proactive in seeking out the best options for their children. There are many different kinds of options here. The districts have schools for specific interests and well as schools that are more academically rigorous.

The best school district in AZ is the Chandler district which is not close to where you are going to work. Kyrene (south Tempe, parts of Chandler and Ahwatukee) is probably a close second.

You can check out the ratings on Great Schools to get a general idea about the schools and districts. Keep in mind that the scores are all pretty low because AZ's kids uniformly failed the new tests rolled last year. Our best high schools went from being rated 10 to being rated about 7 because of the new test.

[jmgjmg123123]

Thank you so much for your reply ! I did not know that and it is good to know. I did read a lot about the charter schools and how long it was to get into them. I appreciate your help!

[jmgjmg123123]

Someone else suggest deer valley and north Phoenix areas ??

[hawaiiancoconut]

Originally Posted by jmgjmg123123

Someone else suggest deer valley and north Phoenix areas ??

If you want to be close to your work, I would look around that area. I lived in north Phoenix for years (Desert Ridge area) and find neighborhoods north of the 101 Pima highway to be quite safe; fairly new developments with nice schools.

I'm currently having my retirement home built in North Scottsdale, which I find to be quite nice.

[jmgjmg123123]

Thx ! I am going to look into them

[pbenjamin]

Originally Posted by JTW2013

The best school district in AZ is the Chandler district which is not close to where you are going to work. Kyrene (south Tempe, parts of Chandler and Ahwatukee) is probably a close second.

When you say something like that you really need to preface it with "In my opinion" or say "One of the best school districts". The issue is way too subjective to make a blanket statement like that, particularly when talking to someone out of state who has no context. Someone else could just as easily say Madison Elementary or any number of other districts.

[JTW2013]

Originally Posted by pbenjamin

When you say something like that you really need to preface it with "In my opinion" or say "One of the best school districts". The issue is way too subjective to make a blanket statement like that, particularly when talking to someone out of state who has no context. Someone else could just as easily say Madison Elementary or any number of other districts.

Nope, sorry this isn't an "opinion." And it's not "subjective." The state ranks the school districts.

Now one could argue that the conventional method of measuring a school's performance is invalid and suggest alternative measures.

The "best" school district might not be the best school district for a particular child or family.

I read some article recently about how there is a disconnect between what parents think of the local schools compared to how they actually perform. Basically, most parents believe the school their children attend is above average. So it's just a matter of opinion, that one school is better than another.

That's a comforting lie.

[Ponderosa]

Checkout the Arrowhead area. It's around 67th Avenue north of 101 freeway. Schools are fine (schools here are the same as NJ - the better ones are in better (read $$) neighborhoods. Arrowhead is upscale without being out of reach.

[jmgjmg123123]

Ok thanks so much . I will check out arrowhead .