Schools in Phoenix-Scottsdale ( cost , moving, private schools)

[Finski]

I have read several times that schools may or may not be that good. Would someone be able to give more specific information:

- what is the biggest problem with public schools?
- names of couple of very good schools in Phoenix and Scottsdale

- the biggest difference between public and private schools?
- how much does a private (elementary) school cost in the area?

- Compared to the east coast, are the schools much worse?

Thanks for the info!

[sugarlips]

First, I must say that I do not have any kids in school in az. We moved years ago because we didn't want to put our kids in school in the valley. Now we are probably moving back (whole different story). So, I have been looking at school options extensively.

Check out this website:

http://www.schoolmatters.com

You can type in the city or district to get test scores and other information about the various schools.

Here is the Az dept of education school report card site:

http://www.ade.az.gov/srcs/find_school.asp

On the individual school reports, look at the number of "incidents" where the school has had to involve law enforcement. It may be an indication of some issues in the school.

Depending on where you live, you may find east coast schools far superior. Phoenix schools are trying to catch up with all of the growth. There is also the added obstacle of english-learners in some schools. Generally, they are not as well funded as east coast schools in states like MA, NJ, & CT (not sure about NY or PA).

As far as private school, I've seen private HS tuition at around 10k year for the prep schools. I don't know about younger grades yet b/c I haven't gotten that far into my research.

[sugarlips]

one more thing to add about comparing across states....

Comparing terra nova results are a rudimentary way of determining how a school is compared to other schools across the nation. Also, if the AIMS test results are significantly higher than the Terra Nova results, it indicates that the state tests are not on par with the national tests. It is not unlikely that some state tests are "dumbed down" to allow a greater number of children pass. After all, parents usually want to get the best education for their kids in the area that they live. However, it doesn't mean that they are getting the best education and they are none the wiser.

A good way to look at this is using the greatschools.net's compare feature.

Hope this helps.