Schools in Arizona have been in session for over a month. By now, many parents are wondering if they made the right choice for their student’s high school. It can be a bit confusing with the school choice options of private, public, and charter high schools. How does a parent decide what is right for their student? We recommend that when searching for the best private high schools, best public high schools, or best charter high schools for your student, research and compare academic performance, educational philosophy, costs, and overall student success. Each school type offers unique advantages, and finding the right fit can have a significant impact on your child’s future.
Comparing the Best Private, Public, and Charter High Schools
In general, data shows that students attending the best charter high schools frequently outperform their peers at public schools. In Arizona, charter school students scored an average of 8% higher on state proficiency exams than public school students. Additionally, the ACT and SAT scores of charter school students are on par with those of private school students. This data reinforces the fact that great charter schools can provide a high-quality education comparable to that of the best private high schools, but without the hefty price tag. For more detailed performance data, visit the Arizona Department of Education’s website.
Cost Comparison of Private, Public, and Charter High Schools in Phoenix, Arizona
In Arizona, the total cost of high school education varies significantly between public, private, and charter schools. Public high schools are tuition-free, but families often pay $100 to $500 annually for extracurricular activities like sports and clubs. Charter schools, such as Jefferson Preparatory High School offer tuition-free education due to state funding through Arizona’s school choice legislation, with extracurricular costs similar to public schools, making them an affordable option. Find out more about general cost comparisons and insights on extracurricular activities HERE.
Private high schools typically charge $10,000 to $20,000 per year in tuition, plus additional fees for extracurricular activities. Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program helps reduce this cost by providing eligible families with $7,000 to $9,000 per year toward private school tuition. While this makes private education more accessible, families often still need to cover the remaining tuition balance and activity fees, resulting in higher out-of-pocket costs compared to public and charter schools. Overall, charter schools provide a strong academic option with fewer costs than private schools, while offering similar academic outcomes and learning environments.
Jefferson Preparatory High School (JPHS) in north Phoenix is a prime example of the success of high-quality charter schools as a very viable alternative to private high schools. With an A rating from the Arizona Department of Education, JPHS delivers the academic excellence parents seek when searching for the best charter high school.
When deciding between private, public, or charter high schools in Phoenix, Arizona, JPHS stands out as an excellent choice with its classical education philosophy, which emphasizes logic, critical thinking, and a well-rounded curriculum. This approach fosters intellectual curiosity and builds the skills necessary for long-term academic and professional success. Graduates of JPHS consistently excel in college and become leaders in their fields.
Schedule a Tour at Jefferson Preparatory High School
If you’re looking for a school that offers the academic rigor of the best private high school without the high cost, consider Jefferson Preparatory High School. Download a free info kit and schedule a tour at JPHS’s website today HERE.