2025 Best Public Elementary Schools in Arizona

Senior: I came here in 10th grade, and the experience is awesome! The small class sizes (graduating class size around 30) may take away the mystery, but the familiarity of peers, teachers, and staff makes me feel at home every moment here. I have had multiple teachers here that I will cherish and remember, and its all thanks to the small student body size that they got to know me well. Basis Mesa is a school that prepares the students really well for college. The abundance of smart kids, and the academic-focused curriculum here create a very encouraging and studious environment. Pretty much all of the kids I know here are good kids. No drugs, no alcohol, no bullying, the school environment is clean and nice (at least for the high school area). If I have to complain about something, its the food. The food offered here is horrendous. Pretty much any smart kid can thrive at Basis Mesa, it is a welcoming community that made me a better student, and I hope it does the same to you.... Read 64 reviews

Works Here: Archway Glendale is an excellent school! Academics are rigorous, but students love to learn and teachers love to teach!... Read 1 review

Senior: I hope that in the future the overall sports culture and sports involvement increases. BASIS Flagstaff only offers a certain amount of sports, and student involvement is also unusually low. This is something I would hope to see change in the future.... Read 73 reviews

Parent: My son goes here for the last 4 years and he really likes the school. Teachers are good, knowledgeable and engaging. Curriculum is good as well. With the individual grade dismissal, the pickup wait time is also less. Overall it’s great to be part of basis.... Read 19 reviews

Parent: I have toured several schools, private, public, and charter, we have chosen GREAT HEARTS because it is a traditional, structured and disciplined part of their everyday teachings, who could tell this school is contributing for the future of adults with great heart but also for the hunger to help other with their knowledge. Thank you for your service we love the school... Read 2 reviews

Alum: Self Development Academy teaches their students at a really high level, which will make them more than prepared for high school.... Read 13 reviews

Works Here: From day one, working at BSPW has been my dream job! I fell in love with the two-teacher model and have seen first hand how beneficial this is in offering differentiation and support to students in the classroom. The school culture is out of this world! Parents are so supportive and work hand-in-hand with the teachers and administration to ensure their child's success. The teachers give 100% to each and every child and have created a true love of learning in the classroom. The administration also works hard to support every aspect of the school and will jump in to help whenever help is needed. I am so thankful to be a part of the BSPW family!... Read 8 reviews

Parent: BASIS Scottsdale Primary East has been a wonderful experience for our son! The teachers are highly educated professionals that are dedicated to each and every student on campus. The students are exposed to amazing learning opportunities in core classes, and beyond with their Specials classes. I have seen great balance with core curriculum and hands-on/out of the box experiences for learning in all grade levels (K-4). I would highly recommend BASIS Scottsdale Primary East for a well rounded education.... Read 9 reviews

Parent: What impresses most about BOVP is 1) emphasis on multiple teachers/staff involved in nearly every learning lesson/activity (i.e. lead teacher & fellow as primaries in classroom, but also other teachers/staff instructing different subjects), 2) empowering students to take ownership of their academics, 3) consideration for safety on campus with great communication to parents, & 4) use of science-based curriculum components (i.e. teaching kindergartners to write in cursive from the start). Our daughter THRIVES at BOVP. Yes, she has tests - averaging 3-4 a month total (math & literacy). However, she's never exhibited any anxiety in taking those tests because the teachers prepare her for them. She has homework on an average of 3 nights per week, but she's able to finish without issue - often in less than 10 minutes. She gets exposure to much more than the standard kindergartener, and will no doubt continue to excel at BOVP. We are so impressed by the teachers, staff, and curriculum.... Read 10 reviews

Parent: I highly recommend Valley Academy as the top choice for education in the Phoenix area. It is like a hidden gem. Its standouts feature is the high teacher retention, ensuring a stable and experienced educational environment. The teachers are not only highly professional but also deeply committed to their roles, fostering a strong connection with students. In contrast to other local charter schools, Valley academy offers a harmonious blend of excellent academics, enriching extracurricular activities, and a truly inspiring principal. If you are seeking a school where your child can build a solid foundation for future success, valley academy is the perfect choice. It surpasses other well known charter schools like BASIS, Great Hearts and Adams proving itself as the best option for a comprehensive and engaging education.... Read 10 reviews

Parent: BASIS Peoria Primary is an outstanding school with amazing teachers and administration. I had 3 children go through BPP and they were very successful and prepared for middle school. I highly recommend this school to anyone seeking a top notch academic experience with kind caring teachers to support them.... Read 2 reviews

Parent: This school has been wonderful for my son. He joined in 4th grade and instantly made friends. It’s been such a welcoming place. The teachers are kind and brilliant, with high expectations and great scaffolding in the classroom. The culture is one where it’s cool to like school and to want to do “nerdy” stuff. My son has done both Science Fair and Fantasy Roleplaying activities and loved both. The non-teaching staff is empathetic, professional, and solicitous. I can’t say enough good things - I’m so grateful my son attends there!... Read 4 reviews

Parent: My kids have been attending BBS since 2016 starting with their Pre-K program. Currently one is in fifth grade and the other third grade. We love the fact that it is a smaller school so the classroom sizes are smaller and they have classroom aides which is very helpful. They go to weekly specials, Spanish, Music, PE and Art which my daughter and son thoroughly enjoy. Throughout the school year they put on fun events including an art night to showcase the students artwork which is amazing! My kids have very different learning styles/abilities from each other so the fact that they are able to accommodate each one to be successful and thrive is amazing. My kids love going to school each day and connecting with the teachers, staff and principal there. They are all so friendly, understanding and kind. Overall it has been a very good experience and this is what brings us back each year.... Read 10 reviews

Parent: We have loved our Great Hearts experience so far. The school has high standards, but is not “teaching to the test,” but focusing on a well-rounded, classical education. The teachers are all loving and dedicated to their jobs, and the parent community is amazing.... Read 2 reviews

Parent: We absolutely love Challenger Basic School! Their lovely campus is small and is one of many reasons why I love it! They have a top-notch curriculum and the teachers and staff truly love and care for each and every one of the students. In turn, my kids not only enjoy their experience and time here but they come home with a smile on their face and I couldn't be more proud with their grades. If you want a nurturing and loving environment with excellent curriculum for your children I highly recommend enrolling them at Challenger.... Read 2 reviews

Parent: This school has a great science and humanities curriculum. If a kid is curious and eager to learn - he/she will enjoy this school. In addition to this, the school is for kids who are able to concentrate on tasks and enjoy doing after school tasks (=homework) at home. If it is really hard to organize a kid at home or a kid does not express interest for learning, I do recommend other schools. There are a lot of schools in Tucson which provide with minimum work at home or even none. It is understandable - we are all different. But if a kid loves doing school tasks at home (most of the time BASIS has very fun assignments) on his/her own and do not mind to spend about 30min-1hr per day, then this is your place! You will never regret. You gonna feel how your kid is getting more and more advanced from year to year. And one day you may be surprised by some science facts you heard from your kid which you have never learned yourself.... Read 27 reviews

Junior: Best: My school provides unparalleled education for my area. Most BASIS Prescott graduates say that college is a breeze, even the ones accepted into Ivy League Universities, which is really good. Our graduates almost always get to go to the college that they want to after graduating from BASIS, no matter what school it is. Worst: We have some strange and definitely unnecessary school policies, there aren't many students and therefore not much diversity or culture, and the workload is immense. All this prepares us for any college, though, which is amazing.... Read 53 reviews

Senior: I have attended this institution since 2013. They have an exceptional curriculum where the teachers use the Socratic method to teach. I have had teachers that are well-educated and have decades of teaching experience. These teachers have given me impactful insight on their ideas. One of my English teachers is an example of this. We read and discussed the Bible in class, and he had wonderful insight both about the Biblical figures, and how to apply what we learned into our daily lives. On the other hand, some of my teachers have been under qualified. Sometimes the administration gets too desperate to hire teachers, which negatively impacts those teachers' students. Quite a few of my classes I have learned very little in and have been forced to teach myself to get an exceptional grade. I hope they will consistently take more time to hire teachers. Although these experiences were difficult, I became more independent and served my classmates by helping them understand the material.... Read 85 reviews

Parent: BASIS Chandler Primary South has given my two boys an unbelievable elementary education experience. They have created a learning environment that is both welcoming and engaging while inviting my kids to take risks and challenge themselves. There is a strong family community and culture that makes you feel seen and heard when you need to express any needs to teachers or staff. We love BCPS!... Read 3 reviews