Arizona Schools
For many years, Arizona was known as a state that was attractive to tourists and retirees, but did not have as much appeal for other demographics. As a state that is among the most rapidly growing in the country, and which can claim more than one community among the most rapidly growing in the nation, Arizona has long since proved these assumptions wrong. The influx of money has also meant an influx of opportunity, and Arizona is a great place to raise an entire family. Any growing state and community needs a well planned out education system, so let’s take a look at what Arizona has to offer in the way of schools.
The Education System
Grade school is run by 220 separate school districts, which are administered by elected county school superintendents. These districts are most commonly divided by the biggest city within the limits, for example the Phoenix Unified District or the Peoria Unified School district. While the local school districts are operated independently, they do fall under the mandate of the Arizona Department of Education.
The Unified school system is a fairly recent development in the history of the Arizona school systems, as parents and teachers as well as government officials attempt to create a system which provides a more equitable education to students from all a district’s catchment areas. These districts will seek to guarantee minimum standards across the spectrum of schools.
As can be expected in a state with a population the size of Arizona’s, there are some discrepancies from school to school. More exclusive schools can be found in the larger cities, with the most exclusive being found in the Scottsdale area. The schools run the gamut, from private to public, with special focuses in performing arts, science, and the literary arts. Montessori schools are also found throughout the state.
Post Secondary Education
Students who complete their grade level years will also find an abundance of opportunities for education within the state of Arizona. Both private and public colleges and universities can be found throughout the state, covering both two year and four year diplomas and degrees. There are also several trades and technical schools.
Arizona State University has campuses in several cities in the state, with the campus in Tempe boasting the second largest student body in the United States, with 51,234 students attending in 2006.
From the beginning years to the most highly specialized areas of post secondary education, Arizona is a state that can fit the needs of students to the satisfaction of any student’s parents. As the state continues to grow, it is likely that an already exemplary education system will only become better.
To learn more about education in the State of Arizona, visit the Arizona Department of Education's website. Another very useful site is Great Schools.
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