With so many school options in Arizona, how do you decide which one is best for your children? They can attend a public school, a charter school, or a private school, or you can homeschool them. You want to make the choice that best fits your values and goals. Suppose your choices were narrowed down to either a private school or a charter school. What would be the best option to choose for your child’s journey to success?
You might have some questions such as:
- What is taught in each of these two types of schools?
- Is it difficult to get into private or charter schools?
- How do private and charter schools perform?
- Can I afford to send my child to these schools?
How Does School Curricula Differ?
By law, all schools in Arizona must teach the basics; reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science. Aside from the basics, private schools are completely free to develop their own curricula, with 35% of private schools offering studies that go beyond the normal school curriculum such as interdisciplinary studies.
In addition, 73% percent of Arizona’s private schools belong to either the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), or the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA). Thus, many of Arizona’s private schools include the teaching of religious principles in their curricula.
Private preparatory academies rigorously equip college-bound students for higher learning. With coursework designed according to their own sets of goals, Arizona’s private schools pave the way toward post-high school success.
Charter schools, with the exception of religious associations, contain many of the same elements as private schools. One major difference, though, is they set the bar of achievement standards higher than any other school setting. BASIS charter schools require high school students to take advanced placement (AP) courses and AP exams.
Parents will discover a variety of educational approaches in charter schools since they often employ non-traditional teaching methods; e.g., classical education, Montessori education, language immersion, and STEM courses, to name a few.
How Difficult Are Admissions to These Schools?
Private schools have a hefty admissions process. They admit students based on selective criteria such as religious affiliation, academic achievement, ethnicity, and gender. Students undergo multiple interviews, tests, and the writing of essays to be admitted.
Charter schools in Arizona, however, have zero admissions requirements, aside from being Arizona residents. There are no tests, nor are there any requirements related to demographics; e.g., race, religion, gender, or income level. All students who apply are accepted. The only limitation is the number of seats available; if more students apply than there are seats, there will be a waiting list established through a double-blind lottery system.
How Does School Performance Compare?
The state of Arizona has an average graduation from high school rate of 77%. From private schools, the rate is 62%, and from charter schools it’s 84.5%. BASIS charter schools report a whopping graduation rate of 98%.
In private schools, teachers do not need to be state-certified. They aren’t required to have a degree in education, although most do have a college degree. Likewise, teachers in charter schools are often degreed, but not necessarily in education. Hiring practices are based on each school’s preferences.
Are Charter Schools Funded Differently than Private Schools?
Saving the most conspicuous comparison for last, private and charter schools are funded in vastly different manners. Parents are responsible for supporting a private school education. In 2024, private elementary school tuition per year averaged $10,196 per student. High school tuition averaged $14,321 per student. Tax-credit scholarships, school vouchers, and donations made by businesses and community organizations are available for assistance.
Charter schools don’t charge tuition. Federal and state governments supply funding for them just as they do for traditional schools. The only exception is charter schools don’t receive money from local property taxes as district schools do.
When charter schools began in Arizona in 1994, Arizona’s system for funding schools was not overhauled to include them. To make up the difference for lack of property taxes, which supplies 40% – 45% of school funds, Arizona’s legislature gives charter school students up to $2,000 per student in “equalization dollars”.
In addition, Arizona can apply for grants at the federal and state levels. Private grant foundations also supply money to charter schools; e.g., the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Walton Family Foundation.
Private School vs. Charter School Summary
Have you decided whether to send your children to a charter school or a private school?
Private Schools:
- Parents pay tuition
- Have rigorous entrance requirements
- Have a 62% graduation rate
- 73% affiliate with a religious association
- Offer college preparatory programs
Charter Schools:
- Tuition is paid for by federal and state money
- Have no admissions criteria
- Have an 84.5% graduation rate
- Have no religious or association affiliation
- Have higher academic standards than other schools
What path will you choose for your children?