Congrats! Your child is on the brink of high school or is currently enrolled in grades 9-12.
We've put together this guide to help you find the best high school in Tucson for your child.
If you plan to send your child to a public school for high school, you can call, email, or visit your district office to find the school(s) closest to your home.
Note, however, that Arizona state law allows students to apply for admission to any public school, based on available classroom space (A.R.S. § 15-816.01). If there is a particular public school that you think would be a strong fit for your teen, you are welcome to seek admission regardless of proximity to your home.
As is the case nationwide, public high schools are tuition-free in Tucson.
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A charter school is a public school that receives government funding, but operates independently of the established state school system. Historically, Tucson has been a "charter school friendly city" so there are many charter schools in the metro area and in the surrounding suburbs.
Many of the charter schools in Tucson have stellar academic reputations (beating out public schools in test scores and extracurriculars), while other charter schools have a poor reputation. It is important to take a school tour, to ask for recommendations, and to do your own research before making an enrollment choice for your child.
Because charter schools are public schools, students attend free and do not pay tuition.
Some parents choose to enroll their child in a private school for high school. There are a number of different private schools in Tucson with different focuses - Catholic, Christian, Classical, College Preparatory, University Model, etc.
Private schools are tuition-based and have unique admissions criteria (which may include academic assessments, student/parent interviews, and/or home visits). Private schools have the right to reject admission to students who they do not think are a strong fit for their school.
According to ARS 15-802, “Homeschool means a nonpublic school conducted primarily by the parent, guardian, or other person who has custody of the child or nonpublic instruction provided in the child’s home.”
That statute states that, “Every child between the ages of six and sixteen years shall be provided instruction in at least the subjects of reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, and science.”
You will need to file an affidavit of intent with the county school superintendent stating that your child is being provided with instruction in a homeschool setting. As stated above, you are required to provide your child with instruction in reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, and science.
No additional paperwork, testing, or documentation is required.
For a complete overview of the homeschool laws in Arizona, please see this helpful homeschool information page created by the Pima County School Superintendent.
Be sure to also refer to our homeschooling resource page.
If you have a particular type of high school in mind, rest assured that there a variety of options in Tucson – Christian high schools, high schools for teens with learning disabilities, high schools for gifted children, and more.
The bullet list below summarizes the minimum credit requirements for high school graduation in Arizona (22 credits). Please note that school districts, charter schools, and private schools may, at their discretion, establish additional graduation credit requirements for their students.
* must include one credit of American history (including Arizona history), one credit world history/geography, one-half credit of government, and one-half credit of economics
Attendance at public and charter schools in Tucson is free. Private schools are tuition-based.
Tuition for high school at private schools in Tucson ranges from $6,400-$18,900/year with the average being around $10,000/year. Some schools offer scholarships and financial aid. Parents can also seek out tax credit donations from family and friends, thanks to the innovative Arizona Tax Credit program.
ESA stands for Empowerment Scholarship Account. It is a program that is administered by the Arizona Department of Education.
In essence, parents can choose to opt their child out of the public school system and instead receive funds to enroll their child in a private school or to homeschool.
There are very specific eligibility guidelines for this program. Your child may qualify if he/she falls in one or more of the below categories:
There are application dates each quarter. If your child is approved for the ESA program, you may be able to use the funds for tuition at a private school (specific guidelines and restrictions apply).
In order to find a program that is safe for your teen and that is a strong fit for your family, it is important to ask good questions at any tours or information meetings.
Here are ten questions you may want to ask prospective schools:
Be sure to also ask for a copy of the School Profile, which is a one page sheet that includes information about the school's curriculum, community, and scholar accomplishments.
Great question! With dozens of high schools in Tucson, it’s hard to pinpoint just one. Each high school has a unique community, curriculum, and focus.
The best way to find a high school in Tucson is to ask friends and family members for recommendations. You can also check yelp and google reviews. Finally, don't be shy about scheduling tours at several different schools so that you can make an informed decision.
You may also be interested in the following resource pages:
***Watch this page for new and updated information about high schools in Tucson.
