The International Baccalaureate Organization’s Diploma Program was created in 1968. It is a demanding pre-university course of study that leads to examinations. Designed for highly motivated secondary school students aged 16 to 19, the program has earned a reputation for rigorous assessment, giving IB diploma holders access to the world’s leading universities. The Diploma Program’s grading system is criterion-referenced, which means that each student’s performance is measured against well-defined levels of achievement. These are consistent from one examination session to the next and are applied equally to all schools.The IBO has shown, over the course of 30 years, that students are well prepared for university work. They are accepted by universities in more than 110 countries.
Arizona schools with IB programs:
Arizona Cultural Academy, 7810 S. 42nd Place, Phoenix, (602) 454-1222
Barry Goldwater High, 2820 W. Rose Garden Lane, Phoenix, (623) 445-3016
Cactus Shadows High, 5802 E. Dove Valley Road, Cave Creek,
(480) 575-2400
Chandler High, 350 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler (480) 812-7700
Desert Mountain High, 12575 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale, (480) 484-7000
Ironwood High, 6051 W. Sweetwater Ave., Glendale, (623) 486-6400
North Canyon High, 1700 E. Union Hills Drive, Phoenix, (623) 780-4306
North High, 1101 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix, (602) 764-6532
Westwood High, 945 W. Eighth St., Mesa, (480) 472-4419
Willow Canyon High School, 17901 W. Lundberg St., Surprise, (623) 523-8024
Source: International Baccalaureate Organization
Excelling schools: http://www.ade.state.az.us/profile/publicview/Excelling.asp
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Publications for obtaining additional information on private schools,
after school programs, child care organizations, special need programs, other youth programs in the Valley:
Parents Guide - (480)705-5961
This publication gathers and provides useful information from a combination of survey responses, submitted material and public records. It contains lists, address and contact information of programs and schools available for children in the Phoenix Metro area.
Jewish News of Greater Phoenix - 1625 E Northern Ave, Suite 106, Phoenix, AZ (602)870-9470.
This publication gathers and provides school and congregation information, as well
as activities in the communities for those of the Jewish faith.
Raising Arizona Kids 4545 E Shea Blvd, Suite 201, Phoenix, AZ 85028 (602)953-5437.
A monthly magazine for Arizona families.
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All School Districts:
Aguafria Union High School District http://www.aguafria.org/
Alhambra Elementary School District http://www.alhambra.k12.az.us/
Cartwright Elementary School District http://www.cartwright.k12.az.us/
Cave Creek Unified School District http://www.ccusd93.org/
Chandler Unified School District http://ww2.chandler.k12.az.us/
Creighton Elementary School District http://www.creightonschools.org/
Deer Valley Unified School District https://www.dvusd.org/
Fountain Hills Unified School District http://www.fhusd.org/
Gilbert Unified School District http://www.gilbert.k12.az.us/
Glendale Elementary School District http://www.gesd40.org/
Glendale Union High School http://www.guhsdaz.org/
Kyrene Elementary School District http://www.kyrene.k12.az.us/
Laveen Elementary School District http://www.laveeneld.k12.az.us/
Liberty Elementary School District http://www.liberty.k12.az.us/
Litchfield Elementary School District http://www.lesd.k12.az.us/
Madison Elementary School District http://madison.az.schoolwebpages.com
Mesa Unified School District http://www.mpsaz.org/
Osborn Elementary School District http://www.osbornnet.org/
Paradise Valley Unified School District http://www.pvusd.k12.az.us/
Pendergast Elementary School District http://www.pendergast.k12.az.us/
Peoria Unified School District http://www.peoriaud.k12.az.us/
Phoenix Elementary School District http://www.phxelem.k12.az.us/
Roosevelt Elementary School District http://www.rsd.k12.az.us/
Scottsdale Unified School District http://www.scottsdale.org/
Tempe Elementary School District http://www.tempe3.k12.az.us/
Tempe Union High School District http://www.tuhsd.k12.az.us/
Washington Elementary School District http://www.wesd.k12.az.us/
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CHARTER SCHOOLS
Many charter schools serve niche populations, such as performing arts students or at-risk students, while others offer different types of curriculums and instruction than traditional district schools. Charter schools often offer smaller class sizes and more individualized instruction. Charter operators, which may be private companies or nonprofit groups, sign a contract or charter, with the state to provide a free public education to any child.
Information: Arizona State Board for Charter Schools (602) 364-3080.
Top 1200 Charter School rankings per Newsweek:
Basis Charter in Tucson was the 3rd, Catalina Foothills in Tucson ranked 949th, Chaparral in Scottsdale ranked 1106th and North Canyon in Phoenix ranked 1169th.
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How to transfer schools:
Open enrollment policies vary from district to disctrict but generally are similar. The example rules that govern admissions of out-of-area students in the Mesa Unified School District:
The school must have capacity to enroll the student. Principals determine how much capacity exists at each school by March 1 for the following school year.
Families that submit open enrollment applications prior to the first Friday in February receive priority status and generally are accepted for enrollment.
Schools notify the parents of students accepted for open enrollment by May 31.
Families may apply for open enrollment at any time, but if they apply after May 31 they will frequently find themselves on a waiting list.
Students on a waiting list are priotirized and then selected on a first-come, first-served basis.
Generally, open enrollment students must provide their own transportation. |
