Blog Graphic - Why BASIS is the Best School in AZ

5 Reasons BASIS Charter Schools Are the Best K–12 Schools in Arizona

Are you looking for a school where your child can thrive? Finding the right school makes all the difference for your child’s future.


School choice options can be overwhelming for Arizona parents—but there’s only one school network in Arizona that has been recognized time and time again for having the top-ranked schools in the state.


The BASIS Charter Schools network has been serving Arizona families for more than 25 years. We started out as a single school in Tucson, Arizona in 1998 and have now grown to 23 campuses across the state, with locations in the Phoenix Valley, Southern Arizona, and Northern Arizona.


BASIS is everywhere and for everyone! All of our campuses are tuition-free and open to all Arizona students.


Find out what makes BASIS Charter Schools the best choice for elementary school, middle school, and high school in Arizona.

1. Accelerated Academics

The BASIS Charter School Curriculum is what drives the success of our students. Our innovative curriculum is designed to accelerate student learning, enabling students to achieve more. 


Starting as early as
kindergarten, BASIS Charter School students learn at a faster pace than traditional public school students. By the end of kindergarten, our students are reading at a first-grade level. In first grade, students are learning second-grade concepts. 


This accelerated pace continues into
high school, where students take a wide variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. We even offer post-AP capstone courses for our seniors, allowing students to explore specific subject matters with a level of depth usually reserved for college courses.


From grades K–12, our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. We balance STEM with humanities, visual arts, and performing arts, giving our students a well-rounded learning experience that sets them up for future success.


If you’re looking for a school that challenges your student and sparks a love of learning, BASIS could be the right fit for you!

2. Top Rankings

Rankings aren’t everything—but they’re a good indication of a school’s commitment to high-quality academics and student support. Rankings and reviews from credible organizations can be a great place to start your school search.


The BASIS network is proud to have numerous schools ranked among the best schools in Arizona. According to the
U.S. News & World Report list of Best High Schools in Arizona, 10 of the top 12 best high schools in the state are BASIS Charter Schools. Schools are ranked on criteria such as state assessment performance and college preparation.


BASIS Peoria tops the chart as the #1 Best High School in Arizona. In addition to being the top school in Arizona, BASIS Peoria was also ranked as the #1 High School in the U.S. That’s right—out of more than 18,000 high schools across the nation, a BASIS Charter School was ranked #1!


BASIS primary schools are top-ranked, too. In the most recent Niche Best Schools rankings, the BASIS Charter Schools network had
8 of the top 10 Best Public Elementary Schools in Arizona. Leading the pack was BASIS Mesa, which was recognized as the #1 Public Elementary School in all of Arizona.

3. Student Achievement

Our network’s incredible rankings would not be possible without the hard work of our students! BASIS Charter School students go above and beyond, surpassing expectations and consistently breaking new records.


Whether it’s at home or abroad, BASIS Charter School students outperform! Our Arizona students consistently exceed the state average on the standardized AASA exam. On the PISA Test for Schools—a highly regarded exam taken by students in more than 70 countries—BASIS students outscore their peers from across the world in math, reading, and science.

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Need more proof? In 2024,
BASIS Charter School students passed 94.5% of their AP Exams. For comparison, the average AP Exam pass rate in the U.S. is 60.2%. 


We achieve these results by continuously raising the bar for our students. We know what our students are capable of, and we give them the tools to reach their full potential. With the help of our dedicated teachers and robust student support services, all students are able to excel.

4. College Prep

Another thing that makes BASIS Charter Schools the best high schools in Arizona is our commitment to college preparation. Our graduates go on to attend many of the most prestigious colleges in the nation. Check out some of the college acceptances for the BASIS Class of 2025!


How do we prepare students to attend top colleges? It’s all thanks to our accelerated academic program and our comprehensive approach to college counseling.


By the time BASIS Charter School students graduate, they have completed a minimum of six AP Exams. This type of advanced coursework not only prepares students to take on a college workload—it also shows colleges that our students are dedicated and hard-working. In addition to our AP courses and post-AP capstones, we offer a unique
Senior Project experience that prepares students for college-level research.


We pride ourselves on providing
personalized college guidance to each student. From early exploration in ninth grade to one-on-one senior year guidance, we’re dedicated to helping students achieve their higher education goals.

5. Vibrant Community

Life at BASIS is filled with unforgettable experiences! Outside of the classroom, the fun continues with student clubs, sports, school events, spirit weeks, student art showcases, and much more. We create an environment where all students feel welcome and can thrive.


With extracurriculars like student clubs and sports, students can discover new passions and socialize with their peers. Extracurriculars vary from campus to campus based on student interest, so be sure to contact your local BASIS Charter School for up-to-date offerings.
Explore what student life looks like at BASIS!


In addition to exciting student activities, we also have a strong parent community. Parents can make connections with other families by joining our
Parent Booster Clubs or attending school-wide community events.


To learn more about what makes BASIS Charter Schools the best schools in Arizona,
join us for an upcoming school tour or info session. During your tour, you’ll be able to explore our campus, meet our staff, and experience our school culture. See for yourself why BASIS is the #1 school network in Arizona. We can’t wait to meet you!

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