The Greater Phoenix, Arizona schools offer a wide variety of opportunities for both public and private education.

The Arizona Department of Education’s mission is to “increase the quality of public education in the State of Arizona by raising expectations and providing support, resources and assurances that enable schools and students to excel.” There are many different choices in the Phoenix AZ school systems for private K-12 school as well, and charter schools are increasing in popularity. They are public, independent, state-funded schools that contract with the State Board of Education as an additional academic choice for parents.

There are many higher education institutions throughout the Phoenix, AZ Valley, both public and private, and the Maricopa Community Colleges are one of the largest higher education systems in the nation with 10 colleges and 2 skill centers. They offer 7 associate degrees and 933 Certificates of Completion. Each year, more than 250,000 students attend Maricopa Community Colleges. Arizona State University (ASU) is a Research university located in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. There are several campuses throughout the Valley, though the main campus is located in Tempe. As of 2006, ASU is the 2nd largest university in the nation in terms of student enrollment, with a student body of 51,234 individuals. Other higher education institutions include Grand Canyon University, Western International University and the prestigious Thunderbird: American Graduate School of Management. Also in the metro area are the University of Phoenix, Scottsdale Culinary Institute, Apollo College, and The Art Institute of Phoenix…just to name a few!