Tempe Preparatory Academy is a public charter school in Tempe, a suburb of Phoenix, Arizona in the United States. Founded in 1996, Tempe Preparatory Academy offers a Great Books, core liberal arts curriculum centered on Western tradition, history, language, and literature.
Serving 30 students in grades 9-12, Valley Preparatory Academy ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is <50% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is <50% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 45%).
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Alternative school / Charter School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 30 students
- Minority Enrollment: 60%
- Graduation Rate: <50% (Top 1% in AZ)
- Math Proficiency: <50% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: <50% (Top 1%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Valley Preparatory Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Community Size
School Overview
Valley Preparatory Academy's student population of 30 students has grown by 7% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
30 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
n/a
Year Founded
1996
Colors
Royal blue, Gold
School Calendar
School Rankings
The diversity score of Valley Preparatory Academy is 0.67, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(18-19)<50%
45%
Student : Teacher Ratio
n/a
17:1
American Indian
7%
5%
Asian
n/a
3%
Hispanic
40%
48%
Black
7%
6%
White
40%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)<50%
77%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
40%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
9%
14%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Knight
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
<50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while <50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% AZ state average).
What is the graduation rate of Valley Preparatory Academy?
The graduation rate of Valley Preparatory Academy is 50%, which is lower than the Arizona state average of 77%.
How many students attend Valley Preparatory Academy?
30 students attend Valley Preparatory Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
40% of Valley Preparatory Academy students are Hispanic, 40% of students are White, 7% of students are American Indian, 7% of students are Black, and 6% of students are Two or more races.
What grades does Valley Preparatory Academy offer ?
Valley Preparatory Academy offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Valley Preparatory Academy part of?
Valley Preparatory Academy is part of Kestrel Schools Inc. (79065) School District.
In what neighborhood is Valley Preparatory Academy located?
Valley Preparatory Academy is located in the Shalimar neighborhood of Tempe, AZ. There are 1 other public schools located in Shalimar.
School Reviews
Review Valley Preparatory Academy. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.

Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.

What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.