Top-rated Mesa elementary schools (2024)

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Mesa is the third largest city in Arizona. Just outside Phoenix and Tempe, part of the East Valley, Mesa lies north of Gilbert and Chandler, offering affordable cost of living while enjoying all the same amenities.

As part of Maricopa county, Mesa boasts plentiful outdoor recreation, as well as diverse career opportunities in fields like aerospace and healthcare.

With the steady growth of young families in the area, Mesa offers rich choices in educational options including Mesa Public Schools, the largest public school district in Arizona, which includes several charter schools in communities such as Signal Butte, Eastmark, Queen Creek, and more.

What to look for in a Mesa elementary school

Choosing the right elementary school in Mesa is crucial as it lays the foundation for your child’s educational journey.

It can be difficult to compare public schools, private schools, charter schools, and montessori schools. A good place to start is by considering the school’s curriculum and teaching methods to ensure they align with your child’s learning style. Determine if the school’s culture and environment is welcoming and inclusive, and is set up to promote positive values and behaviors.

Determine whether the school offers special programs or extracurricular activities that might interest your child.

Research the school’s performance in state rankings, test scores, and reviews to get an idea of the school’s academic performance and reputation.

Lastly, don’t overlook practical considerations such as location, school hours, and enrollment which affects student-teacher ratio. These can influence your child’s daily experience and comfort level at school.

With Mesa’s growing population and student growth, it’s more important than ever to select a school that can cater to these dynamics. Schools like ASU Prep Poly STEM Elementary excel in this regard, offering a robust curriculum, personalized learning, and a nurturing environment. Their commitment to fostering academic excellence and developing well-rounded students makes them an ideal choice for your child’s early education.

The best elementary schools in Mesa, Arizona

With the best elementary schools, Mesa offers a wide range of options for families, including top-rated public, private, charter, and montessori schools that reflect a trend toward specialized education in STEM, career, and technical pursuits.

We selected schools with a track record of student success, community support, and a focus on preparing students to reach future academic milestones.

1. ASU Prep Poly STEM Elementary

View their Instagram post here.

ASU Prep Poly STEM Elementary is a tuition-free, public school that serves students PreK-6 with a curriculum designed to prepare students for a future in STEM from an early age.

The school is conveniently located on the Arizona State University Polytechnic college campus with access to student and faculty mentors.

ASU Prep Poly STEM students focus on hands-on projects and real-life problem-solving to foster a love of learning and the development of critical thinking skills.

Students can seamlessly transition to junior high school at ASU Prep Poly Spark Institute and ultimately, ASU Prep Poly STEM High School.

This continuity in education enhances their learning experience, fostering an environment that nurtures their passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics throughout their academic journey.

Students are empowered with a strong support system that includes highly-qualified teachers, a team of counselors, school leadership, university mentors, as well as family involvement.

Overall, ASU Prep Poly STEM Academy is committed to providing rigorous, university-preparatory education that equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in the 21st century.

Take a virtual tour of the vibrant campus to see where children are flourishing and developing their potential.

Notable features include:

  • Tuition-free public school
  • Instruction in STEM, music, Spanish, physical education, and art
  • Project-based and team-focused approaches to learning
  • Family Choice Day on Fridays, allowing families to choose where and how students learn.
  • Seamless transition to ASU Prep Poly Spark Institute and ASU Prep Poly STEM High School with access to internships and university courses on the ASU Polytechnic Campus
  • Early college opportunities to earn tuition-free university credit

Name: ASU Preparatory Polytechnic STEM Academy
Address: 6950 E Williams Field Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212
Contact Number: (480) 727-5700
Website: https://asuprep.asu.edu/poly-stem-elementary

2. Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

View their Facebook post here.

Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies serves students from grades 4 through 9 and is recognized as an International Baccalaureate school.

The Academy’s curriculum is academically challenging and socially engaging, providing a well-rounded educational experience for all children. Its diverse options include STEM, career and technical education.

The Renowned International Baccalaureate Program offers a rigorous curriculum for high-achieving students.

With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, students receive personalized attention and support throughout the school year. The program boasts the title of First LEGO League Robotics State Champions, showcasing its commitment to innovation and excellence.

Additionally, the program emphasizes integrated foreign language learning, providing students in Mesa with a well-rounded and immersive educational experience. It is an ideal choice for families seeking an academically challenging environment for their children.

To learn more about Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies, please visit their Facebook.

3. Franklin Accelerated Academy Brimhall Campus

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Franklin Accelerated Academy Brimhall Campus serves students from PreK-6.

This school is known for its accelerated academic programs and commitment to high standards of education. The school participates in Xplore, an extended-day program for Kindergarten to 6th grade students that includes a variety of instructional and recreational activities, including academic support, engineering, science, virtual reality, athletics and more.

Notable features of the school include an active parent organization that supports the school’s activities and initiatives.

The school provides a traditional setting with an accelerated curriculum.

It fosters a culture focused on respect and responsibility. Additionally, the school utilizes the Spalding Method, an integrated language-arts program, for elementary school students in grades K-6.

To learn more about Franklin Accelerated Academy Brimhall Campus, please visit their Facebook.

4. Franklin Accelerated Academy East Campus

Franklin East Accelerated Academy East Campus serves students from PreK-6, providing an accelerated academic program.

The school supports student development through extracurricular activities like Student Council and Garden Club.

Notable features of this elementary school include a student-teacher ratio of 17:1.

As part of Mesa public schools, this elementary program fosters a culture that prioritizes respect and responsibility, with strong parent involvement and support.

Students learn to read using authentic children’s literature, and we implement the Spalding Method, an integrated language arts program, from kindergarten through sixth grade.

To learn more about Franklin Accelerated Academy East Campus, please visit their Facebook.

5. Franklin Accelerated Academy Jordan Campus

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Franklin Accelerated Academy Jordan Campus provides an accelerated curriculum to its students.

The Band and Orchestra program offers 4th – 6th grade students the ability to increase creativity, improve discipline, and collaborate with peers.

Franklin Jordan Campus is part of the Mesa school district. One of the key aspects is its “Back to basics” traditional school setting, which provides a solid foundation for students’ education.

The school culture is centered around respect and responsibility, with strong parent involvement and support.

In addition, elementary students learn to read using authentic children’s literature, fostering a love for reading from an early age. The Spalding Method, an integrated language-arts program, is implemented from Kindergarten to 6th grade, ensuring a comprehensive approach to language development.

To learn more about Franklin Accelerated Academy Jordan Campus, please visit their Facebook.

6. Franklin Accelerated Academy Downtown Campus

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Franklin Accelerated Academy Downtown Campus serves students from PreK-6.

The downtown campus provides a favorable learning environment that fosters strong relationships. The principal is noted for setting aside time for individual student interaction.

The school’s educational mission is to provide not only literacy skills, but challenge, reward, and encourage the development of individual talents and give the motivation to excel for all students.

Employing a “back to basics” traditional school setting, the culture is centered around respect and responsibility, with strong parent involvement and support.

This Mesa elementary school encourages student council participation, fostering leadership skills and a sense of community.

Students learn to read using authentic children’s literature, while the Spalding Method, an integrated language-arts program, is implemented from Kindergarten through 6th grade.

To learn more about Franklin Accelerated Academy Downtown Campus, please visit their Facebook.

7. MacArthur Elementary School

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MacArthur Elementary School serves students from PreK-6 with the motto “Where Learning Today is Leading Tomorrow.”

School values are reinforced through Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.

Notable features of this Mesa elementary school include a student-teacher ratio of 18:1, fostering an environment where each student receives individual attention and support.

MacArthur Elementary School prides itself on high community engagement, working closely with parents and the local community to create a collaborative learning experience.

The curriculum is designed to prepare elementary students for junior high school, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge for the next phase of their education.

With engaging hands-on lessons that promote active learning and critical thinking, this school has been recognized by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation for our commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle among students.

8. Las Sendas Elementary School

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Las Sendas Elementary School serves students from PreK-6.

The school has a strong reputation for its music program and the principal and teachers are noted for their care for the students.

The school’s STEM institute focuses on the Design Thinking Process, encouraging students to create solutions for real-life problems.

The school boasts a student-teacher ratio of 19:1, ensuring that students receive individualized attention and support.

The curriculum is designed to be challenging, providing students with the opportunity to excel academically.

Additionally, the school offers a large orchestra program, allowing students to explore and develop their musical talents.

Furthermore, there is a student-led news program, enabling students to gain valuable experience in journalism and broadcasting. Lastly, the school has a STEM institute, fostering a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among students.

To learn more about Las Sendas Elementary School, please visit their Facebook.

9. Hermosa Vista Elementary School

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Hermosa Vista Elementary School serves students PreK-6.

Inclusive Early Learning Programs promise that young children of all abilities will learn and grow together, receiving the necessary support, equipment, and materials.

All students at the school have the opportunity to develop Spanish language skills through either the Spanish Dual-Language Immersion program or the Spanish FLEX program.

Additionally, Hermosa Vista Elementary School has an active parent organization that actively supports our students’ education. Students also benefit from physical education twice a week, with the option to join the morning walking/jogging club.

The school also boasts the Next Education Workforce, which builds teams of educators with distributed expertise to provide all students with deeper and personalized learning experiences.

To learn more about Hermosa Vista Elementary School, please visit their Facebook.

10. Hale Elementary School

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Hale Elementary School, known as “Home of the Heroes,” serves students PreK-6 with the motto “Believe and Achieve.”

The school’s Gifted and Talented program emphasizes skills for critical and creative problem-solving, research, and self-development.

Therapy dog visits from Paws and Peers bring smiles to students, helping them meet social and emotional needs.

Notable features of this school include a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, an active and supportive parent organization, and a variety of extracurricular activities such as Battle of the Books, Chorus, Math Team, Student Council, and STEAM Club.

Hale Elementary offers an arts program, with orchestra, band, and fine arts classes. In addition, they promote healthy lifestyles through Physical Education and Fitness classes.

To learn more about Hale Elementary School, please visit their Facebook.

Comparing top-rated Mesa elementary schools?

Teacher next to ASU Prep Academy sign

ASU Prep Poly STEM Elementary is a great tuition-free elementary option to consider if you want a learning environment that immerses students in STEM-centered education from a young age. We believe all students can achieve success at the highest levels, and it’s why our education is personalized, project-based, and delivered at a pace that meets students where they are.

The pathway to higher education and career success continues through middle school at ASU Prep Poly Spark Institute, followed by ASU Prep Poly STEM High School.

Chartered by Arizona State University, ASU Prep Academy students are Sun Devils from day one, receiving regular opportunities for mentorship by ASU students and faculty. It’s how we’re helping students discover and pursue their passions, achieve their goals, and build a lifelong love of learning on their journey to success.

To learn more about ASU Prep Poly STEM Elementary, please visit our website.