Phoenix has 47 different public school districts. Originally, just one elementary district and one high school district served Phoenix. As the city began to develop, the county's scattered rural districts became part of the metro area, but few consolidated. While numerous districts allow for neighborhood access to school boards and administrators, future consolidation may be inevitable to sanction school funding and to provide more equity between wealthy districts and poor ones.
Charter schools provide an alternative to public schools.
Metro Phoenix has more than 100 charter schools that focus on the arts, vocational training, or a more traditional academic curriculum. Charter schools are publicly funded and do not charge tuition or have the entrance requirements of private schools. Because each district maintains its own calendar, with some continuing year-round, the first step is to contact your district office for registration start dates and times. When registering for public school in Maricopa County, bring your child's original birth certificate and immunization records. In addition to standard immunizations, Arizona also requires hepatitis A and B immunizations.