Very Good
#686 of 2,006 schools in AZ
Top 34% in state
South Mountain Preparatory Academy
Elementary School · Kaizen Education Foundation dba Advance U (91329)
449 E SOUTHERN AVE, Phoenix, AZ 85040
Enrollment
62
Score
7.1
Grades
Kindergarten – 3rd
Enrollment
62
Score
7.1
Grades
Kindergarten – 3rd
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Arizona schools
#686 of 2,006
In Phoenix
#123 of 422
public schools
Academic growth
9.7 / 10
Excellent
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South Mountain Preparatory Academy
Elementary School in Phoenix · grades Kindergarten – 3rd. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Asu Preparatory Academy - South Phoenix Primary
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
St Catherine of Siena Catholic School
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About South Mountain Preparatory Academy
South Mountain Preparatory Academy is a public elementary school in Phoenix, AZ, part of Kaizen Education Foundation dba Advance U (91329). South Mountain Preparatory Academy serves approximately 62 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-3rd. South Mountain Preparatory Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.1 out of 10 and ranks #686 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
Structured state assessment records for South Mountain Preparatory Academy show 25% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2013-2022) and 25% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2017-2022).
- This school 7.1 · Very Good
- AZ avg 6.4
What Parents Should Know
At 62 students, South Mountain Preparatory Academy is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.
South Mountain Preparatory Academy is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.
77% of students at South Mountain Preparatory Academy were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
South Mountain Preparatory Academy — Students at South Mountain Preparatory Academy score 25% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 38%).
Test Scores AZ EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 13 test records from AZ state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.7/10.
How South Mountain Preparatory Academy Compares
See how South Mountain Preparatory Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Location
449 E SOUTHERN AVE, Phoenix, AZ 85040
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering South Mountain Preparatory Academy may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Irene Lopez School (rated 7.7/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Reyes Maria Ruiz Leadership Academy (rated 6.1/10, 0.7 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, V H Lassen Elementary School (rated 5.4/10, 1.1 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Phoenix, see our Phoenix schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.2 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 85040 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$57,890
Median Home Value
$294,800
Median Rent
$1,193/mo
Population
33,325
College Educated
14.6%
Homeownership
47.6%
Avg Commute
25.5 min
Poverty Rate
23.1%
Median Age
30.7
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Concordia Charter School Mesa, AZ | 7.1 |
| Bowie Elementary School Bowie, AZ | 7.0 |
| Hunters Point Boarding School St. Michaels, AZ | 7.0 |
| Kirkland Elementary School Kirkland, AZ | 7.0 |
| PLEASANTVIEW CHRISTIAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Phoenix, AZ | 7.0 |
| Seba Dalkai Boarding School Winslow, AZ | 7.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about South Mountain Preparatory Academy
What grades does South Mountain Preparatory Academy serve?
South Mountain Preparatory Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 3rd.
How many students attend South Mountain Preparatory Academy?
South Mountain Preparatory Academy has an enrollment of approximately 62 students.
How does South Mountain Preparatory Academy rank in AZ?
South Mountain Preparatory Academy ranks #686 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
What is South Mountain Preparatory Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
South Mountain Preparatory Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.1 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at South Mountain Preparatory Academy?
Based on loaded state assessment records, South Mountain Preparatory Academy has 25% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2013-2022) and 25% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2017-2022).
Is South Mountain Preparatory Academy a charter school?
Yes, South Mountain Preparatory Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is South Mountain Preparatory Academy a Title I school?
No, South Mountain Preparatory Academy is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 3rd
- Enrollment
- 62
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Maricopa County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 77.4%
- Phone
- (602) 243-8531
Resources & Links
District
Kaizen Education Foundation dba Advance U (91329)- District Enrollment
- 62
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,269
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
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