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 431 students in grades 6-12, Tempe Preparatory Academy ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 431 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 48%
- Graduation Rate: ≥90% (Top 30% in AZ)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10%
- Math Proficiency: 60% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Tempe Preparatory Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Tempe Preparatory Academy's student population of 431 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 34 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
431 students
Total Classroom Teachers
34 teachers
Year Founded
1996
Colors
Royal blue, Gold
School Rankings
Tempe Preparatory Academy ranks within the top 10% of all 1,921 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Tempe Preparatory Academy is 0.64, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#139 out of 1921 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
5%
Asian
7%
3%
Hispanic
28%
49%
Black
2%
6%
White
52%
33%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
10%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥90%
77%
Eligible for Free Lunch
14%
41%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Knight
- Tempe Preparatory Academy is a charter school in Tempe, a suburb of Phoenix, AZ. Founded in 1996, Tempe Preparatory Academy (also known as Tempe Prep or TPA) was one of the first public schools in Arizona to offer a "Great Books" curriculum centered around Western culture, history, language, and literature. Its motto is Verum, Pulchrum, Bonum, meaning Truth, Beauty, Goodness, the individual ideals that the school upholds. It is also a "sister school" to the network of Great Hearts Preparatory Academies, of which there are two other schools: Veritas Preparatory Academy and the recently-opened Chandler Preparatory Academy. Mesa Preparatory Academy will open for the 2007-8 academic year in the vicinity of University and Power Roads.
- School Philosophy: As a charter school, Tempe Prep offers a "Great Books" education centering around fundamental texts in the Western pantheon. Tempe Prep's philosophy includes small class size (no classroom has more than 20 students) and education using the well-known Socratic method. By using this method of teaching, the school's faculty hope to encourage students to think for themselves and to assist their classmates in learning.
- Admission: As a public school in the state of Arizona, Tempe Preparatory Academy has no entrance requirements. Interested families must apply for the school's annual admissions lottery, which takes place in the spring of each school year. However, admission to Tempe Prep in later grades does not necessarily require a lottery due to smaller class size and attrition. Brothers and sisters of current Tempe Prep students are guaranteed admission to the school, as are children of faculty, board and staff members. Since it is a public school, students at TPA attend free of charge, other than returnable book deposit fees, class standing fees and graduation fees (but families are zealously encouraged to donate to the school).
- Awards: According to the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools 2002 Parent Satisfaction Survey, Tempe Preparatory Academy ranked #1 in its category, with 146 responses averaging 4.05 on a 4.0 grade scale (A+ to F). Over all categories of schools (elementary, middle, high), TPA ranked 9th in the state.
- The state of Arizona has repeatedly rewarded Tempe Prep with an "excelling" label, an honor it shares with a very small number of schools (lawl, we look good b3cause we stack up against schoolz pwnt by the general populace and insufficent funding).
- Coursework: Tempe Preparatory Academy offers few choices in its academic curriculum. 9-12th grade students may choose to study Latin, Greek, French, Spanish, or German. The rest of the curriculum is fixed. Students at Tempe Prep exceed all requirements for students graduating from the state of Arizona.
- Athletics: In addition to being heralded for excellent academics, Tempe Prep is home to a thriving athletics program. Tempe Prep competes in the AIA (Arizona Interscholastic Association) in the 1A Conference's West Region. As of summer 2006, Tempe Prep is the two-time defending state champion in girls' high school track and field. In girls' high school soccer, Tempe Prep is a two time state finalist in winter play, and is the only 1A school competing against larger schools in 2A and 3A opposition. In addition, Tempe Prep is well known for its competitive cross country and basketball programs. Its 2005-2006 high school girls basketball team won its regional tournament. Tempe Prep also features a competitive 8-man tackle football team that shares home fields with Chandler Valley Christian and Phoenix Arizona Lutheran. In the AIA, Tempe Prep also competes in Speech and Debate, where they are the reigning Arizona state champions.
- Tempe Preparatory Academy offers the following athletic teams: Junior High Boys - Basketball, Cross Country, Flag Football, Soccer, Track and Field.
- Junior High Girls - Basketball, Cross Country, Volleyball, Soccer, Track and Field.
- High School Boys - Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Soccer, Track and Field.
- High School Girls - Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Track and Field, Volleyball.
- Senior Thesis and Defense: Senior students at Tempe Preparatory Academy must complete a written thesis and defense before receiving a diploma from the school. Students are required to write a fifteen page thesis on a topic of their interest, using literature they have read during their years at the academy. They are advised by a faculty member of their choice. Then, after their thesis draft is approved, they must appear before a defense committee. All students, teachers and family members are welcome to come to the open defense. The academy hopes that the thesis process is rewarding, and its defense process is designed to question the student about their newfound knowledge and to praise them for their work.
- Senior Trip: On an annual basis during the school's spring break, senior students join faculty members on a trip to Washington D.C. The trip regularly lasts several days and sometimes includes visits to Philadelphia and historic sites in Virginia.
- Dress Code: A strict dress code is enforced for all students, as the school desires that its learners maintain a "professional appearance" and avoid distraction. Male students wear khaki slacks, white or blue shirts, dark socks and dress shoes, while female students have their choice of plaid skirt or blue dress slacks, white or blue shirts, and appropriate socks. Students must maintain conservative standards in terms of hair and jewelry. The school's faculty likewise dresses in a professional manner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tempe Preparatory Academy's ranking?
Tempe Preparatory Academy is ranked #139 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Arizona.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 70% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
What is the graduation rate of Tempe Preparatory Academy?
The graduation rate of Tempe Preparatory Academy is 90%, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 77%.
How many students attend Tempe Preparatory Academy?
431 students attend Tempe Preparatory Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
52% of Tempe Preparatory Academy students are White, 28% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Two or more races, 7% of students are Asian, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Tempe Preparatory Academy?
Tempe Preparatory Academy has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Tempe Preparatory Academy offer ?
Tempe Preparatory Academy offers enrollment in grades 6-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Tempe Preparatory Academy part of?
Tempe Preparatory Academy is part of Tempe Preparatory Academy (4361) School District.
In what neighborhood is Tempe Preparatory Academy located?
Tempe Preparatory Academy is located in the South Tempe neighborhood of Tempe, AZ. There are 21 other public schools located in South Tempe.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Great fit for my student. Her growth is amazing.
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