Welcome to Arizona Gifted Academy’s
2026–27 Application!

Arizona Gifted Academy (AGA) is a private, boutique microschool serving gifted, advanced, creative, and deeply curious learners in PK–5th grade. As a state-registered private school, AGA accepts ESA funds.

We offer two program options: a University-Hybrid Program (on-campus Mondays and Wednesdays) and a Five-Day Program (with Fridays as half-days). Cohorts are intentionally small, with ratios no greater than 1:9, ensuring a highly personalized learning experience aligned with best practices in gifted education.

The 2026–27 school year begins Monday, August 10 and follows a calendar closely aligned with Scottsdale Unified.

Our mission is to cultivate a genuine love of learning within an intellectually rigorous and supportive environment where bright minds can truly thrive. Through project-based learning, differentiated curriculum, and ability-based cohorts, students are consistently challenged and deeply engaged. We partner with families seeking a more meaningful, personalized educational experience designed specifically for gifted learners.

AGA is especially well-suited for students who ask big questions, seek depth and acceleration, and are advanced in one or more areas, including those who are profoundly gifted, highly creative, or deeply curious. We also welcome twice-exceptional (2e) students and thoughtfully consider each applicant to ensure strong alignment with our program.

At AGA, we understand the nuances of giftedness, including asynchronous development, executive functioning growth, and emotional intensity, and intentionally support students in these areas.

We are committed to nurturing each student’s potential, empowering today’s bright minds to grow into tomorrow’s thoughtful leaders, inventors, and chandemakers.

Space is intentionally limited to preserve the quality and integrity of the learning experience.

 

Allergy Policy + Peanut-Free Commitment
To support the safety of students with severe allergies, and to preserve the space of the facility with which we are partnering, peanuts and peanut-containing products are not permitted on campus at any time. We ask families to partner with us by ensuring that all snacks and lunches are free from peanuts and peanut products. We recognize that students may have a range of food allergies and sensitivities. We ask families to inform the school of any known allergies or dietary restrictions, fill out an Allergy Action Plan (form avaiable on request), and supply any emergency medications (e.g., epinephrine) necessary.

 

Thematic Units & Project-Based Learning Model
At Arizona Gifted Academy, students engage in ability-based math and grammar circles, where instruction is aligned to readiness rather than age. This ensures that each student is appropriately challenged while building a strong academic foundation.

In addition, students participate in a thematic, project-based learning model designed to meet the needs of gifted learners through depth, complexity, and interdisciplinary thinking. Every 4–6 weeks, scholars engage in a new thematic unit that integrates core subject areas, including science, social studies, reading, writing, mathematics, and the arts. This approach aligns with research-based best practices in gifted education, emphasizing depth over breadth, inquiry-driven learning, and opportunities for advanced thinking.

Inquiry-Based Learning
Each unit begins with broad, essential questions that promote critical thinking and real-world connection. For example, in a Patterns & Systems unit, students may explore questions such as: How do systems maintain balance? What patterns exist in nature, human systems, or designed environments? How do small changes create large-scale impact? What systems am I part of?

Students then develop their own questions within an area of interest, as it pertains to the thematic unit. ("What systems and patterns exist in outer space?" or "How do patterns in a football game impact the outcome?") Inquiry may include reading, teacher-guided research, hands-on exploration, field experiences, and expert input, culminating in a project that reflects their understanding.

Student-Led Unit Projects
After students gather information and begin to answer their guiding research question, they will complete a Unit Project to demonstrate their understanding. Unit Projects will vary widely by age and ability, and may include: original storybooks and illustrated narratives; posters and visual displays; 3D models or architectural builds; hands-on science experiments and engineering prototypes; student-created films, short documentaries, or video presentations; podcasts and recorded interviews; creative writing pieces or journals; art collections, paintings, and mixed media projects; inventions and prototype designs; detailed LEGO creations and structural builds; custom board games or interactive learning games; digital presentations or simple websites; role-play performances or skits; historical simulations; nature studies or field journals; business ideas or student-run “mini companies”; product design and branding concepts; math-based models and real-world problem-solving challenges; and applied design projects that connect learning to real-world situations.

Each project is designed to allow students to express their learning in a way that reflects both their developmental level and individual interests, while encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and meaningful application of knowledge.

Written Component
Students beginning in first grade are guided through written components that accompany their projects. These reflections are designed to help students articulate their thinking, synthesize their learning, and make meaningful connections. This approach is aligned with best practices in gifted education, which emphasize metacognition, depth of understanding, and the ability to communicate ideas effectively.

Project Presentations
Students may choose to present their work in small-group settings, where they are recognized as the “expert” in their area of study. These presentations provide opportunities to develop communication and public speaking skills in a supportive environment, while building confidence and a sense of ownership over their learning.

Mastery-Based Assessment
Students receive thoughtful, individualized feedback from teachers that emphasizes depth of understanding, the ability to make meaningful connections, and creative effort. This mastery-based feedback approach is aligned with research-based best practices in gifted education, prioritizing advanced thinking, conceptual understanding, and continued growth over traditional grading.

 

Physical Activity + Outside Time:

At Arizona Gifted Academy, we believe movement is essential to well-being and whole-child development. Students engage in daily outdoor activity that may include both unstructured play and structured physical education blocks focused on agility, coordination, movement, and exposure to a variety of sports and games.

Outdoor time is guided by state temperature and safety guidelines to ensure student well-being. We do not require gym uniforms or outfit changes; however, students are expected to wear comfortable clothing and athletic shoes each day to support active participation.

Family Partnership Agreement:

Arizona Gifted Academy is a state-registered private school and 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by educators, former administrators, and parents within the gifted community, with a shared commitment to expanding meaningful opportunities for gifted learners in Arizona.

We are dedicated to providing a rigorous, engaging, and thoughtfully designed educational experience, with flexible scheduling options that support the unique needs of each student and family. Our unique microschool model is made possible through close partnership with families who are actively engaged in their child’s learning journey. As we make decisions about admission, we consider whehter the family is committed to sharing the role of educating and nurturing their child's intellectual, emotional, and social wellbeing.

Hybrid-University Program: Family Partnership

Our Hybrid-University Program is modeled after the university model, whereby students attend class on select days and continue active learning on alternate days. Students admitted to our Hybrid-University program attend in person on Mondays and Wednesdays, aligned closely with the Scottsdale Unified calendar. The 2026–27 academic year will begin on August 10. The school day begins at 9:00 AM (drop-off opens at 8:45 AM) and concludes at 2:00 PM, with a pick-up window extending until 2:15 PM. As a small microschool model, we will not offer before- or after-care for the 2026–27 year.

On independent home learning days, students remain active participants in their own educational journey, with encouragement and support from family. Learning objectives and guidance will be provided by AGA educators and will include student reading (of choice), math work, and independent project work (which integrates math, science, social studies, and language arts). Project work may include guided research such as reading about their project area, conducting research online or viewing videos with parental guidance*, visiting museums or other relevant in-person experiences, as well as building or creating their project. Student projects are supported by rubrics but remain highly flexible, and may include dioramas, poster boards, LEGO models, computer presentations, clay models, 3D structures built from chosen materials, and more.

Families are encouraged to approach home learning days with thoughtful flexibility and intention—supporting their child’s growth in ways that align with their individual needs and family rhythms. It is not our expectation that students spend hours each day completing worksheets, but rather that learning is intentional within the times and spaces that best align with student and family needs, as guided by AGA. As a school, we believe children grow from focused work, and we also believe they develop holistically through enrichment opportunities such as music lessons, sports, and chess, as well as through community volunteering, social gatherings, travel, and meaningful time with family—playing games, conversing without phones, reading books together, being active together, watching movies together, discussing current events, and so forth.

AGA seeks to partner with families who understand and value our multifaceted and holistic learning model. By enrolling in the Hybrid-University program, families agree to engage meaningfully in this shared responsibility.

Hybrid-University students and families are warmly invited to participate in field trip experiences (held one Friday each month). We also warmly welcome Hybrid-University students to take part in AGA community events, including the Winter Entrepreneurs’ Market and the Spring STEM Fair. Families will receive twice-yearly progress reports, end-of-year mastery-based transcripts, and opportunities to participate in teacher conferences twice yearly. Students may opt in to optional NWEA MAP testing (offered a non-school day).  As a school, we do not participate in state-mandated standardized testing, allowing us to prioritize deeper, more meaningful assessments of student learning. Students will receive portfolios with academic feedback, including documentation of growth and acceleration, during our end-of-year Advancement Ceremony.

As required by state private school guidelines, attendance will be documented for school and family records. As a school, we understand that families have unique schedules and do not subscribe to rigid attendance policies; however, we ask for clear communication regarding expected absences.

 

Full-Time Program Family Partnership Agreement
Our full-time program operates Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (drop-off begins at 8:45 AM; pick-up concludes at 2:15 PM), and Fridays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The 2026–27 academic year will begin on August 10 in accordance with the Scottsdale Unified schedule. As a small microschool model, we will not offer before or after-care for the 2026-27 year.

Our full-time model provides a consistent, immersive learning environment designed to support intellectual growth, collaboration, and continuity across the school week. Full-Time students will conduct project-based learning at school; our educators will provide ample resources and guidance, but AGA may occasionally ask families to check-out additional subject-related books when a student is conducting research for an independent project.

One Friday per month, the school will take field trip experience days. On these days, students will not have a traditional on-campus schedule; instead, families will be invited to participate in off-site learning experiences. We also warmly welcome all students to partake in AGA community events, including the Winter Entrepreneurs’ Market and the Spring STEM Fair.

Families will receive twice-yearly progress reports, end-of-year mastery based transcripts, and have opportunities to participate in conferences. Students will receive portfolios with academic feedback, including documentation of growth and acceleration, in our end-of-year Advancement Ceremony. Students may opt in to optional NWEA MAP testing for those interested. As a school, we do not participate in state-mandated standardized testing, allowing us to prioritize deeper, more meaningful assessments of student learning.

As required by state private school guidelines, attendance will be documented for school and family records. As a school, we understand that families have unique schedules and do not subscribe to rigid attendance policies; however, we ask for clear communication regarding expected absences.

Adult Background Check Policy:

We prioritize the safety and well-being of our scholars. All individuals working or volunteering with Arizona Gifted Academy are required to undergo background checks, including faculty, staff, and parent volunteers.

Respectful Communication Policy

All members of the Arizona Gifted Academy community—including teachers, administration, parents, and students—are expected to engage in civil, respectful, and constructive communication, reflecting our shared commitment to a positive and supportive community.

Partnership in Student Advancement Policy

At Arizona Gifted Academy, our goal is to support gifted learners in reaching their full potential. The school administration is happy to write recommendations or references for students seeking participation in enrichment programs such as Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, Northwestern Center for Talent Development, Stanford Math Circles, Baylor TIP, or other university-supported opportunities. These references are provided at the discretion of school leadership based on the student’s engagement, progress, and demonstrated strengths.

Homework Policy

At Arizona Gifted Academy, we emphasize depth, mastery, and meaningful learning rather than routine or excessive homework assignments in elementary grades.

When additional practice may benefit a student, teachers will partner with families through an informal conference to align on next steps and expectations.

Assessments and Feedback Policy

Arizona Gifted Academy is committed to mastery-based reporting rather than traditional letter grades. This approach aligns with guidance from the National Association for Gifted Children, which emphasizes assessment practices that reflect individual growth and depth of understanding, rather than normative, grade-level comparisons.

Families receive thoughtful check-ins and mastery-based progress reports during fall and spring conferences. At the end of the academic year, students engage in portfolio-based assessments that reflect their growth, depth of understanding, and intellectual development. Families are warmly invited to connect with teachers at any time to schedule additional conversations.

Testing Policy

In alignment with many leading independent schools, Arizona Gifted Academy does not center its program around state or standardized testing. Rather, we prioritize thoughtful, mastery-based assessment practices that reflect each student’s depth of understanding, growth, and intellectual development. Families may elect to participate in the NWEA MAP assessment during the winter as an additional, optional point of reference.

Media Policy

At Arizona Gifted Academy, we are committed to fostering a learning environment that is safe, focused, and developmentally appropriate for all students. We recognize that today’s digital landscape presents increasing exposure to mature and potentially harmful content at younger ages.

We ask families to partner with us in thoughtfully monitoring and guiding their child’s access to media outside of school, including internet use, streaming content, video games, and social media. This includes making reasonable efforts to limit exposure to obscene, explicit, or highly mature material that may impact a child’s well-being, behavior, or interactions within the school environment.

Our goal is not to impose rigid standards, but to ensure that students arrive at school in a space that supports healthy social dynamics, emotional development, and age-appropriate conversation. When students are consistently exposed to mature content beyond their developmental readiness, it can influence peer interactions and the overall classroom environment.

We value open communication and trust with our families and believe that a shared commitment to thoughtful media exposure helps create the best possible experience for all students in our community.

 

Dress Code Policy
As part of fostering a strong sense of community and a purposeful learning environment, Arizona Gifted Academy maintains a “soft” dress code that balances a polished appearance with student comfort and autonomy.

Students are encouraged to wear an AGA shirt, polo, or another top free from prominent non-school graphics. Pants or shorts of any style are welcome, with an emphasis on comfort and a neat, school-appropriate appearance.

Students should wear comfortable footwear suitable for both classroom activities and outdoor movement.

AI and Screen Use Policy

At Arizona Gifted Academy, we are committed to a learning environment grounded in research on child development and best practices in gifted education. Our program prioritizes hands-on, project-based, collaborative, and pen-to-paper experiences that cultivate deep thinking, creativity, and intellectual independence.

In alignment with many leading independent schools, we do not rely on screen-based platforms as a primary mode of instruction, nor do we utilize adaptive learning applications (such as i-Ready or IXL) as core components of our academic program. Instead, we prioritize engagement, critical thinking, and creativity over routine screen use.

Technology is used intentionally and purposefully. Students may engage with shared resource computers for activities such as research, writing, coding, and applied projects, including 3D printing.

Arizona Gifted Academy does not enter into agreements that require the sharing of student or family data with third-party technology or AI companies. We are committed to protecting student privacy and handling all information with care and discretion. We also value open communication with families and remain responsive to evolving perspectives in this area.

 

 

Student Phone & Smart Watch Policy

At Arizona Gifted Academy, we prioritize a focused, distraction-free learning environment where students can fully engage with our community.

Students may wear simple communication devices, such as Gabb watches or similar options, that allow for parent contact but do not include internet access or entertainment features. While we ask that students do not call or text parents during the school day, we understand the sense of security these devices can provide.

If a student brings a phone to campus, it should remain on silent and stored in their backpack or bag throughout the school day. If concerns arise regarding device use, we will communicate directly with the family to ensure alignment with our expectations.

Our goal is to create a space where attention, presence, and meaningful interaction are protected. We appreciate our families’ partnership in helping students develop healthy and appropriate boundaries with technology.

 

Sensitive Topics Policy

At Arizona Gifted Academy, classroom instruction is intentionally centered on core academic areas, including mathematics, science, language arts, social studies, logic, and creative thinking.

Instruction is designed to remain age-appropriate and academically focused. The Academy does not provide formal instruction or curriculum in areas outside this scope, including political advocacy or topics such as sexuality, gender identity, or partisan issues. We believe these areas are best addressed by families in a manner that aligns with their values.

If students raise questions or interests related to topics outside this scope (we know that gifted children often love big questions), teachers will respond in an age-appropriate and respectful manner and, when appropriate, guide students toward related areas of inquiry aligned with the AGA's academic focus.

Arizona Gifted Academy is committed to maintaining a respectful learning environment where all students are treated with dignity, while preserving a clear academic focus within the classroom.

 

 

Library Involvement

At Arizona Gifted Academy, reading is a central part of each student’s intellectual life. We prioritize engagement with physical books as a means of developing critical thinking, curiosity, depth of understanding, and a genuine love of learning.

Teachers will provide reading material, but may also recommend specific texts aligned with a student’s interests or areas of study to families. (This is common when a student pursues an independent research project.) In addition to the growing collection within our school, we encourage families to establish access to a local library, allowing students to explore a wide range of literature and pursue their curiosity with independence.

This partnership supports the development of lifelong readers and ensures that students have consistent access to high-quality, thoughtfully selected materials.

Zero Bullying Policy

At Arizona Gifted Academy, we are committed to cultivating a community defined by respect, kindness, and personal responsibility. Every student deserves to feel safe and supported so they can be fully engaged in the learning and creative process.

With this in mind, we maintain a zero-tolerance stance toward bullying in any form—including physical, verbal, relational, or digital behaviors that intimidate, demean, exclude, or harm another student. This includes repeated negative actions as well as serious single incidents that compromise a student’s sense of safety or belonging. We ask that families discuss these expectations with their child prior to the start of the school year.

Our expectations are rooted in the belief that highly capable learners must also develop strong character, empathy, and integrity. Students are guided to communicate thoughtfully, resolve conflict constructively, and take ownership of their actions within our community.

ESA-Compliance & Non-Discrimination Agreement
In accordance with Arizona ESA laws, Arizona Gifted Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability.

Tuition
Arizona Gifted Academy is committed to maintaining a 1:9 teacher-to-student ratio, reflecting our dedication to providing an intentional, personalized, and research-informed educational experience. To preserve this level of care, enrollment is limited, and spaces are held exclusively for enrolled students.

Tuition is paid in ten monthly installments beginning in July (covering August) and concluding in April (covering May). Enrollment at Arizona Gifted Academy is considered a full-year commitment.

Arizona Gifted Academy is approved to recieve Arizona ESA funds.

Hybrid-University Program:
$780 per month
$7,800 annually

Full-time Program:
$1,725 per month
$17,250 annually

Founding Families Discount:

As Arizona Gifted Academy establishes its first student cohorts, a limited number of families will join the school as Founding Families.*

Founding Cohort Tuition:

Full-Time Program
$1,550 monthly
$15,500 annually

University Model Program
$690 per month
$6,900 annually

*Founding Families include the first six families to secure registration for the 2026-27 year.

Registration Fee
Arizona Gifted Academy is a mission-driven organization committed to providing a high-quality learning environment for gifted students. To support this, we maintain low student-to-teacher ratios (no more than 1:9) and prioritize meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. Enrollment is intentionally limited to preserve the integrity of our program.

Upon acceptance, families are asked to secure their child’s placement with a non-refundable registration fee of $225. A student’s placement is not reserved until this fee has been received.

Payment of the registration fee confirms a family’s commitment to the full academic year. As such, tuition is considered a binding obligation regardless of withdrawal, except in circumstances approved by school leadership.

Materials & Enrichment Fee
Families who are accepted and choose to enroll will be asked to provide a short list of primary school supplies for their child. In addition, Arizona Gifted Academy has an annual Materials & Enrichment Fee of $175 per student.

This fee supports the hands-on, project-based learning experiences that are central to our program and allows the Academy to provide specialized resources beyond a traditional classroom. These may include circuit-building materials, chess sets, STEM curriculum, 3D printing resources, high-quality art supplies, mathematical manipulatives, and other thoughtfully selected learning tools.