Founded in 1996 as one of the first public charter schools in the valley, Tempe Preparatory Academy serves about 450 students in sixth through twelfth grade.
Here, the faculty and staff follow the academy’s mission to “educate students for the lifelong pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty.” Unlike in most schools, Tempe Prep students in grades 9-11 are required to perform at least 10 hours of community service and seniors must complete and defend a thesis in order to graduate — all in an effort to deepen character and foster career-minded individuals.
Through a rigorous curriculum centered in the Western tradition, students also learn to think critically, both in academics and the fine arts. And as a result, academy students earn stellar test scores in reading and math that are more than twice the state averages, helping Tempe Prep to rank as one of the top high schools in Arizona.
In addition to daily classes, students can pursue passions in more than 30 school clubs, ranging from choir and debate to Math Society and robotics, while aspiring athletes can compete in a dozen interscholastics, from football to swimming.
Tempe Preparatory Academy also hosts a calendar of spirit weeks, school dances, out-of-state field trips, and student concerts to keep Tempe Prep Knights active and engaged all year long.
Tempe Preparatory Academy
Charter Middle, High School
|
Grade 6-12
1251 E Southern Ave,
Tempe, AZ
School Details
Head of School
Dr. Wayne Porter
Student Teacher Ratio
0:1
Average SAT Score
1300
Average ACT Score
28
Math Proficiency
57%
Reading Proficiency
70%
Average GPA
3.58
Graduation Rate
90%
Niche Grade
A
A+
A
A+
A-
A-
B+
A+
Source: Niche
Niche Grade Details
Academics
Average GPA
3.58
Reading Proficiency
70%
Math Proficiency
57%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
0:1
Teachers
0
Teachers in First or Second Year
3%
College Prep
Average SAT
1300
Math
640
Verbal
660
Average ACT
28
Math
27
English
29
Reading
30
Science
27
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Average
Boys Athletic Participation
Low
GreatSchools Rating
Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating Details
Test Scores
Math
13%
State Average
44%
Science
55%
State Average
31%
Teachers and Staff
Students Per Counselor
224:1
Student Diversity
Male
50.1%
Female
49.9%
White
52%
Male
50.1%
Female
49.9%
Hispanic
28.2%
Economically disadvantaged
18.4%
Two or more races
9.6%
Asian
6.5%
School Rankings
#1
Best Public HS Teachers in Arizona
#3
Best Public MS Teachers in Arizona
#9
Best Charter MS in Arizona
Specialty School Programs
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
Athletics Program
Colleges Students are Considering
Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
Arizona State University
124 Students
Northern Arizona University
87 Students
University of Arizona
82 Students
University of California - Los Angeles
43 Students
University of San Diego
36 Students
University of Southern California
25 Students
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Prescott
24 Students
Grand Canyon University
21 Students
Arizona State University - West Campus
19 Students
Stanford University
18 Students
What Students Want to Study
Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Business
30 Students
Biology
19 Students
Psychology
17 Students
Pre-Medicine Studies
17 Students
Computer Science
17 Students
Political Science and Government
16 Students
Mechanical Engineering
15 Students
Engineering
13 Students
Nursing
12 Students
Economics
10 Students
This School’s Reviews
Niche Reviews
11/21/2024
Tempe Prep has been an excellent place to prepare their students for success. They have an amazing faculty of adults who care about our future. The school developed more and more each day. Showing up to school everyday has been taught me many life challenges and lessons. I can not wait to see my future contributions throughout Tempe Prep.
10/25/2024
I really enjoy Tempe Prep. The teachers are so amazing, theyre always ready to help and answer questions. The academics are challenging. The school is small which is kind of nice, you basically know everyone which is actually helpful when youre working in groups and what not.
4/30/2023
I have attended TPA since the 6th grade, and now am a senior. This school truly creates a love of learning and a deeper appreciation of education. These teachers strive for each student's success and knowledge.
GreatSchools Reviews
12/12/2025
At Tempe Preparatory Academy the learning environment is great. It is a nice distraction free environment where all students free safe and read to ask questions. The teachers are all extremely supportive and willing to do whatever it takes to help you learn. At the end of the day, you even get thirt...
12/10/2025
As a student who is currently enrolled at TPA, I have come to appreciate all of the unique learning opportunities that are available to me here. My classes are small, and consist of around 24 kids each, allowing me to participate frequently in our in-class discussions. I also receive plenty of atten...
12/9/2025
Tempe Prep truly is a special school, and I am constantly inspired by the level of education provided. The small class sizes make a big difference; teachers know every student well, and it shows in how comfortable all the students are participating. The Socratic-style discussions are one of my favor...
12/8/2025
Very welcoming community. The teachers are very nice. Able to be challenged but also have fun. The teachers help students understand the work instead of solely memorizing it. I've had a great time and have made great friends.
Agents Specializing Near This School
-
Kirsten Shafer
Kirsten Shafer
Property Plus USA Realty
(833) 907-3738
64 Total Sales
3 Near This School
$975 - $265K Price Range
-
Jack Toro
Jack Toro
eHomes
(833) 972-2811
63 Total Sales
2 Near This School
$214K - $230K Price Range
-
Tamera Bourne
Tamera Bourne
Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty
(623) 254-5247
51 Total Sales
1 Near This School
$627,500 Price
-
Christi Lott
Christi Lott
Keller Williams, Professional Partners
(623) 552-4966
49 Total Sales
1 Near This School
$622,526 Price
-
Wendy Herst
Wendy Herst
DeLex Realty
(623) 552-2560
88 Total Sales
1 Near This School
$485,000 Price
-
Angela Escobedo
Angela Escobedo
Realty Executives Arizona Territory
(623) 300-2556
25 Total Sales
1 Near This School
$465,560 Price
Map
List Price Range
$245K - $797K
Homes For Sale
63
Average Home Value
$502,150
Median Lot Size
5,227 Sq Ft
% Renters
60%
Average Household Income
$89,540
% of College Grads
48.4%
Median Age
34
Average House Size
1,856 Sq Ft
% Commercial Property
53.6%
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Additional Schools in the Area
Public Schools shown may be Choice Schools
Choice Schools
Choice schools may not serve this home. Please check the school district website to see all schools serving this home.
- 9th to 12th
- Charter
- 9th to 12th
- Charter
- 6th to 12th
- Charter
Parks in this Area
Selleh Park
- Basketball
- Fishing
- Grills
Ehrhardt Park
- Basketball
- Grills
- Picnic Area
Meyer Park
- Baseball/Softball
- Basketball
- Grills
Hollis Park
- Basketball
- Grills
- Picnic Area
Cole Park
- Basketball
- Picnic Area
- Trails
Daumler Park
- Basketball
- Grills
- Picnic Area
Additional Neighborhoods in this Area
Marilyn Ann
Walkable neighborhood just over a mile from downtown Tempe and ASU
Tempe Preparatory Academy is a charter school for students in grades 6-12 located at 1251 E Southern Ave in Tempe, AZ. Annual tuition is $0. The school has a total enrollment of 447 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 0:1. Academic records show that 57% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 70% are proficient in reading. Tempe Preparatory Academy has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of A+ and a GreatSchools Rating of 8 out of 10. The average GPA is 3.58, the graduation rate is 90%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1300 and an ACT score of 28. The average home value in this area is $502,150. Discover additional schools in the area, like Educational Models for Learning ? Arizona, New School for the Arts & Academics, James Madison Preparatory School, and more. Learn more about what Tempe has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Tempe Preparatory Academy.