Well, now that we are into May, I hope you have the chance to review this answer, but if it makes you more comfortable, my husband is from Perth, and my neighbor is from Sydney!! And we both have children who have attended preschool and now elementary school at Camelback Desert School the Scottsdale Campus which starting next year will serve 2 years to 8th grade. The school is small nuturing, very multicultural, and lends to a classroom size that allows the teacher to have extremely individualized learning. I hope you take the time to check it out when your arrive, as I know if will be tough as you will arrive near school year end, however the campus is open over the summer due to summer camps held on the campus, so the principle and some teachers will still be on site. If my step children who migrated here last year were not of upper school age, I would have encouraged their attendance as well.

I live in 85254 zip as well, Liberty Elementary, Sunrise Middle, and Horizon are excellent for public schools. My little went to Liberty, until I moved her to Basis Scottsdale in 5th grade.

Good luck, and welcome to Scottsdale

Hi Aus-Mom,
Our family was doing the same thing (moving - not from Australia however!) last summer & I was really lost about where to send my daughters for school (I have a 2nd grader, kindergartner & 2 1/2 yr old).

We moved into North/central Scottsdale (85254 zip) & couldn't be happier! My daughters go to Sequoya Elementary & have gotten a wonderful education - we live in this school's area, but many kids attend that don't live within the boundaries (and they do!) So, that's one thing to remember about Arizona - it has open enrollment.

There are also lots of options regarding charter & private schools. Like the writer said above, it's a bit complicated, but you might research that, too. You can get tax credits for going to a charter school, as well, but again, I don't understand it.

From my point of view, I thought starting with a highly -rated public school was the way to start out -- then, we would keep an open mind about whether that was a good choice for our girls. I'm so glad I did - my 2nd grader is reading above a 6th grade level! And, they both love, love their school. Also, the feeder middle school (Cocopah) & high school (Chaparral) is very highly rated.

Also, this school has LOTS of parental involvement - there are sooo many ways to be active in their school...b/c I have (like you) a little one, that's been more difficult, but next year when she's in preschool, it'll be easier.

You asked about preschools -- I am actually in the midst of doing that research now. My youngest will be three in July. The recommends that I have gotten are "Casy Preschool" (on Cactus) & La Casa de Cristo Christian Preschool. I am visiting a number of preschools over the next month, so will keep you updated on what I find out. One tidbit of info. for you is that Sequoya has an excellent pre-K AT the school for 4 year olds. So, I will be taking my youngest there when she turns four because I've heard nothing but great things...for next year however, we'll have to find somewhere else. There aren't as many reviews on preschools, so that's been harder for me, so I'm getting most of my recommends from families who live in my neighborhood.

Apology for this being so long. I just remember how lost I was figuring this all out. Please feel free to ask any questions...

Have a great day!!

Greetings! Your posting caught my eye, as I've visited some parts "down under" and would like to go back someday. I'm not from Arizona, but I think I can answer some of your questions to get you started...
In the U.S., there are a variety of schools. Public schools, which are paid for through everyone's taxes, provide free education to children from kindergarten (age 5) through grade 12 (around age 18). Private schools may be affiliated with different groups, such as churches, or those who use particular teaching methods, such as Montessori. Parents who send their children to private schools pay tuition costs.
Charter schools are a type of public school, that exist in certain communities. This previous discussion may help to explain, and it lists many other resources: community.greatschools.net/advice/15/Don-t-Know-Much-About-Charter-Schools-?cpage=2#comment_172229

In most communities, where you live determines which public school your children would attend. Charter schools and public schools draw students from a wider area, and there is usually some kind of application and/or testing process required to get admitted. You might click on the "Find a School" feature on the green menu bar near the top of this page, where you can enter a location and grade level (kindergarten is elementary level) and see what schools are in a given area, and for public schools, you can see how their students rate on statewide testing. (1 is low, 10 is highest.) In most cases, unless your preschooler had developmental delays, you would expect to have to pay for preschool tuition on your own. I hope this helps.