Updated October 2026 · 7-minute read · For families in Gilbert, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, and across Arizona
Quick answer
The best time to start choosing a school for next year is fall. Tour from October through December, apply as soon as you find your fit, and plan on kindergarten registration in late fall and grade-level placements in early spring. At EDUPRIZE, applications are open year-round, and touring before you apply is completely normal.
If you are reading this, there is a decent chance you have a school comparison spreadsheet open in another tab. No judgment. Some of our favorite parents color-code theirs.
Choosing a school for next year feels big because it is big. It shapes your child’s days, your family’s mornings, and who your child calls a friend. The good news is that you do not have to figure it all out in one weekend.
Below is a simple, month-by-month timeline for the 2027-28 school year, the six questions worth asking every school, and what real Arizona parents say made the difference for them.
When Should You Start Choosing a School for Next Year?
Short answer: right about now. Fall is the sweet spot, for three reasons.
- Classes are in session. A fall tour shows you real routines, real teachers, and real kids, not an empty building in July.
- Kindergarten moves first. At EDUPRIZE, kindergarten registration opportunities begin in late fall for the following school year.
- Spring decides seats. For grades 1-8, EDUPRIZE determines how many openings each grade will have in March. When a grade has more applicants than seats, placement is decided by lottery.
Starting early does not lock you in. It simply gives you time to compare calmly instead of scrambling in April.
A Month-by-Month Timeline for Choosing a School in 2027-28
| When | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| October-November | Build a shortlist and book tours | You see classrooms in action, not a brochure |
| November-December | Apply to your top choices | EDUPRIZE kindergarten registration begins in late fall |
| January-February | Gather documents and follow up | Proof of Arizona residency is required to enroll |
| March | Watch your email and phone | EDUPRIZE sets grade 1-8 openings and runs the lottery if needed |
| March-Summer | Register, meet teachers, plan the first day | EDUPRIZE Pre-K registration begins in March or April |
Dates can shift a little from year to year. Your campus enrollment team can confirm the current timeline anytime.
6 Questions to Ask When Choosing a School
Every school will tell you it is great. These questions help you find out what that actually means.
1. How big are the classes, really?
Ask for real numbers by grade, not a district average. At EDUPRIZE, kindergarten classes average about 20 students, and every grade at our Queen Creek campus stays in the 20s. Here is why small class sizes matter more than most parents expect.
2. What do the academic results show?
Ask about state ratings and outside recognition. The EDUPRIZE network has earned six consecutive A+ Excelling ratings, the longest A+ Excelling streak of any charter school in Arizona. Queen Creek is the only A+ Excelling charter school in Pinal County. Curious what that rating measures? We break it down in What Are A+ Excelling Schools in Arizona?
3. What does a normal day look like?
Schedules matter more than people think. EDUPRIZE offers traditional K-8 at both campuses, the FLEX program at Gilbert, and EDUPRIZE Online, a tuition-free K-12 virtual program for families anywhere in Arizona.
4. How will I know how my child is doing?
Ask how often teachers reach out, how you can contact them, and how families get involved. At EDUPRIZE, parents are partners, with classroom volunteering, our Parent Teacher Network, and regular teacher communication.
5. What happens after your last grade?
This one matters, so we will answer it plainly. Our Gilbert and Queen Creek campuses are K-8. Families who want to stay with EDUPRIZE for high school continue through EDUPRIZE Online, which runs through 12th grade. Any school you are considering should be just as clear about its next step.
6. What does tuition-free actually include?
K-8 at EDUPRIZE is tuition-free, with no income requirements. Like most public schools, optional programs such as clubs, sports, and before- or after-school care may carry fees, so ask every school for its list. Pre-K is tuition-based and includes our Price Match Guarantee; see the Pre-K page for current details. For the full picture, read The Benefits of a Tuition-Free Charter School.
What Real Parents Say Matters Most When Choosing a School
We read through what EDUPRIZE parents have shared publicly on review sites like Niche. Three themes come up again and again.
Being known by name. One Gilbert dad wrote that his son gets real attention and
“…isn’t just another face in the crowd.”
EDUPRIZE Gilbert parent, Niche review
Flexibility without trade-offs. An EDUPRIZE Online parent described finding
“…flexibility without sacrificing quality.”
EDUPRIZE Online parent, Niche review
A good fit for the whole family. A Queen Creek parent whose son started 1st grade put it simply:
“Eduprize Queen Creek has been a win for our family!”
EDUPRIZE Queen Creek parent, Niche review
EDUPRIZE Gilbert holds an overall Niche grade of A, with a 4.3-star average across 56 reviews. Not every review is five stars, and we read those too. Honest feedback is how a 30-year-old school keeps getting better.
The Best Way to Choose a School: Walk the Halls
Reviews and ratings help you build a shortlist. A visit tells you whether a school feels right. Here is how to see EDUPRIZE in person:
- Gilbert Tour Nights: Tuesdays at 5:00 PM on October 20, November 17, and December 1.
- Queen Creek weekly tours: every Wednesday at 9:00 AM and every Thursday at 1:00 PM.
- Daytime tours: pick a time that works for you at either campus.
- EDUPRIZE Online: explore the program or reach out to see what a live virtual class looks like.
Visits take about 60 to 90 minutes, kids are always welcome, and you do not need to apply first. Book your tour here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it too early to apply for the 2027-28 school year?
No. EDUPRIZE accepts applications year-round. Kindergarten registration opportunities begin in late fall, and grade 1-8 openings are set in March, so applying early keeps you in the running.
How old does my child need to be for kindergarten?
Your child needs to be 5 years old by September 1 of the school year. If your child turns 5 after that date, contact the campus to ask about early enrollment consideration.
What happens if the grade I want is full?
For grades 1-8, EDUPRIZE fills openings by lottery when there are more applicants than seats. Families not placed right away may be added to an on-deck list and contacted as seats open. If your child is not placed by the end of the year, submit a new application for the next school year.
Do we have to live in Gilbert or Queen Creek?
No. Charter schools do not use attendance boundaries, so any Arizona family can apply. Proof of Arizona residency is required to enroll, and EDUPRIZE Online serves families statewide.
Can we tour before we apply?
Yes. Touring first is completely normal, and school-age kids are welcome to come along.
Ready to Start Your School Search?
Whether you are looking for a seat this year or planning ahead for 2027-28, we would love to help your family find the right fit.
- EDUPRIZE Gilbert (K-8): 580 W. Melody Ave, Gilbert, AZ 85233 | 480-344-2622 | gilbertenrollment@eduprize.com
- EDUPRIZE Queen Creek (K-8): 4567 W. Roberts Rd, San Tan Valley, AZ 85144 | 480-888-1610 | qcenrollment@eduprize.com
- EDUPRIZE Online (K-12, statewide): 480-344-2622 | onlineenrollment@eduprize.com
Apply: https://www.eduprize.com/Apply/ | Tour: https://www.eduprize.com/tour/ | Learn more: https://www.eduprize.com
The right school feels like it was waiting for your child. We would love to show you around.