James Madison Preparatory School is a charter school started in 2000 in Tempe, Arizona. The school was co-founded by brothers Stephen Batchelder and David Batchelder and serves grades 6-12.
Serving 140 students in grades 6-12, James Madison Preparatory School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 30-34% (which is lower than the Arizona state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 40%).
Minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 140 students
- Minority Enrollment: 38%
- Graduation Rate: ≥80% (Top 50% in AZ)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 30-34% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-39% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Overview
James Madison Preparatory School's student population of 140 students has declined by 27% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
140 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers (20-21)
18 teachers
Year Founded
2000
School Calendar
School Rankings
James Madison Preparatory School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,956 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of James Madison Preparatory School is 0.57, 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
#747 out of 1956 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
24%
Student : Teacher Ratio
n/a
17:1
American Indian
1%
5%
Asian
4%
3%
Hispanic
22%
48%
Black
3%
6%
White
62%
34%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
7%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥80%
77%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Total Sports Offered
7 sports
Sports
Baseball, Basketball, Football, Soccer, Softball, Track and Field, Volley Ball
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
13 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Academic Decathlon Team, Chess Club, Choir, FIRST Robotics, National Honor Society, Newspaper, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Drama, Drumline, Rock Band, Strings, Ukulele Ensemble
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Sparx Danceline
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Patriots
- Mission Statement
- Challenge committed students with a robust, traditional education, emphasizing America`s history and system of government.
- The school combines a classical course of study with real world knowledge and skills. Preparing to embrace their future as citizens and leaders, these young stewards of our national heritage will discover freedom`s promise and the necessity of sound character. We will work to promote America`s virtues: Amiability, Compassion, Courage, Gratitude, Honesty, Integrity, Respectfulness, Responsibility, Self-reliance, and Strong Work Ethic
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James Madison Preparatory School's ranking?
James Madison Preparatory School is ranked #747 out of 1,956 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are James Madison Preparatory School often compared to?
James Madison Preparatory Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Mckemy Academy Of International Studies, Connolly Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30-34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% AZ state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
What is the graduation rate of James Madison Preparatory School?
The graduation rate of James Madison Preparatory School is 80%, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 77%.
How many students attend James Madison Preparatory School?
140 students attend James Madison Preparatory School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of James Madison Preparatory School students are White, 22% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Asian, 3% of students are Black, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What grades does James Madison Preparatory School offer ?
James Madison Preparatory School offers enrollment in grades 6-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is James Madison Preparatory School part of?
James Madison Preparatory School is part of James Madison Preparatory School (79063) School District.
In what neighborhood is James Madison Preparatory School located?
James Madison Preparatory School is located in the Optimist Park SW neighborhood of Tempe, AZ.
School Reviews
5 5/17/2016
We have three children at this school and love it for it's dedication to its students and variety of extracurricular programs. High standards of academics and character of students and good teachers are a plus.
Review James Madison Preparatory School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.

Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.

Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.