Education has a high priority in the Metro Phoenix area. There are innovative special programs in the public schools, fine private schools and an extensive college system. In addition, vocational training is geared toward the actual needs of employers in the area.

Public Schools
Maricopa County has fifty-seven school districts serving over 400,000 students. Programs building a solid foundation of basic skills - reading, language, mathematics, science and social studies - are emphasized throughout the area. One measure of their success is the many awards of excellence from state and federal education departments.

Gifted, honors and advance placement programs are open to talented students. English as a Second Language programs are available, too.

All districts have special education programs which address the needs of children with moderate to severe disabilities - mental or physical. Extended school year programs and homebound programs are available options. Vocational and business programs with goals to prepare students for entry into a job or further occupational education thrive.

Other programs assist students with job placement and provide on-the-job experience combined with education.

For further information, call the Maricopa County Superintendent of Public Instruction at 602/506-3866. For a variety of information, contact the Arizona Department of Education website at http://www.ade.state.az.us

Universities & Colleges
Tempe is the site of Arizona State University's 700-acre Main Campus. More than 64,000 students seek degrees at ASU's Main and three anchor campuses The locations for the anchor campuses are: West Campus - Phoenix, Polytechnic Campus - Mesa, Downtown Campus - Phoenix. General information: 480/965-9011.

Based in Phoenix, the University of Phoenix offers studies in business, criminal justice and security, education and teaching, healthcare, technical and engineering, nursing, medical computer science and more. Students seeking associates, bachelors, or advanced degrees are welcome.

Central Administration is located at 4614 E. Elwood St., in Phoenix, and the phone number is 480 966-9577. The phone number is the same for the Chandler, Mesa, Northwest, and West Valley Learning Centers and the Hohokam Campus.

Tempe ITT Technical Institute is located at 5005 S. Wendler Dr. (NW corner of I-10 and Baseline) in Tempe. Bachelor of Science Degrees are offered in electronics, computer programming, web development, computer drafting and design, computer networking, business, criminal justice, and health sciences. 602/437-7500 - www.itt-tech.edu

Grand Canyon University is a private, liberal arts school offering over fifty majors. Bachelor's and master's degrees are awarded. 3300 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 85017
602/589-2855.

At Western International University, degrees in business, science and art can be earned during flexible one-month semester formats. Teaching sites are located in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale and Tempe. 9215 N. Black Canyon Highway, Phoenix, 602/943-2311.

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