For the 2025 school year, there are 4 private schools serving 545 students in Santa Cruz County, AZ (there are 24 public schools, serving 10,089 public students). 5% of all K-12 students in Santa Cruz County, AZ are educated in private schools (compared to the AZ state average of 6%).
The top ranked private schools in Santa Cruz County, AZ include Lourdes Catholic School and Sacred Heart Catholic School.
Top Ranked Santa Cruz County Private Schools (2025)
School
Location
Grades
Students
555 E Patagonia Hwy
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 287-5659
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 287-5659
Grades: PK-12
| 282 students
Sacred Heart Catholic School
(Catholic)
207 W Oak St
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 287-2223
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 287-2223
Grades: PK-8
| 199 students
Global Schools Starseed And Urantian Child & Teens
Alternative School
2074 Pendleton Dr
Rico Rico, AZ 85648
(520) 403-6271
Rico Rico, AZ 85648
(520) 403-6271
Grades: PK-12
| 21 students
Santa Cruz Training Programs I
Special Program Emphasis
70 E La Castellana Dr
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 287-6271
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 287-6271
Grades: NS
| 43 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked private schools in Santa Cruz County, AZ?
The top ranked private schools in Santa Cruz County, AZ include Lourdes Catholic School and Sacred Heart Catholic School.
How many private schools are located in Santa Cruz County?
4 private schools are located in Santa Cruz County.
What percentage of students in Santa Cruz County go to private school?
5% of all K-12 students in Santa Cruz County are educated in private schools (compared to the AZ state average of 6%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Santa Cruz County?
Which private schools in Santa Cruz County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private schools in Santa Cruz County include: Sacred Heart Catholic School vs. Lourdes Catholic School, Lourdes Catholic School vs. Sacred Heart Catholic School
Recent Articles

Podcasts That Will Change the Way You Think About Education
This article highlights a curated selection of podcasts that offer thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and innovative ideas on various aspects of education. From exploring new teaching methods and technologies to discussing policy changes and social issues, these podcasts provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for anyone interested in education. Each podcast is briefly described, highlighting its unique focus and tone.

For-profit vs. Not-for-profit Schools
This comprehensive guide explores the differences between for-profit and not-for-profit private schools, discussing their organizational structures, advantages, and key considerations for parents. It emphasizes that a school's success is determined by its educational quality and management rather than its profit status.

2023-24 Best SSAT Prep Courses Reviewed
This article reviews the top SSAT prep courses, including Test Innovators, Enrollment Management Association (EMA), Princeton Review, Ivy Global, and Kaplan. Each course is evaluated based on its price, in-person and online services, officially licensed materials, instant normative scoring, and free trial options. We'll dive into the features and benefits of each course, helping you understand which one best fits your student's needs and learning style.