Cave Creek Schools

Cave Creek is one of the most family-friendly communities in Arizona, and a big reason for this is its amazing schools.  The schools are all part of the Cave Creek Unified School District, which the Arizona Department of Education has designated an “A” rated district.

The high school in Cave Creek is Cactus Shadows High School.  With its motto “A world class high school for the 21st century” Cactus Shadows services grades 9 through 12.  With an average class size of 32 students in a school of 1750 students, 87% of Cactus Shadows students pursue higher education post high school.  While this high school has an extensive roster of extracurricular and sports activities for its students to enjoy, academics are at the forefront of Cactus Shadows with its International Baccalaureate program, Advanced Placement and Honors classes, as well as Dual Enrollment and the Early College Program in partnership with Paradise Valley Community College.

Middle school students who live in the Cave Creek area attend Sonoran Trails Middle School.  Sonoran Trails is a World Language School, and as such, offers its students the opportunity to learn Spanish, French or Mandarin Chinese as a core class.  The school also features a Spanish Immersion program for its students.  Sonoran Trails also offers many extracurricular activities such as band, drama, cheerleading, volleyball, football, basketball, and many others.

Cave Creek has five public elementary schools within its boundaries.  First, Black Mountain Elementary School has an advanced academic Core Knowledge curriculum, and also features a drama program for all of its students.  Black Mountain follows a Whole School Cluster Grouping Model, and has very active parental involvement.  Desert Sun Academy also follows a Core Knowledge curriculum, and offers music, art or PE to its students daily.  Along with teaching Spanish to all of its students, Desert Sun Academy teaches its students through Project Based Learning.

Desert Willow Elementary School is an International School and is known for its Spanish immersion program which begins in preschool.  Desert Willow also offers Extended Kindergarten, as well as various after school programs.  Horseshoe Trails Elementary School is a Confucius Language School, sponsored by ASU, and offers its students Chinese language instruction beginning in kindergarten.  Its signature program is TRRFCC Horsemanship and Horseshoe Trails also offers gifted learning opportunities.  Lastly, Lone Mountain Elementary School is a STEM school, which highlights instruction in science, technology, engineering and math.  Lone Mountain offers all-day kindergarten as well as differentiated instruction for its students.

Cave Creek Unified School District does offer open enrollment, permitting students to apply to schools regardless of their neighborhood. Your realtor can help you to navigate these requirements in your home search.

Cave Creek Home Listings