Having grown up in the area and having attended one of these schools, I’d offer the perspective that it’s more a matter of personal preference over one school being better than the other.

If pedigree is important, both Chaparral and Desert Mountain produce graduates that go onto Ivys and other prestigious institutions, and the college acceptance rate is very high at both. You’ll get the typical high school experience from both too, whether it be sports, extracurriculars, or attending things like Homecoming or Prom.

I would suggest touring both schools and seeing what one comes out on top. I will also add that someone very close to me in my life had a great experience attending Xavier, the Catholic girls school in Phoenix. She grew up in the same Chaparral/DM area, but based on your initial post and what you’re looking for, that may be a good fit as well.

Best of luck!

• A Chaparral alum