Mission Statement

​Challenge committed students with a robust, traditional education, emphasizing America’s history and system of government. This 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.

Founders' Message

Welcome to James Madison Preparatory School! We are excited that you and your family have chosen to attend, and we look forward to being an important part of your secondary education. Middle School and high school is a time in a person's life when critical decisions are made and powerful memories are formed. We believe that your choice to attend JMPS is one of those critical decisions, and we hope that memories of your career at JMPS will be positive and powerful. Remember, you decide what value should be placed on your education. When we began to design the James Madison Preparatory School concept and curriculum, we were striving to accomplish some basic goals:
  • To restore some of the great academic traditions and disciplines (which have been lost or forgotten in recent years) to a small secondary school.
  • To offer an education that promotes history as the great teacher of life.
  • To blend this rigorous academic education with practical, real world skills training.
  • To foster and reward great character attributes in our students.
  • To provide a learning environment where students are free to learn, encouraged to think, and expected to excel.
  • To deliver valuable learning opportunities outside of the classroom, to encourage learning beyond the books through education by other means; through the arts, sports, unique travel opportunities, competition, and community service.
  • To challenge students to be a part of something larger than themselves.

​David M. Batchelder and Stephen C. Batchelder, Co-Founders

James Madison preparatory at a glance

  • Small Class Sizes! 14:1 Student: Teacher Ratio
  • Emphasis on Code of Conduct
  • Low teacher turnover
  • Honors and AP courses
  • High quality theater program
  • Competitive athletics
  • Variety of music performance groups
  • Academic competition teams
  • Small school, big opportunities 
  • Tempe Charter School
  • Emphasis on academic traditions and American history
  • College Prep
  • Grades 6-12
  • Tuition free school
  • Enforced dress code
  • No cell phones during the school day
  • Real world knowledge and skills reinforced
  • Travel opportunities in and out of state
  • Community service emphasized