Schools Near White Mountain Lake, AZ
If you have school age children, it’s important to know that there are no schools within White Mountain Lake.
Public school children in White Mountain Lake are automatically part of the Show Low Unified School District, but may be able to attend schools in other districts, like Snowflake Unified School District or Blue Ridge School District with application and acceptance.
There are also Christian schools and charter schools in nearby towns, and you will find several homeschool families in White Mountain Lake.
For post-secondary schools, there are community college and trade schools available.
Schools at a Glance
| School Option | Location | Bus Service | Common Among WML Families? |
| Snowflake Unified | Snowflake-Taylor | Yes | Quite Common |
| Show Low Unified | Show Low | Yes | Very Common |
| Blue Ridge Unified | Pinetop-Lakeside | No | Less Common |
| Sequoia Village | Show Low | Varies | Some Families |
| Homeschool / Prenda | Local | N/A | Less Common |
School District Options for White Mountain Lake Families
White Mountain Lake school children are a part of the Show Low school district, however, parents can apply to either Snowflake Unified School District by filling out an Out of District Waiver, or apply to Blue Ridge Unified School District, who may grant enrollment based upon their current enrollment numbers.
Bus transportation from White Mountain Lake is provided from both Show Low and Snowflake schools.
Contact Snowflake and Blue Ridge to verify enrollment requirements.
Show Low Unified School District
- Located about 9 miles south of White Mountain Lake
- School mascot: Cougars
- Colors: green and gold
- Bus service available to and from White Mountain Lake
What Families Like About Show Low Schools
- Variety of programs
- Athletics
- Fine arts
- Access to larger community resources
One local parent recently commented:
“I can’t believe how impressive this orchestra sounded the other night! I’m so grateful and impressed by the Show Low Fine Arts program, and hope the district continues to pour resources and effort into it!”
Schools in the Show Low Unified School District
These are the schools in the Show Low Unified School District:
- Nikolaus Homestead Elementary School
- Linden Elementary School
- Whipple Ranch Elementary School
- Show Low Junior High School
- Show Low High School
- White Mountain Institute / Online
For more information, visit Show Low Unified School District online.
Snowflake Unified School District
- Located about 9 miles north of White Mountain Lake
- Serves Snowflake-Taylor and White Mountain Lake (with approval)
- School mascot: Lobos
- Colors: Blue and White
- Bus service available in White Mountain Lake
What Families Like about Snowflake Schools
Many local families are very happy with the education and community with the Snowflake School District. They appreciate:
- Strong community involvement
- Small-town atmosphere
- Academic and extracurricular opportunities
- Sports and student activities
- Travel club visits other countries
A former Snowflake school student says this:
“Snowflake gives small town vibes. Snowflake has a travel club, which they are currently in Thailand for 2 weeks. I loved going on those trips every year or two and being able to see lots of countries.” – a Snowflake USD graduate
Schools in the Snowflake School District
These are the schools in Snowflake Unified School District #5:
- Highland Primary School
- Taylor Elementary School
- Taylor Intermediate School
- Snowflake Intermediate School
- Snowflake Junior High School
- Snowflake High School
For more information, visit the Snowflake Unified School District online.
Blue Ridge Unified School District
- Located in Pinetop-Lakeside
- School mascot: Yellow Jackets
- Colors: Purple and Gold
- No bus service to White Mountain Lake
Schools in the District
- Blue Ridge Elementary School
- Blue Ridge Junior High School
- Blue Ridge High School
Why Some Families Consider Blue Ridge
- Families working in Pinetop-Lakeside
- Families relocating to other White Mountain communities
Blue Ridge schools are less commonly attended by White Mountain Lake students, but it is an option, although acceptance is dependent upon available seats and district approval.
For more information, visit Blue Ridge Unified School District online.
Charter School Options
One of the better-known charter school options is Sequoia Village, which is located in Show Low, by Linden
- Located in Show Low
- Grades K-12
- Tuition Free
- Gifted students program
- Small class sizes
Visit Sequoia Village School online.
Christian School Options
Families seeking faith-based education will find several Christian school options in the Show Low area.
Mountain Christian School
- Located in Show Low
- Grades K-8
- Interdenominational with Biblical world view
- Small class sizes
Visit Mountain Christian School online .
St Anthony Catholic School
- Located in Show Low
- Grades PreK-8
- Faith based, values-centered curriculum
- Small class sizes
Visit St. Anthony Catholic School online.
American Indian Christian Mission
- Located in Show Low
- Grades 3-9
- Faith based
- Very small class size
Visit American Indian Christian Mission online.
Homeschooling in the White Mountains
Homeschooling is common throughout the White Mountains. Families can participate in various homeschool groups which might organize park days, field trips and other activities that help students connect regularly with their friends who don’t live in the same community.
Homeschooling Is Common
- Many homeschooling families throughout the White Mountains
- Co-ops and group activities, but usually have to travel “into town”
- Outdoor learning opportunities
Prenda Microschools
Prenda microschools are run by families who sign up as a Guide for the school. Because they are run by families, they may come and go as the needs or location of that family changes.
If you are not already a Prenda Guide, you can apply to become one and hold a microschool in your home.
- Small learning environments
- Parent-guided education model
- Available in some communities and frequently changing
Career & Technical Education
Northern Arizona Vocational Institute of Technology (NAVIT) offers high school students the opportunity to participate in career and technical education programs.
- Career training opportunities
- Earn high school credit
- May be able to earn community college credit
- Available to home school students
- Open to 11th and 12th grade students who live within the NAVIT boundaries
College & Continuing Education
Northland Pioneer College is a public community college serving northeastern Arizona
- Regional community college
- Multiple campuses (including Show Low and Taylor)
- Associate degrees
- Online classes available
- Many areas of interest available
- Non-Credit classes, too
Popular Programs
Classes available in:
- Law enforcement and Fire science
- Nursing, healthcare, Paramedic / EMT
- Computing
- Construction
- Education
- Digital media and film production
- Cosmetology
- And more
NPC is a more affordable and local option for students before transferring to a four-year university.
Additionally, high school students are able to attend some classes for dual high school and college credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a school located in White Mountain Lake?
There are no schools within White Mountain Lake, but there may be Prenda Microschools from time to time.
Which school district serves White Mountain Lake?
White Mountain Lake is located within the Show Low Unified School District boundaries. However, many families also choose to apply for enrollment in nearby districts such as Snowflake Unified School District or further down to Blue Ridge Unified School District, subject to district policies and enrollment availability.
Snowflake provide bus transportation to school, but White Mountain Lake students attending Blue Ridge schools will need personal transportation.
Does White Mountain Lake have school bus service?
Yes. Both Show Low and Snowflake districts provide transportation for White Mountain Lake students.
Which school district is better?
Every family has different educational priorities, and both Snowflake Unified and Show Low Unified have strong supporters. Many White Mountain Lake families speak highly of both districts.
Prospective residents may wish to visit schools, speak with administrators, and talk to local families before making a decision.
What college is closest to White Mountain Lake?
Northland Pioneer College is a community college in the area, with both in-person and online classes.
Concluding Thoughts
Although White Mountain Lake doesn’t have schools located within the community itself, families have access to a variety of educational opportunities nearby.
Depending if you’re interested in public schools, charter schools, Christian education, homeschooling, career training, or community college programs, there are options available to fit many different learning styles and goals.
As with any important decision, take time to visit schools, ask questions, and talk with local families to find the best fit for your child and family.
Related Guides
- Moving to White Mountain Lake
- New Resident Checklist
- Healthcare Guide
- Internet Providers Guide
- Things to Do in the White Mountains
- Community Events Guide