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How Good Are Schools in Phoenix? Here’s What You Need to Know
Phoenix has the fifth-highest population in the country and offers a highly-rated education system. But as parents, you wouldn’t want to settle for just any school for your child.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best fit for your child. Read on to find the best districts and schools in Phoenix where you could send your kids this upcoming school year.
Does Phoenix have good schools?
Phoenix has relatively good schools. Although 55% of Phoenix public schools rank below the state average in proficiency scores, the city boasts 138 schools recognized on U.S. News & World Report’s Best High Schools rankings.
In the latest US News & World Report Best High Schools rankings, Phoenix has 138 schools recognized, with BASIS Phoenix ranking 9th. Private schools also achieve top rankings, like the Horizon Preparatory Academy, which placed 125th nationally.
For the 2024 school year, there are 483 public schools serving 243,453 students, while there are 94 private schools serving 19,630 private students.
Further, 93% of all K-12 students in Phoenix are educated in public schools. Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body, and the majority are Hispanic, more than the Arizona public school average of 64%.
Best School Districts in Phoenix
Choosing the right school district for your child is crucial in building their academic foundation and social experiences. Keep reading as we guide you to the top-rated school districts in Phoenix to unlock the perfect educational fit for your child.
1. Chandler Unified School District No. 80
Website: https://www.cusd80.com/
Address: 1525 West Frye Road, Chandler, AZ 85224
Contact details: 480-812-7000
Chandler Unified School District No. 80 (CUSD 80 ) has consistently outperformed both state and national averages in standardized test scores. In 2023, 49% of students are proficient in math and 57% in reading, compared to the Arizona state averages.
Several CUSD 80 schools rank among the best in Arizona, like the Hamilton High School, Perry Traditional Magnet School, and Basha High School.
CUSD 80 offers diverse academic programs, including Advanced Placement courses, International Baccalaureate programs, and magnet schools catering to specific interests like STEM and performing arts.
They also have a favorable student-teacher Ratio of 19:1, which is lower than the national average of 16:1. This school district also boasts a high percentage of teachers with master’s degrees and above.
2. Scottsdale Unified School District
Website: Scottsdale Unified School District
Address: 12121 N 124th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85259
Contact details: 480-484-6000
Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) consistently ranks among the top school districts. For instance, five SUSD high schools rank among the top 100 in the state, like the Desert Mountain High School, which is #1 in the district and #21 in Arizona.
SUSD students also outperform state averages on standardized tests. In 2022, the average SAT score for SUSD students was 1077, compared to the Arizona average of 1011, while the average ACT score was 23.7, exceeding the state average of 20.2.
SUSD also boasts a graduation rate of 92.4% and a student-teacher ratio of 18:1. Pueblo Elementary School, Cheyenne Traditional School, and Chaparral High School are some of the top Phoenix schools in the district.
They’re known for offering career-to-technical education programs in various fields, including healthcare, engineering, and computer science. They also have a thriving arts scene with award-winning music, theater, and visual arts programs.
3. Gilbert Public Schools
Website: https://www.gilbertschools.net/
Address: 150 E. Guadalupe Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85295
Contact details: 480-481-6300
Gilbert Public Schools (GPS) is home to high schools that rank highly in Arizona, with two schools, Desert Ridge and Mesquite, making the top 10 in the 2023-2024 US News & World Report Best High Schools rankings for Arizona.
In the 2022-23 school year, 92% of GPS schools received an A or B grade from the Arizona Department of Education, signifying “excellent” or “highly performing” status.
GPS boasts a student-teacher ratio 19:1 and offers diverse educational programs, including Advanced Placement courses, career and technical education pathways, and specialized academies focusing on STEM, fine arts, and other areas.
The Neely Traditional Academy and Pioneer Elementary School are GPS-rated public schools. On the other hand, you can also find the best charter schools here, such as the American Leadership Academy and Canyon Valley School.
4. Deer Valley Unified School District
Website: https://www.dvusd.org/
Address: 20402 N. 43rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85085
Contact details: 623-445-5000
According to the Arizona Department of Education, Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD) schools, on average, achieved higher than the state average in math and reading proficiency for elementary and middle school grades.
The district has a graduation rate of 85.9% for 2022, exceeding the state average of 83.7%. Their college preparation system has an A rating, with a teacher-student ratio 19:1.
DVUSD offers diverse programs and schools, including STEM academies, online learning, and career-to-technical education. The district also actively partners with community organizations to provide support services for students and families.
At these top-rated schools in Phoenix, students can choose between excellent programs. They can attend Legend Springs Elementary School, Sierra Verde Elementary School, and Mountain Ridge High School. Plus, the school has a graduation rate of 94.5%.
5. Paradise Valley Unified District
Website: https://www.pvschools.net/
Address: 15002 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85032
Contact details: 602-449-2000
The Paradise Valley Unified School District (PVUSD) consistently scores above the state average on standardized tests. In 2022, 39% of students were proficient in math and 46% in reading, compared to the Arizona state average.
Some PVUSD schools, including Shadow Mountain High School and Pinnacle Peak Preparatory, have earned A ratings from the Arizona Department of Education and rank among the top public schools in the state and even nationally.
PVUSD offers advanced coursework, including honors classes, Advanced Placement courses, and International Baccalaureate programs. 100% of PVUSD teachers are licensed, with 91.3% having at least three years of experience.
The district boasts a lower student-teacher ratio 15:1, enabling more individualized student attention and support. PVUSD receives slightly higher per-pupil funding than the state average, allowing investment in technology, facilities, and educational programs.
6. Peoria Unified School District
Website: https://www.peoriaunified.org/
Address: 1111 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301
Contact details: 623-847-7000
The Peoria Unified School District (PUSD) consistently outperforms the state average. In 2022, 42% of PUSD students scored proficient or above in reading, while their graduation rate was 86.4%, exceeding the state average of 83.7%.
PUSD has 42 schools where magnet schools focus on specific areas like STEM, fine arts, and career and technical education, making it great for athletic students or those with specialized talents.
Most PUSD high schools offer a variety of AP courses, allowing high-achieving students to earn college credit while still in high school. Compared to the national average, PUSD’s student-teacher ratio of 18:1 fosters more personalized attention and learning.
You can find top public schools in PUSD, such as Peoria Traditional School, Apache Elementary School, and Centennial High School, or private schools like Arrowhead Montessori, the ACES: Special Education School, and Bayer Private School.
7. Tempe Union High School District
Website: https://www.tempeunion.org/
Address: 500 W Guadalupe Rd Tempe, AZ 85283-3599
Contact details: 480-730-7600
The Tempe Union High School District (TUHSD) boasts a graduation rate consistently above the national average, reaching 90.3% in 2022. Their average SAT score in 2023 was 1060, exceeding the Arizona state average of 1017.
Several TUHSD schools consistently rank among the top in Arizona, with BASIS Phoenix leading the state in the latest US News & World Report Best High Schools rankings.
TUHSD has a strong career and technical education program and a student-teacher ratio of 21:1. It also received the GFOA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting for its commitment to transparency and accountability.
Desert Vista High School and Corona Del Sol High School are the top schools in the district, ranking #54 and #32 in Arizona, respectively.
8. Fountain Hills Unified School District
Website: https://www.fountainhillsschools.org/
Address: 16000 East Palisades Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Contact details: 480-664-5000
The Fountain Hills Unified School District (FHUSD) boasts a consistently above 90% graduation rate. They prepare students for post-secondary education, so in 2022, 58% of graduates enrolled in a two- or four-year college within 16 months of graduation.
Compared to many other districts in Phoenix, FHUSD has smaller class sizes, with a student-teacher ratio 16:1. The district also has a strong anti-bullying policy and programs to foster social-emotional learning and student well-being.
FHUSD embraces innovation and technology in education, offering programs like STEM and robotics to prepare students for the future.
Top Phoenix schools from the district include the Fountain Hills High School, Fountain Hills Online and the McDowell Mountain Elementary School.
Best Public Schools in Phoenix
Phoenix boasts a vibrant and diverse public school landscape, offering many educational options for your child. Keep reading to know the best public schools in the city to help you discover the perfect fit for your child’s needs.
1. BASIS Phoenix
Website: https://enrollbasis.com/phoenix/
Address: 13231 N. 22nd St. Phoenix, AZ 85022
Contact details: 602) 595-9870
BASIS Phoenix is a public charter school that boasts some of Arizona’s highest standardized test scores and frequently ranks among the top high schools in Arizona. The latest U.S. News & World Report placed it at #51 nationally and #9 in Arizona.
Over 90% of its graduates are accepted to four-year colleges, Ivy League schools, and liberal arts schools. With an average student-teacher ratio of 16:1, they implement a rigorous classical curriculum focused on critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
2. BASIS Scottsdale
Website: https://enrollbasis.com/scottsdale/
Address: 10400 N. 128th St. Scottsdale, AZ 85259
Contact details: 480-451-7500
BASIS Scottsdale implements a curriculum focusing on an in-depth study of core subjects, preparing students for college-level rigor. They have a Capstone program involving research or creative projects aligned with 200- or 300-level college courses.
BASIS Scottsdale boasts outstanding performance, like in 2023 when the average SAT score for graduating seniors was 1400, and 100% were accepted to four-year colleges and prestigious institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard.
3. Corona del Sol High School
Website: https://www.tempeunion.org/coronadelsol
Address: 1001 E. Knox Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284
Contact details: 480-752-8888
Corona del Sol High School is the 90th-best high school in Arizona. Over 65% of Corona del Sol High School graduates attend a four-year university or college, showcasing the school’s focus on college preparation.
Corona del Sol offers Advanced Placement courses, with a participation rate at the school of 25%, reflecting a strong emphasis on rigorous academics. The school also boasts a vibrant arts and basketball, consistently contending for state championships.
4. BASIS Ahwatukee
Website: https://enrollbasis.com/ahwatukee/
Address: 15325 S. 48th St., Phoenix, AZ 85048
Contact details: 480-893-6274
BASIS Ahwatukee students consistently rank among the top 10 high schools in Arizona. Their curriculum emphasizes the classical liberal arts, providing students with a strong foundation in history, literature, philosophy, science, and mathematics.
All BASIS Ahwatukee students take at least one Advanced Placement class, boosting their college readiness and potential for earning college credits. The average class size at BASIS Ahwatukee is around 18 students, compared to the national average of 25.
5. BASIS Chandler
Website: https://enrollbasis.com/chandler/
Address: 204 W Chandler Heights Rd, Chandler, AZ 85248
Contact details: 480-895-1240
BASIS Chandler ranks among Arizona’s top 100 high schools and 6% nationally. They offer a curriculum focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields, liberal arts, and classical languages.
With early exposure to advanced placement courses starting in 9th grade, the school has a 100% college acceptance rate. They also have a Senior Project where students can conduct independent research or participate in a year-long interdisciplinary project.
6. BASIS Peoria
Website: https://enrollbasis.com/peoria/
Address: 9902 W Yearling Rd. Peoria, AZ 85383
Contact details: 623-566-9100
In 2023, BASIS Peoria placed #12 in the National Rankings and #1 in Arizona High Schools. They have a rigorous college preparatory curriculum focusing on the liberal arts and sciences, critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
BASIS Peoria students consistently outperform state and national averages on standardized tests and have an average advanced placement course score of 4.2. The school also has parent involvement, mentorship, and service-learning programs.
7. Khalsa Montessori Elementary School
Website: https://khalsamontessori.org/
Address: 2536 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Contact details: 602-252-3759
Khalsa Montessori Elementary School is a public charter school that follows a philosophy of self-directed learning, hands-on experiences, and individualized instruction.
Students learn from and interact with each other, fostering peer leadership and mentorship opportunities while consistently scoring above average on standardized tests like the AzMERIT.
8. Great Hearts Academies – Archway Lincoln
Website: https://archwaylincoln.greatheartsamerica.org/
Address: 2250 S Gilbert Rd, Chandler, AZ 85286
Contact details: 480-424-1798
Great Hearts Academies – Archway Lincoln received an A rating from the Arizona Department of Education in 2023. They have a classical liberal arts curriculum known for challenging students to think critically and develop strong academic skills.
It maintains an average class size of 20 students and integrates character education, instilling honesty, respect, and responsibility in its students. It also fosters a strong sense of community through extracurricular activities and service-learning projects.
9. Tempe Preparatory Academy
Website: https://www.tempeprep.org/
Address: 1617 W. Alameda Rd., Tempe, AZ 85282
Contact details: 480-966-4318
The Tempre Preparatory Academy implements a liberal arts curriculum centered on the Great Books program. They give students a deep understanding of Western tradition, history, language, and literature.
In 2023, it ranked 22nd in Arizona by US News & World Report and boasts impressive standardized test scores, with 62% of students testing at or above proficient in reading and 50% in math.
10. University High School Tolleson
Website: http://university.tuhsd.org/
Address: 9419 W Van Buren St, Tolleson, AZ 85353
Contact details: 623-478-4380
University High School in Tolleson blends academic excellence, a student-centered environment, and unique opportunities. It consistently ranks 5th in Arizona by U.S. News & World Report 2023-2024 rankings.
Some core classes at U-High are advanced placement course levels and career and technical education programs. With an average student-teacher ratio of 24:1, U-High also offers a rigorous dual-language program in Spanish and English.
Best Private Schools in Phoenix
Whether you’re looking for a faith-based environment, a rigorous academic focus, or a personalized approach, Phoenix has outstanding private schools for you to choose from. Read on as we guide you to the best private schools within the Phoenix area.
1. Phoenix Country Day School
Website: http://www.pcds.org/
Address: 3901 E Stanford Dr, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
Contact details: 602-955-8200
The Phoenix Country Day School offers a challenging curriculum beyond standard state requirements, including Advanced Placement courses, honors classes, and independent study opportunities. In 2023, all its graduates attended four-year colleges.
With an average student-teacher ratio of 9:1, PCDS provides a personalized learning environment for students. The school also instills strong values in its students through its character education program and leadership development initiatives.
2. Rancho Solano Preparatory School
Website: https://ranchosolano.com/
Address: 5656 E Greenway Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85254, USA
Contact details: 602-996-7002
Rancho Solano Preparatory School is the only Phoenix-area private school authorized to offer an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The school also boasts an average student-teacher ratio of 12:1, enabling a supportive learning environment.
The school offers a robust visual and performing arts program and emphasizes developing ethical character in its students. Graduates of this school gain admission to prestigious universities and colleges throughout the country.
3. Arizona College Prep Academy
Website: http://www.azacademy.org/
Address: 7810 S 42nd Pl, Phoenix, AZ 85042
Contact details: 602-454-1222
The Arizona College Prep Academy offers a rigorous academic program, including Advanced Placement courses. Their students garner an average SAT score of 1230 and an average ACT score of 30, both exceeding national averages.
Their student-teacher ratio is 8:1, and 98% of its graduates go to four-year colleges. The school is known for incorporating Islamic values and teachings into its curriculum, providing a unique environment for Muslim students.
4. Gilbert Christian Schools
Website: http://www.gilbertchristianschools.org/
Address: 3632 E. Jasper Dr., Gilbert, AZ 85296
Contact details: 480-809-6690
Gilbert Christian Schools is a good option for families seeking a faith-based education and strong academics. Their students consistently score above state averages on standardized tests and enjoy an average student-teacher ratio of 13:1.
This school integrates Christian values throughout its curriculum and daily activities like Bible studies and chapel services. They also emphasize character development alongside academics, promoting integrity, respect, and service.
5. Northwest Christian School
Website: https://www.ncsaz.org/
Address: 16401 North 43rd Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85032
Contact details: 623-299-5414
The Northwest Christian School boasts a graduation rate consistently exceeding 95%, where a large percentage attend prestigious colleges and universities. They offer advanced placement courses, allowing students to earn college credit.
The school also integrates Christian values and teachings into all aspects of education and emphasizes building strong character and ethical values in its students. Their students participate in service-learning projects, sports, clubs, and performing arts,
6. Tri-City Christian Academy
Website: https://www.tcawarriors.org/
Address: 1630 S. Dobson Rd, Chandler, AZ 85286
Contact details: 480-899-5393
The Tri-City Christian Academy produces students who consistently perform well on standardized tests. They have a solid academic reputation within the Christian school community, with a student-teacher ratio of 9:1.
This school is an excellent fit for families seeking a faith-based education since it provides a strong foundation in Christian values and incorporates Biblical principles into its curriculum and school culture.
7. Gateway Academy
Website: https://gatewayacademy.us/
Address: 3939 E. Shea Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85028
Contact details: 480-998-1071
The Gateway Academy caters to high-functioning students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The school boasts a graduation rate exceeding 95%, significantly higher than the national average for students with ASD.
The school implements personalized learning plans for each student, catering to their strengths and weaknesses to ensure academic progress. They employ educators and therapists trained in addressing the unique needs of the students.
8. Valley Christian Schools
Website: https://valleychristianaz.org/
Address: 6304 S Price Rd, Tempe, AZ 85283
Contact details: 480-752-7700
The Valley Christian School is the #1 Christian high school in Arizona, according to U.S. News & World Report. It has nationally recognized academic programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, arts, and humanities.
With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, it offers an academic curriculum like Honors and Advanced Placement courses. They also integrate Christian principles into all aspects of education through chapel services and bible studies, spiritual reflection, and learning.
9. Brophy College Preparatory
Website: https://www.brophyprep.org/
Address: 4701 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Contact details: 602-264-5291
The Brophy College Preparatory is a top private school in Phoenix with a 99% college acceptance rate, with graduates attending Stanford, Harvard, and MIT. With a student-teacher ratio 13:1, it offers Advanced Placement courses and honors options.
Brophy upholds the Jesuit philosophy of “Men for Others,” instilling a strong sense of social responsibility and commitment to service to its students. They also have athletics, clubs, and fine arts programs, fostering well-rounded development for its students.
10. Notre Dame Preparatory School
Website: https://www.ndpsaints.org/
Address: 9701 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Contact details: 480-634-8200
The Notre Dame Preparatory School is a premier private school in Phoenix with a college-preparatory curriculum that strongly focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, humanities, and arts.
It was awarded the Blue Ribbon School designation by the U.S. Department of Education in 2022. They offer advanced placement courses and integrate the Catholic faith into its curriculum and school culture.
