Arizona is the #13 largest school system in the United States, serving 1,110,658 students across the 2,478 public schools for the 2026 school year (there are 513 private schools, serving 78,491 students). 93% of all K-12 students in Arizona attend public schools, compared to the national average of 90%.
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in Arizona is 34%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 41%.
The top-ranked public schools in Arizona are University High School, Arizona College Prep Middle School, and Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
Minority enrollment is 67%, with the majority being Hispanic and the student-teacher ratio is 17:1.
Top-Ranked Public Schools in Arizona (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
University High School
(Math: 96% | Reading: 95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 96% (Top 1%)
Reading: 95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 8-12
421 N Arcadia Ave
Tucson, AZ 85711
(520) 232-5900
Tucson, AZ 85711
(520) 232-5900
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Arizona College Prep Middle School
(Math: 95% | Reading: 90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 95% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90% (Top 1%)
Grades: 6-8
1150 W Erie St
Chandler, AZ 85224
(480) 883-5400
Chandler, AZ 85224
(480) 883-5400
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12
(Math: 88% | Reading: 94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 88% (Top 1%)
Reading: 94% (Top 1%)
Grades: 7-12
1016 N Burk Street
Gilbert, AZ 85234
(480) 497-4034
Gilbert, AZ 85234
(480) 497-4034
Rank: #44.
Arizona College Prep High School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 88% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90% (Top 1%)
Grades: 7-12
4477 S Gilbert Rd
Chandler, AZ 85249
(480) 424-8700
Chandler, AZ 85249
(480) 424-8700
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Basis Chandler
Charter School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 88% (Top 1%)
Reading: 87% (Top 1%)
Grades: 5-12
4825 S Arizona Ave
Chandler, AZ 85248
(480) 907-6072
Chandler, AZ 85248
(480) 907-6072
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Weinberg Gifted Academy
(Math: 87% | Reading: 92%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 87% (Top 1%)
Reading: 92% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-6
5245 S Val Vista Dr
Gilbert, AZ 85298
(480) 812-6600
Gilbert, AZ 85298
(480) 812-6600
Rank: #77.
Basis Oro Valley
Charter School
(Math: 86% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 86% (Top 1%)
Reading: 86% (Top 1%)
Grades: 5-12
11155 N Oracle Rd
Tucson, AZ 85737
(520) 308-5220
Tucson, AZ 85737
(520) 308-5220
Rank: #88.
Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence
(Math: 86% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 86% (Top 1%)
Reading: 85% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-6
1405 W Lake Dr
Chandler, AZ 85248
(480) 224-2700
Chandler, AZ 85248
(480) 224-2700
Rank: #99.
Basis Oro Valley Primary
Charter School
(Math: 89% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 89% (Top 1%)
Reading: 82% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-6
11155 N Oracle Rd
Tucson, AZ 85737
(520) 812-5900
Tucson, AZ 85737
(520) 812-5900
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Basis Chandler Primary - North Campus
Charter School
(Math: 86% | Reading: 84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 86% (Top 1%)
Reading: 84% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-4
1800 E Chandler Blvd
Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 798-6447
Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 798-6447
Overview
This State (AZ)
US
# Schools
2,478 Schools
100,423 Schools
# Students
1,110,658 Students
49,312,078 Students
Gender %
# Teachers
62,141 Teachers
3,179,501 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
15:1
Student By Grade
State Acdeamy
State Average (AZ)
National Average
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
43%
Graduation Rate
77%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
5%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.66
0.71
# American Indian Students
54,391 Students
466,017 Students
% American Indian Students
5%
1%
# Asian Students
36,685 Students
2,806,956 Students
% Asian Students
3%
6%
# Hispanic Students
538,195 Students
14,946,038 Students
% Hispanic Students
49%
30%
# Black Students
64,807 Students
7,271,060 Students
% Black Students
6%
15%
# White Students
363,538 Students
21,001,266 Students
% White Students
33%
43%
# Hawaiian Students
3,903 Students
196,946 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
n/a
# Two or more races Students
49,139 Students
2,587,800 Students
% of Two or more races Students
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
State Revenue and Spending
This State (AZ)
Total Revenue (24-25)
$12,837 MM
Spending (24-25)
$12,727 MM
Revenue / Student (24-25)
$11,558
Spending / Student (24-25)
$11,459
Best Arizona Public Schools by County (2026)
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Arizona?
The top-ranked public schools in Arizona include University High School, Arizona College Prep Middle School, and Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12.
How many public schools are located in Arizona?
2,478 public schools are located in Arizona.
What percentage of students in Arizona go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in Arizona attend public schools (compared to the national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Arizona?
Minority enrollment in Arizona is 67%, with the majority being Hispanic.
Which public schools in Arizona are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Arizona include: Nizhoni Accelerated Academy vs. Hope High School Online, Pcjted - San Manuel High School vs. Santa Rosa Preschool, Saca Online vs. Southern Arizona Community Academy
Recent Articles
The School Choice Comparison Worksheet: 15 Factors Beyond Test Scores
Compare public schools with confidence using this 15-factor worksheet that looks beyond test scores to school culture, programs, safety, and student support.
Boundary Changes and Rezoning: How to Protect Your Child's School Plan
Learn why school boundary changes happen, how rezoning affects families, and the practical steps parents can take to protect their child's educational plan.
Teacher Turnover: How to Read the Warning Signs
Learn how to identify warning signs of teacher turnover, what causes frequent staff changes, and how parents can evaluate school stability.
