Arizona is the #14 largest school system in the United States, serving 1,124,009 students across the 2,476 public schools for the 2025 school year (there are 515 private schools, serving 78,266 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 66%, with the majority being Hispanic and the student-teacher ratio is 18:1.
Top Ranked Public Schools in Arizona (2025)
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
55 N Greenfield Rd
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)
# Schools
2,476 Schools
# Students
1,124,009 Students
Gender %
# Teachers
50,048 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
Student By Grade
State Acdeamy
State Average (AZ)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
Graduation Rate
77%
Eligible for Free Lunch
40%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.66
# American Indian Students
55,943 Students
% American Indian Students
5%
# Asian Students
35,951 Students
% Asian Students
3%
# Hispanic Students
537,792 Students
% Hispanic Students
48%
# Black Students
64,758 Students
% Black Students
6%
# White Students
377,234 Students
% White Students
34%
# Hawaiian Students
4,018 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
# Two or more races Students
48,280 Students
% of Two or more races Students
4%
All Ethnic Groups
State Revenue and Spending
This State (AZ)
Total Revenue
$12,837 MM
Spending
$12,727 MM
Revenue / Student
$11,421
Spending / Student
$11,323
Best Arizona Public Schools by County (2025)
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?
2,476 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 66%, 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: Biyaagozhoo Center vs. Cvit - Globe High School, Pcjted - San Manuel High School vs. Santa Rosa Preschool, Walden Grove High School vs. Sahuarita High School
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
