For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 2,144 students in Payson, AZ (there are 1 private school, serving 176 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in Payson, AZ are educated in public schools (compared to the AZ state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in Payson, AZ are Payson High School, Julia Randall Elementary School and Rim Country Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Payson, AZ public schools have an average math proficiency score of 25% (versus the Arizona public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 37% (versus the 41% statewide average). Schools in Payson have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Arizona public schools.
Minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arizona public school average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Payson, AZ (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Payson High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
301 S Mclane Rd
Payson, AZ 85547
(928) 472-5788
Payson, AZ 85547
(928) 472-5788
Gr: 9-12 | 733 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #22.
Julia Randall Elementary School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
902 W Main St
Payson, AZ 85547
(928) 468-2600
Payson, AZ 85547
(928) 468-2600
Gr: 2-5 | 503 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #33.
Rim Country Middle School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
304 S Meadow St
Payson, AZ 85547
(928) 472-3062
Payson, AZ 85547
(928) 472-3062
Gr: 6-8 | 478 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #44.
Payson Center For Success - Online
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 11-19% )
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
902 W Main St
Payson, AZ 85547
(928) 472-5891
Payson, AZ 85547
(928) 472-5891
Gr: 7-12
Rank: n/an/a
500 East Rancho Road
Payson, AZ 85547
(928) 472-5801
Payson, AZ 85547
(928) 472-5801
Gr: K-2 | 430 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Payson, Arizona Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1000 East Frontier St
Payson, AZ 85541
(928) 474-2070
Payson, AZ 85541
(928) 474-2070
Gr: K-5 | 325 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
166 Ezell Ln
Payson, AZ 85541
(928) 534-7320
Payson, AZ 85541
(928) 534-7320
Gr: 9-12 | 16 students Minority enrollment: 31%
Payson Center For Success High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
514 W Wade Ln
Payson, AZ 85547
(928) 472-5895
Payson, AZ 85547
(928) 472-5895
Gr: 9-12
249 W Standage Dr
Payson, AZ 85547
(928) 478-4706
Payson, AZ 85547
(928) 478-4706
Gr: K-10 | 27 students Minority enrollment: 15%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Payson, AZ?
The top-ranked public schools in Payson, AZ include Payson High School, Julia Randall Elementary School and Rim Country Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Payson?
5 public schools are located in Payson.
What percentage of students in Payson go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Payson are educated in public schools (compared to the AZ state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in Payson?
Payson public schools minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arizona public schools average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Payson are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Payson include: Payson Center For Success - Online vs. Payson High School, Rim Country Middle School vs. Payson Center For Success - Online, Payson Center For Success - Online vs. Rim Country Middle School
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