For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public middle schools serving 1,345 students in the neighborhood of Central City South, Phoenix, AZ.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Central City South are Amerischools Academy - Yuma North, Vista College Preparatory - Hadley and Paul Dunbar Lawrence School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of Central City South, Phoenix, AZ public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 11% (versus the Arizona public middle school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 17% (versus the 40% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arizona public middle school average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in the neighborhood of Central City South, Phoenix, AZ (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Amerischools Academy - Yuma North
Charter School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1220 S 4th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85018
(928) 919-7203
Phoenix, AZ 85018
(928) 919-7203
Gr: K-8 | 193 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #22.
Vista College Preparatory - Hadley
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
812 S 6th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 374-7159
Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 374-7159
Gr: K-8 | 228 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #33.
Paul Dunbar Lawrence School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
707 W Grant St
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 257-3844
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 257-3844
Gr: PK-8 | 125 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #44.
Mary Mcleod Bethune School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1310 S 15th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 257-3830
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 257-3830
Gr: PK-8 | 324 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #55.
Lowell Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1121 S 3rd Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 257-3902
Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 257-3902
Gr: PK-8 | 282 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in the neighborhood of Central City South, Phoenix, AZ?
The top-ranked public middle schools in the neighborhood of Central City South, Phoenix, AZ include Amerischools Academy - Yuma North, Vista College Preparatory - Hadley and Paul Dunbar Lawrence School.
How many public middle schools are located in the neighborhood of Central City South, Phoenix?
5 public middle schools are located in the neighborhood of Central City South, Phoenix.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of Central City South, Phoenix?
the neighborhood of Central City South, Phoenix public middle schools minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arizona public middle schools average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.