For the 2025 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 1,820 students in Santa Cruz County, AZ.
The top ranked public preschools in Santa Cruz County, AZ are Little Red Schoolhouse, Elgin Elementary School and Patagonia Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Santa Cruz County, AZ public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 23% (versus the Arizona public pre school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 31% (versus the 40% statewide average). Pre schools in Santa Cruz County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arizona public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arizona public preschool average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Santa Cruz County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Little Red Schoolhouse
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
7 Duquesne Rd
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 287-0737
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 287-0737
Gr: PK-8 | 176 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
Rank: #22.
Elgin Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
23 Upper Elgin Rd
Elgin, AZ 85611
(520) 455-5514
Elgin, AZ 85611
(520) 455-5514
Gr: PK-8 | 134 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #33.
Patagonia Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
Highway 82
Patagonia, AZ 85624
(520) 394-3000
Patagonia, AZ 85624
(520) 394-3000
Gr: PK-8 | 114 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #44.
Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
652 N Tyler Ave
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 287-0870
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 287-0870
Gr: PK-5 | 414 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
Rank: #55.
Calabasas School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1374 W Frontage Rd
Rio Rico, AZ 85648
(520) 375-8600
Rio Rico, AZ 85648
(520) 375-8600
Gr: PK-8 | 982 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1
Santa Cruz County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Aoc-santa Cruz County Juvenile Detention Center (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
1260 N Hohokam Dr
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 375-8193
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 375-8193
Gr: 3-12
Jail-santa Cruz County Sheriffs Office Elementary School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
1250 N Hohokam Dr
Nogales, AZ 85628
(520) 761-7869
Nogales, AZ 85628
(520) 761-7869
Gr: 9-12
Nogales Special Programs (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
310 W Plum St
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 287-0800
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 287-0800
Gr: Inquire with school | 58 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
P.o. Box 254
Patagonia, AZ 85624
(520) 394-3000
Patagonia, AZ 85624
(520) 394-3000
Gr: 6-8 | 45 students Minority enrollment: 64%
131 Camino Maricopa
Rio Rico, AZ 85648
(520) 281-8282
Rio Rico, AZ 85648
(520) 281-8282
Gr: PK-5
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public preschools in Santa Cruz County, AZ?
The top ranked public preschools in Santa Cruz County, AZ include Little Red Schoolhouse, Elgin Elementary School and Patagonia Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Santa Cruz County?
5 public preschools are located in Santa Cruz County.
What is the racial composition of students in Santa Cruz County?
Santa Cruz County public preschools minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arizona public preschools average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
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.