For the 2025 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 6,328 students in 85281, AZ (there are 4 private schools, serving 261 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in 85281, AZ are educated in public schools (compared to the AZ state average of 94%).
The top ranked public schools in 85281, AZ are New School For The Arts, Ombudsman - Charter Northeast and New School For The Arts Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 85281 have an average math proficiency score of 14% (versus the Arizona public school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 21% (versus the 41% statewide average). Schools in 85281, AZ have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arizona public schools.
Minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arizona public school average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Best 85281, AZ Public Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
New School For The Arts
Charter School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1216 E Apache Blvd
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 252-5414
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 252-5414
Grades: 9-12
| 190 students
Rank: #22.
Ombudsman - Charter Northeast
Alternative School
Charter School
Charter School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1290 N. Scottsdale Road Ste 13
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 485-9872
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 485-9872
Grades: 9-12
| 92 students
Rank: #33.
New School For The Arts Middle School
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1216 E Apache Blvd
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 481-9235
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 481-9235
Grades: 6-8
| 76 students
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Scales Technology Academy
(Math: 20% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1115 W 5th St
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 929-9909
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 929-9909
Grades: PK-5
| 371 students
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Tempe High School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1730 S Mill Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 967-1661
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 967-1661
Grades: 9-12
| 1,485 students
Rank: #66.
Flora Thew Elementary School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2130 E Howe Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 894-5574
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 894-5574
Grades: PK-5
| 442 students
Rank: #77.
Holdeman Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1326 W 18th St
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 966-9934
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 966-9934
Grades: PK-5
| 405 students
Rank: #88.
Cecil Shamley School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1500 N Scovel St
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 941-2440
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 941-2440
Grades: PK-8
| 489 students
Rank: #99.
Evit - Tempe High School
Vocational School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29% )
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1730 S Mill Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 461-4000
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 461-4000
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Rank: #1010.
Kaizen Education Foundation Dba South Pointe Elementary School
Alternative School
Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2033 E Southern Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 276-1943
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 276-1943
Grades: K-6
| 289 students
Rank: #1111.
Geneva Epps Mosley Middle School
(Math: 6% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1025 S Beck Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 966-7114
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 966-7114
Grades: 6-8
| 708 students
Rank: #1212.
Student Choice High School
Alternative School
Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 9%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1833 N Scottsdale Rd
Tempe, AZ 85281
(623) 242-0689
Tempe, AZ 85281
(623) 242-0689
Grades: 9-12
| 1,781 students
Rank: n/an/a
300 E University Drive Suite 2
Tempe, AZ 85281
(844) 692-3372
Tempe, AZ 85281
(844) 692-3372
Grades: PK-12
| n/a students
85281, Arizona Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
1525 E Apache Blvd
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 305-1015
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 305-1015
Grades: 9-12
| 4 students
Esperanza Prep (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
1938 E Apache Blvd
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 422-9080
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 422-9080
Grades: K-8
| 85 students
Integrity Education Centre (Closed 2023)
Charter School
515 E Continental Dr
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 731-4829
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 731-4829
Grades: K-12
| 24 students
1290 N. Scottsdale Rd. 117
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 258-6797
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 258-6797
Grades: 7-12
| 1 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in 85281, AZ?
The top ranked public schools in 85281, AZ include New School For The Arts, Ombudsman - Charter Northeast and New School For The Arts Middle School.
How many public schools are located in 85281?
13 public schools are located in 85281.
What percentage of students in 85281 go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in 85281 are educated in public schools (compared to the AZ state average of 94%).
What is the racial composition of students in 85281?
85281 public schools minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arizona public schools average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
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