Best 85281 Arizona Public High Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public high schools serving 3,548 students in 85281, AZ.
The top-ranked public high schools in 85281, AZ are New School For The Arts, Ombudsman - Charter Northeast and Tempe High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public high schools in zipcode 85281 have an average math proficiency score of 16% (versus the Arizona public high school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 19% (versus the 45% statewide average). High schools in 85281, AZ have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arizona public high schools.
Public high school in zipcode 85281 have a Graduation Rate of 48%, which is less than the Arizona average of 78%.
The school with highest graduation rate is New School For The Arts, with 80-89% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Arizona or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 86% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arizona public high school average of 65% (majority Hispanic).

Best 85281, AZ Public High Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
New School For The Arts
Charter School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
1216 E Apache Blvd
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 252-5414
Gr: 9-12 | 190 students Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #22.
Ombudsman - Charter Northeast
Alternative School
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1290 N. Scottsdale Road Ste 13
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 485-9872
Gr: 9-12 | 92 students Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #33.
Tempe High School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1730 S Mill Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 967-1661
Gr: 9-12 | 1,485 student Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #44.
Evit - Tempe High School
Vocational School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29% )
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1730 S Mill Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 461-4000
Gr: 9-12
Rank: #55.
Student Choice High School
Alternative School
Charter School
(Math: 2% | Reading: 9%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1833 N Scottsdale Rd
Tempe, AZ 85281
(623) 242-0689
Gr: 9-12 | 1,781 student Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: n/an/a
300 E University Drive Suite 2
Tempe, AZ 85281
(844) 692-3372
Gr: PK-12
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in 85281 Arizona

85281, Arizona Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
1525 E Apache Blvd
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 305-1015
Gr: 9-12 | 4 students Minority enrollment: 50%
1938 E Apache Blvd
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 422-9080
Gr: K-8 | 85 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
515 E Continental Dr
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 731-4829
Gr: K-12 | 24 students Minority enrollment: 71%
1290 N. Scottsdale Rd. 117
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 258-6797
Gr: 7-12 | 1 student

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public high schools in 85281, AZ?
The top-ranked public high schools in 85281, AZ include New School For The Arts, Ombudsman - Charter Northeast and Tempe High School.
How many public high schools are located in 85281?
6 public high schools are located in 85281.
What is the racial composition of students in 85281?
85281 public high schools minority enrollment is 86% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arizona public high schools average of 65% (majority Hispanic).

Recent Articles

Helping Your Child Navigate Friendship Drama at School
Helping Your Child Navigate Friendship Drama at School
Meta Description: Practical 2026 strategies for helping your child navigate friendship drama at school with confidence, empathy, and resilience.
Raising Kind Kids: Public Schools and Empathy
Raising Kind Kids: Public Schools and Empathy
Discover How Public Schools Teach Empathy and Character Education through SEL, service learning, and restorative practices in 2026.
Do We Still Need Libraries in Public Schools in 2026
Do We Still Need Libraries in Public Schools in 2026
An updated look at the role of public school libraries in 2026, their impact on literacy, equity, and digital learning, and why they remain essential today.

Quick Links