Cactus High School is public secondary school located in Glendale, Arizona, United States, part of the Peoria Unified School District. The school opened its doors in August 1977. It is the district's smallest high school, with approximately 1,200 students.
Serving 1,036 students in grades 7-12, Cactus High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 33% (which is lower than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 29% (which is lower than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 1,036 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 56%
- Graduation Rate: 93% (Top 20% in AZ)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 33% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Cactus High School serves the southeast part of Glendale, AZ, covering an area of approximately 6.7 square miles. Families within the attendance zone can typically expect a drive time of 5-10 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge being about 2.4 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Cactus High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Cactus High School's student population of 1,036 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 53 teachers has declined by 18% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,036 students
Total Classroom Teachers
53 teachers
Year Founded
1977
School Rankings
Cactus High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,921 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Cactus High School is 0.64, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#980 out of 1921 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
5%
Asian
2%
3%
Hispanic
41%
49%
Black
6%
6%
White
44%
33%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
5%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
93%
77%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)39.6%
41.2%
Eligible for Free Lunch
39%
41%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Silver, Columbia blue
School Mascot
Cobra
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cactus High School's ranking?
Cactus High School is ranked #980 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Cactus High School often compared to?
Cactus High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Greenway High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
33% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 29% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
What is the graduation rate of Cactus High School?
The graduation rate of Cactus High School is 93%, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 77%.
How many students attend Cactus High School?
1,036 students attend Cactus High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
44% of Cactus High School students are White, 41% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Cactus High School?
Cactus High School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Cactus High School offer ?
Cactus High School offers enrollment in grades 7-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Cactus High School part of?
Cactus High School is part of Peoria Unified School District (4237).
School Reviews
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