Serving 1,362 students in grades 8-12, Cactus Shadows High School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 57% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 71% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 8-12
- Enrollment: 1,362 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 20%
- Graduation Rate: 93% (Top 20% in AZ)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10%
- Math Proficiency: 57% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 71% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 43% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: Cactus Shadows High School's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Cave Creek, AZ, covering approximately 207.9 square miles. The typical drive to the school from various points within the zone is around 15-20 minutes, with the furthest edge located about 17.8 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Cactus Shadows High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Cactus Shadows High School's student population of 1,362 students has declined by 23% over five school years.
The teacher population of 65 teachers has declined by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 8-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,362 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
65 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1982
School Calendar
School Rankings
Cactus Shadows High School ranks within the top 10% of all 1,921 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Cactus Shadows High School is 0.35, 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
#155 out of 1921 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
34%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
71%
40%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
17:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
5%
Asian
2%
3%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
12%
49%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
1%
6%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
80%
33%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
93%
77.8%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)26.3%
41.2%
Eligible for Free Lunch
9%
41%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
10%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Blue, Grey
School Mascot
Falcon
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cactus Shadows High School's ranking?
Cactus Shadows High School is ranked #155 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Arizona.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
57% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 71% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
What is the graduation rate of Cactus Shadows High School?
The graduation rate of Cactus Shadows High School is 93%, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 77.8%.
How many students attend Cactus Shadows High School?
1,362 students attend Cactus Shadows High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
80% of Cactus Shadows High School students are White, 12% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Cactus Shadows High School?
Cactus Shadows High School has a student ration of 21:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Cactus Shadows High School offer ?
Cactus Shadows High School offers enrollment in grades 8-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Cactus Shadows High School part of?
Cactus Shadows High School is part of Cave Creek Unified District (4244).
In what neighborhood is Cactus Shadows High School located?
Cactus Shadows High School is located in the Pinnacle Peak neighborhood of Cave Creek, AZ. There are 2 other public schools located in Pinnacle Peak.
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