Cactus Shadows High School is a public high school located in Cave Creek, Arizona. It is the only high school in the Cave Creek Unified School District. In 1974 the first committee met in Cave Creek to form a high school. In the fall of 1982, the doors opened to the first campus located at 60th Street with grades 7-9.
Serving 1,566 students in grades 8-12, Cactus Shadows High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 73% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 35%). 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 22:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 8-12
- Enrollment: 1,566 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 19%
- Graduation Rate: 93% (Top 20% in AZ)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: 73% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 71% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 43% (Top 20%)
- 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
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Cactus Shadows High School's student population of 1,566 students has declined by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 72 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 8-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,566 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
72 teachers
Year Founded
1982
Colors
Blue, Grey
School Rankings
Cactus Shadows High School ranks within the top 5% of all 1,956 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Cactus Shadows High School is 0.33, 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
#76 out of 1956 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
73%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
71%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
24%
Student : Teacher Ratio
22:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
5%
Asian
2%
3%
Hispanic
13%
48%
Black
1%
6%
White
81%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
93%
77%
Eligible for Free Lunch
8%
40%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Falcon
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cactus Shadows High School's ranking?
Cactus Shadows High School is ranked #76 out of 1,956 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in Arizona.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
73% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% 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%.
How many students attend Cactus Shadows High School?
1,566 students attend Cactus Shadows High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
81% of Cactus Shadows High School students are White, 13% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, 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 22:1, 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) School District.
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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