Home > Arizona > Pima County > Vail > Rita Ranch

Cottonwood Elementary School

9950 E Rees Loop
Vail, AZ 85641

( shown in map)

View full size Get directions

Top 20%

Tel: (520) 879-2602

cwe.vailschooldistrict.org

REQUEST INFO

SAVE SCHOOL

Serving 570 students in grades Kindergarten-6, Cottonwood Elementary School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).

The percentage of students achieving is 66% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving is 55% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 40%).

The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.

Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 67% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (26-27)

Grades: Kindergarten-6
Enrollment: 570 students
Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
Minority Enrollment: 60%
: Top 20% in AZ
: 66% (Top 10%)
: 55% (Top 20%)
: 50-54% (Top 10%)
: Cottonwood Elementary School serves the northwest part of Vail, AZ, encompassing an area of approximately 3.2 square miles. Most families are within a 5-10 minute drive of the school, with the furthest zone edge located about 2.4 miles away.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Cottonwood Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona for:

School Overview

Cottonwood Elementary School's student population of 570 students has grown by 11% over five school years.

The teacher population of 32 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.

Grades Offered

Grades Kindergarten-6
(No virtual instruction)

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade Trends
Grade	Cottonwood Elementary School
Kind	102
1	94
2	84
3	95
4	97
5	93
Not Listed	5

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Total Students

570 students

View Data

Showing 2015–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓

Total Students Trends (2002-2025)
Year	Cottonwood Elementary School
2025	570
2024	531
2023	505
2022	526
2021	510
2020	589
2019	617
2018	559
2017	609
2015	605
2014	654
2013	604
2012	643
2011	677
2010	721
2009	729
2008	743
2007	650
2006	649
2005	591
2004	587
2003	604
2002	486

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Total Classroom Teachers

32 teachers

View Data

Showing 2015–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓

Total Classroom Teachers Trends (2002-2025)
Year	Cottonwood Elementary School
2025	32
2024	35
2023	33
2022	29
2021	34
2020	34
2019	35
2018	36
2017	35
2015	37
2014	39
2013	36
2012	32
2011	36
2010	39
2009	44
2008	41
2007	34
2006	36
2005	37
2004	32
2003	32
2002	24

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Year Founded

2001

School Motto

Lead, Act, and Use Your Voice!

School Rankings

Cottonwood Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all 1,921 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).

The of Cottonwood Elementary School is 0.63, 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.

This School

State Level (AZ)

#238 out of 1921 schools
(Top 20%)

View Data

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

Overall School Rank Trends (2010-2023)
Year	Cottonwood Elementary School
2023	#238
2022	#260
2021	#278
2019	#248
2018	#195
2017	#301
2016	#243
2015	#533
2014	#349
2013	#381
2012	#134
2011	#104
2010	#139

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

66%

34%

View Data

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

Math Proficiency Comparison (2010-2023)
Year	Cottonwood Elementary School	Arizona	Vail Unified District (4413)
2023	66%	34%	61%
2022	66%	35%	62%
2021	53%	32%	52%
2019	70%	45%	71%
2018	76%	45%	73%
2017	65%	42%	70%
2016	68%	39%	64%
2015	60%	38%	60%
2014	79%	63%	84%
2013	81%	63%	84%
2012	85%	63%	84%
2011	87%	62%	85%
2010	86%	60%	84%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

55%

40%

View Data

Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

Reading and Language Arts Proficiency Comparison (2010-2022)
Year	Cottonwood Elementary School	Arizona	Vail Unified District (4413)
2022	55%	40%	62%
2021	54%	39%	57%
2019	66%	45%	68%
2018	65%	44%	73%
2017	58%	42%	64%
2016	56%	40%	60%
2015	39%	38%	51%
2014	89%	79%	92%
2013	86%	78%	92%
2012	92%	77%	92%
2011	92%	77%	92%
2010	90%	74%	92%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

50-54%

24%

Student-Teacher Ratio

18:1

17:1

View Data

Showing 2015–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓

Student-Teacher Ratio Comparison (2002-2025)
Year	Cottonwood Elementary School	Arizona	Vail Unified District (4413)
2025	18:1	17:1
2024	15:1	17:1
2023	15:1	17:1	18:1
2022	18:1	17:1	20:1
2021	15:1	17:1	20:1
2020	17:1	18:1	19:1
2019	18:1	19:1	19:1
2018	16:1	18:1	22:1
2017	17:1	19:1	22:1
2015	16:1	19:1	24:1
2014	17:1	19:1	24:1
2013	17:1	19:1	24:1
2012	20:1	18:1	20:1
2011	19:1	19:1	21:1
2010	18:1	18:1	18:1
2009	17:1	17:1	17:1
2008	18:1	18:1	19:1
2007	19:1	18:1	20:1
2006	18:1	18:1	19:1
2005	16:1	19:1	16:1
2004	18:1	19:1	19:1
2003	19:1	19:1	17:1
2002	20:1	19:1	17:1

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

American Indian

View Data

Showing 2009–2025. Full 23-year historical data available below ↓

American Indian Student Percentage Comparison (2003-2025)
Year	Cottonwood Elementary School	Arizona	Vail Unified District (4413)
2025	1%	5%
2024	1%	5%
2023	1%	5%
2022	1%	5%
2021	1%	5%
2020	1%	5%
2018	1%	6%
2017	1%	6%
2015	1%	5%
2009	1%	6%	1%
2008	1%	5%	1%
2007	1%	6%	1%
2006	1%	7%	1%
2005	1%	6%	1%
2004	1%	8%	1%
2003	1%	8%	1%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Asian

View Data

Showing 2015–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓

Asian Student Percentage Comparison (2002-2025)
Year	Cottonwood Elementary School	Arizona	Vail Unified District (4413)
2025	2%	3%
2024	1%	3%
2023	1%	3%	2%
2022	1%	3%	2%
2021	2%	3%	3%
2020	2%	3%	2%
2019	2%	3%	2%
2018	2%	3%	3%
2017	4%	3%	3%
2015	4%	3%	2%
2014	4%	3%	3%
2013	3%	3%	3%
2012	4%	3%	3%
2011	4%	3%	4%
2010	3%	3%	4%
2009	3%	3%	4%
2008	3%	3%	3%
2007	2%	3%	3%
2006	1%	2%	2%
2005	2%	2%	2%
2004	2%	2%	2%
2003	3%	2%	2%
2002	2%	2%	2%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Hispanic

45%

49%

View Data

Showing 2015–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓

Hispanic Student Percentage Comparison (2002-2025)
Year	Cottonwood Elementary School	Arizona	Vail Unified District (4413)
2025	45%	49%
2024	42%	48%
2023	41%	47%	38%
2022	39%	47%	37%
2021	38%	46%	36%
2020	36%	45%	34%
2019	37%	45%	34%
2018	37%	45%	33%
2017	38%	45%	33%
2015	33%	45%	32%
2014	31%	44%	29%
2013	28%	43%	28%
2012	27%	43%	26%
2011	27%	42%	25%
2010	27%	41%	23%
2009	24%	41%	23%
2008	20%	42%	22%
2007	20%	41%	21%
2006	20%	39%	20%
2005	21%	38%	19%
2004	19%	37%	18%
2003	22%	36%	19%
2002	23%	35%	18%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Black

View Data

Showing 2015–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓

Black Student Percentage Comparison (2002-2025)
Year	Cottonwood Elementary School	Arizona	Vail Unified District (4413)
2025	3%	6%
2024	4%	6%
2023	3%	6%	4%
2022	3%	6%	4%
2021	3%	6%	4%
2020	5%	5%	4%
2019	5%	5%	4%
2018	5%	5%	4%
2017	4%	5%	4%
2015	7%	5%	5%
2014	7%	5%	5%
2013	8%	5%	5%
2012	6%	5%	5%
2011	7%	6%	6%
2010	7%	6%	6%
2009	6%	6%	6%
2008	5%	6%	5%
2007	5%	5%	5%
2006	5%	5%	5%
2005	5%	5%	5%
2004	5%	5%	5%
2003	7%	5%	6%
2002	7%	5%	5%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

White

40%

33%

View Data

Showing 2015–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓

White Student Percentage Comparison (2002-2025)
Year	Cottonwood Elementary School	Arizona	Vail Unified District (4413)
2025	40%	33%
2024	42%	34%
2023	45%	35%	49%
2022	47%	35%	50%
2021	47%	36%	51%
2020	50%	38%	54%
2019	50%	38%	54%
2018	49%	38%	56%
2017	47%	38%	56%
2015	53%	40%	58%
2014	55%	41%	60%
2013	59%	42%	61%
2012	62%	42%	64%
2011	62%	42%	64%
2010	63%	44%	66%
2009	66%	44%	66%
2008	71%	44%	69%
2007	72%	45%	70%
2006	73%	47%	72%
2005	71%	49%	73%
2004	73%	48%	74%
2003	67%	49%	72%
2002	68%	50%	74%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Two or more races

View Data

Showing 2015–2025. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

Two or More Races Student Percentage Comparison (2012-2025)
Year	Cottonwood Elementary School	Arizona	Vail Unified District (4413)
2025	9%	4%
2024	10%	4%
2023	9%	4%	7%
2022	9%	4%	7%
2021	8%	4%	6%
2020	6%	4%	6%
2019	6%	3%	6%
2018	6%	3%	4%
2017	6%	3%	4%
2015	2%	2%	3%
2014	3%	2%	2%
2013	2%	2%	2%
2012	1%	2%	1%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

All Ethnic Groups

60%

67%

0.63

0.66

View Data

Showing 2015–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓

Diversity Score Comparison (2002-2025)
Year	Cottonwood Elementary School	Arizona	Vail Unified District (4413)
2025	0.63	0.65
2024	0.64	0.65
2023	0.63	0.65	0.61
2022	0.62	0.65	0.61
2021	0.63	0.66	0.61
2020	0.62	0.65	0.60
2019	0.61	0.65	0.60
2018	0.62	0.65	0.58
2017	0.63	0.65	0.58
2015	0.61	0.64	0.56
2014	0.60	0.64	0.55
2013	0.57	0.64	0.55
2012	0.54	0.64	0.53
2011	0.54	0.65	0.52
2010	0.53	0.64	0.50
2009	0.51	0.64	0.50
2008	0.46	0.63	0.48
2007	0.44	0.63	0.46
2006	0.43	0.63	0.44
2005	0.45	0.62	0.43
2004	0.43	0.63	0.42
2003	0.50	0.63	0.44
2002	0.48	0.62	0.43

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

(22-23)

24.9%

41.2%

View Data

Chronic Absenteeism Rate (2021-2023)
Year	Cottonwood Elementary School	Arizona	Vail Unified District (4413)
2023	24.9%	41.2%	36%
2022	33.5%	46.9%	37.6%
2021	22.3%	34.3%	10.9%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Eligible for

26%

41%

View Data

Showing 2015–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓

Free Lunch Eligibility Comparison (2004-2025)
Year	Cottonwood Elementary School	Arizona	Vail Unified District (4413)
2025	26%	41%
2024	28%	40%
2023	23%	39%	17%
2022	15%	27%	10%
2021	29%	42%	17%
2020	23%	41%	16%
2019	22%	43%	16%
2018	23%	43%	17%
2017	24%	42%	17%
2015	28%	34%	17%
2014	24%	36%	17%
2013	23%	37%	18%
2012	15%	36%	15%
2011	17%	36%	15%
2010	15%	38%	14%
2009	10%	39%	10%
2008	9%	29%	10%
2007	6%	32%	10%
2006	8%	37%	9%
2004	9%	37%	11%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Eligible for

10%

View Data

Showing 2014–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓

Reduced-Price Lunch Eligibility Comparison (2004-2025)
Year	Cottonwood Elementary School	Arizona	Vail Unified District (4413)
2025	7%	10%
2024	7%	10%
2023	7%	7%	5%
2021	7%	9%	5%
2020	7%	7%	7%
2019	7%	7%	7%
2018	7%	6%	5%
2017	6%	9%	5%
2015	6%	5%	6%
2014	6%	14%	6%
2013	7%	10%	7%
2012	7%	11%	7%
2011	5%	10%	6%
2010	8%	8%	6%
2009	5%	10%	5%
2008	6%	9%	6%
2007	6%	9%	6%
2006	6%	8%	6%
2004	8%	8%	8%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

School Statewide Testing

View Education Department Test Scores

School District Name

Vail Unified District (4413)

Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education

REQUEST FREE INFORMATION

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cottonwood Elementary School's ranking?

Cottonwood Elementary School is ranked #238 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona.

What schools are Cottonwood Elementary School often compared to?

Cottonwood Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Mesquite Elementary School, Desert Willow Elementary School by visitors of our site.

What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?

66% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 55% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).

How many students attend Cottonwood Elementary School?

570 students attend Cottonwood Elementary School.

What is the racial composition of the student body?

45% of Cottonwood Elementary School students are Hispanic, 40% of students are White, 9% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Black, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.

What is the student-teacher ratio of Cottonwood Elementary School?

Cottonwood Elementary School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.

What grades does Cottonwood Elementary School offer ?

Cottonwood Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-6 (No virtual instruction).

What school district is Cottonwood Elementary School part of?

Cottonwood Elementary School is part of Vail Unified District (4413).

In what neighborhood is Cottonwood Elementary School located?

Cottonwood Elementary School is located in the Rita Ranch neighborhood of Vail, AZ. There are 1 other public schools located in Rita Ranch.

School Reviews

Review Cottonwood Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities

Recent Articles

October 07, 2026

How Much Choice Do High School Students Have?

Learn how graduation requirements, prerequisites, electives, staffing, scheduling conflicts, AP courses, dual enrollment, and career pathways determine how much control high school students have over schedules each year.

October 07, 2026

Does Your Child Need More Recess?

Explore whether your child may benefit more from recess than another academic period, including research on attention, learning, physical activity, stress, social development, and school-day balance today.

October 07, 2026

Combined Grade Classrooms, What Parents Should Know

Learn how combined-grade classrooms work, why public schools use them, potential benefits and challenges, and the questions parents should ask before enrolling their child in one today.

Quick Facts (26-27)

Grades: Kindergarten-6
Enrollment: 570 students
Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
Minority Enrollment: 60%
: Top 20%
: 66% (Top 10%)
: 55% (Top 20%)
: 50-54% (Top 10%)
: Cottonwood Elementary School serves the northwest part of Vail, AZ, encompassing an area of approximately 3.2 square miles. Most families are within a 5-10 minute drive of the school, with the furthest zone edge located about 2.4 miles away.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education

Request Information

Email:

Name of parent:

Student first name:

Student last name:

Student date of birth:

Student is:

Male

Female

Currently in grade:

Seeking entry for grade:

Target start date:

Please briefly describe academic, athletic, and extracurricular interests of the student:

Home address:

City:

Country:

State:

Zip: (enter "N/A" if not applicable)

Phone:

Save this data and create your user profile. Create your own user account so you don't have to re-type your user data each time you request information. You'll also be able to track your information requests, get reminded of application dates, and more!

Username:

Password: