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 proficiency in math is 66% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts 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 (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 570 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 60%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 66% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 10%)
- 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:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
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)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
570 students
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
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 diversity score 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.
Overall Testing Rank
#238 out of 1921 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
66%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
5%
Asian
2%
3%
Hispanic
45%
49%
Black
3%
6%
White
40%
33%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
9%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)24.9%
41.2%
Eligible for Free Lunch
26%
41%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
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
When Absenteeism Signals a School Fit Problem
Learn when student absenteeism may point to a school fit problem and how parents can respond constructively.
The Middle School Transition: Questions Parents Should Ask Before Sixth or Seventh Grade
Help your child succeed in middle school by asking the right questions before sixth or seventh grade. Learn what to ask about academics, safety, and student support.
How to Spot a School Climate Problem Before Enrolling
Learn how to identify school climate problems before enrolling in a public school, including warning signs, key questions, and reliable data sources.
