J.
O.
Combs Middle School in San Tan Valley, AZ serves 596 students from kindergarten through 8th grade with a student–teacher ratio of 20:1, which is higher than the state average ratio.
Math proficiency is 21%, lower than the Arizona state average of 34% and below the district average of 27%, showing a general decline from previous years when math proficiency was above 50% in 2013–2014.
Reading proficiency stands at 28%, which is lower than the state average of 40% and district average of 33%, reflecting a downward trend from levels above 75% in 2012–2014.
Science proficiency is 16%, lower than the state average of 24% and district average of 22%, with no available multi–year trend data.
Overall school ranking declined from #898 in 2012 to #1227 in 2023, placing the school in the bottom 50% statewide; enrollment peaked around 700 students in recent years before decreasing to 596 students, and minority enrollment comprises 51% of the student body.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 581 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 55%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 21% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 28% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 16% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: J. O. Combs Middle School serves the west part of San Tan Valley, AZ, covering an attendance area of approximately 22.2 square miles. Most students live within a 2.5-mile radius, with the furthest edges being about 5.5 miles away, typically allowing for a 5-10 minute drive to the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Overview
J. O. Combs Middle School's student population of 581 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has grown by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
581 students
Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
Showing 2014–2025. View full 39-year historical data
School Calendar
School Rankings
J. O. Combs Middle 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 J. O. Combs Middle School is 0.61, 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
#1227 out of 1921 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
21%
34%
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
40%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
16%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
17:1
Showing 2014–2025. View full 39-year historical data
American Indian
2%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 34-year historical data
Hispanic
43%
49%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Black
5%
6%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 37-year historical data
White
45%
33%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Two or more races
5%
4%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 15-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)51.1%
41.2%
Eligible for Free Lunch
51%
41%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 21-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
10%
Showing 2014–2025. View full 21-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is J. O. Combs Middle School's ranking?
J. O. Combs Middle School is ranked #1227 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are J. O. Combs Middle School often compared to?
J. O. Combs Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Desert Ridge Jr. High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
21% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 28% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
How many students attend J. O. Combs Middle School?
581 students attend J. O. Combs Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of J. O. Combs Middle School students are White, 43% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of J. O. Combs Middle School?
J. O. Combs Middle School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does J. O. Combs Middle School offer ?
J. O. Combs Middle School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is J. O. Combs Middle School part of?
J. O. Combs Middle School is part of J O Combs Unified School District (4445).
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
I think this is a good school district. The teachers are very helpful with the students and i can see my sons grades and education improving
1 10/10/2025
This school is HORRIBLE! If you don`t want your children to learn anything then send them there! The staff does not teach and doesn`t care about the children at all!!!
1 10/10/2025
This is by far the worst school I have ever dealt with. The staff is constantly quitting, the school counselor is rude and unhelpful. If your child needs any form of help with a subject good luck getting that. The teachers rarely if at all respond to your emails. This school is all around awful. I would give this school zero stars if that was an option.
5 10/10/2025
Yes, the teachers quit a lot, but they all have their own reasons such as health issues or money problems. The staff is amazing and you can tell the teachers care. There is tutoring every day for a subject, and they do it for one subject twice a week. Everyone is kind. It is such an amazing school. The teachers apply to student emails almost immediately or at least the next day.
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