Serving 686 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, James W. Rice Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 14% (which is lower than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 19% (which is lower than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Arizona state average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 686 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: James W. Rice Primary School serves the southwest part of Phoenix, AZ, encompassing an area of approximately 4.2 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with an average distance of 1.6 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 3.1 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Overview
James W. Rice Elementary School's student population of 686 students has declined by 20% over five school years.
The teacher population of 43 teachers has declined by 14% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
686 students
Total Classroom Teachers
43 teachers
School Rankings
James W. Rice Elementary 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 James W. Rice Elementary School is 0.17, 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
#1620 out of 1921 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
14%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
Asian
3%
3%
Hispanic
91%
49%
Black
3%
6%
White
2%
33%
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)61.2%
41.2%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
41%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James W. Rice Elementary School's ranking?
James W. Rice Elementary School is ranked #1620 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Arizona.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
How many students attend James W. Rice Elementary School?
686 students attend James W. Rice Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
91% of James W. Rice Elementary School students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Asian, 3% of students are Black, 2% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of James W. Rice Elementary School?
James W. Rice Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does James W. Rice Elementary School offer ?
James W. Rice Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is James W. Rice Elementary School part of?
James W. Rice Elementary School is part of Alhambra Elementary District (4280).
In what neighborhood is James W. Rice Elementary School located?
James W. Rice Elementary School is located in the Maryvale Village neighborhood of Phoenix, AZ. There are 65 other public schools located in Maryvale Village.
School Reviews
Review James W. Rice 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
How Often Does Your Child's School Change Teachers Between Grade Levels?
Learn how teacher movement between grade levels affects continuity, experience, instruction, and school stability, plus the questions parents should ask about staffing patterns before choosing a public school today.
The School Pickup Test: What Arrival and Dismissal Reveal About a Public School
Discover what school arrival and dismissal reveal about safety, supervision, organization, communication, student behavior, transportation, and school climate before choosing the right public school for your child and family.
Should Siblings Attend the Same Public School?
Should siblings attend the same public school? Learn when academic needs, learning styles, programs, social fit, support services, and individual interests may make different schools better choices for children.
