Serving 211 students in grades Kindergarten-12, Leading Edge Academy At East Mesa ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 25-29% (which is lower than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is lower than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 211 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 52%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 25-29% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-29% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Leading Edge Academy At East Mesa's student population of 211 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 18 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
211 students
Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
Year Founded
2002
School Calendar
School Motto
Leading A Generation To Excellence
School Rankings
Leading Edge Academy At East Mesa ranks within the top 50% of all 1,921 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Leading Edge Academy At East Mesa is 0.59, 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
#912 out of 1921 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-29%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
5%
Asian
n/a
3%
Hispanic
43%
49%
Black
2%
6%
White
48%
33%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)37%
41.2%
Eligible for Free Lunch
27%
41%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
13%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Leading Edge Academy At East Mesa's ranking?
Leading Edge Academy At East Mesa is ranked #912 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Arizona.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
25-29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
How many students attend Leading Edge Academy At East Mesa?
211 students attend Leading Edge Academy At East Mesa.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
48% of Leading Edge Academy At East Mesa students are White, 43% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Leading Edge Academy At East Mesa?
Leading Edge Academy At East Mesa has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Leading Edge Academy At East Mesa offer ?
Leading Edge Academy At East Mesa offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Leading Edge Academy At East Mesa part of?
Leading Edge Academy At East Mesa is part of LEAD Charter Schools (79967).
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
The East Mesa campus is a lot like a small town - with the good and the bad.
There is no extracurricular activities to speak of, and there are no sports.
There are a lot of things that parents don't know, because they don't know they need to ask! If you are new, the office thinks that you are just going to pick it up, as you go along. You can feel alienated very easily. Any communication is broadcast to the parents (sort of) but if you want to know any details about what is going on, you have to go to the source. The secretary of a small school could be its nurturing heartbeat, but if you are not part of her in-crowd don't expect to be treated the same as a favored parent.
The school is good & teachers = great! The principal knows all the students by name and talks to them. Some parents are super-involved and some parents aren't involved at all; both of the extremes and the middle road, too. There isn't enough room to play on the playground, and this frustrates the parents. We have been told that the Leading Edge district is working on it, but ... district got the Gilbert school a new playground and we got a hand-me-down :( Makes us wonder what is really going on in the office, but as I am not in that clique I can't tell you what the real story is.
1 10/10/2025
I would leave numerous messages for the principal to call concerning enrollment for my two girls that have learning differences and never received a callback. I was told that I need to have a tour of the school before starting enrollment, but his availability never seems to match mine. I finally talk to the principal just before the Christmas holidays arrive and I'm told he is having surgery and to call back after the holidays to schedule a tour. I call the week that school is back in session and I am told they no longer have the TWO 6th grade spots that they once had JUST BEFORE THE BREAK. Coincidence? I think not. If the principal can't or won't even do a simple follow-up call, I'd hate to see what it would be like if my kids actually attended this school. The way I see it, I dodged a bullet but don't like the way he went about the whole situation. My experience with many Arizona schools is that if they don't have to deal with students that have IEPs and learning differences which they consider a costly expense given extra services are required they won't.
5 10/10/2025
My kids have been going here since 2015. We love the teachers and admin. This school has grown and accepts 10th grade. We love the office staff they make us feel like we''re family. Everyone there knows our name. The principal says hello to each of the kids every morning and afternoon. The teachers make this school even better. We will hopefully be there until 12th grade. I highly recommended leading edge!
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