Payson High School is a public high school located in the rural town of Payson, Arizona, United States. It is one of two high schools within Payson Unified School District. PHS enrolls approximately 750 students.
Serving 748 students in grades 9-12, Payson High School 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 30-34% (which is approximately equal to 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 17:1 is equal to the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 748 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 35%
- Graduation Rate: 85-89% (Top 50% in AZ)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 30-34% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Payson High School's student population of 748 students has grown by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 43 teachers has grown by 38% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
748 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
43 teachers
Year Founded
1962
Colors
Purple, Gold
Last Day of School
Thu. May 21, 2026
School Mascot
Longhorns
School Rankings
Payson High School 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 Payson High School is 0.51, 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
#809 out of 1921 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
American Indian
3%
5%
Asian
n/a
3%
Hispanic
27%
48%
Black
1%
6%
White
65%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
85-89%
77%
Eligible for Free Lunch
35%
40%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Longhorns
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Payson High School's ranking?
Payson High School is ranked #809 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Payson High School often compared to?
Payson High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like American Leadership Academy Ironwood K12 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30-34% 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).
What is the graduation rate of Payson High School?
The graduation rate of Payson High School is 85-89%, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 77%.
How many students attend Payson High School?
748 students attend Payson High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
65% of Payson High School students are White, 27% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Payson High School?
Payson High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Payson High School offer ?
Payson High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Payson High School part of?
Payson High School is part of Payson Unified District (4209) School District.
School Calendar
View the Payson High School yearly calendar below.
School Reviews
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