The ranking below is based on the percentage of schools within a town or city which have placed in the top 10% of all schools statewide.
A school's overall rank is based on its combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking. Schools are ranked and compared within their own state only.
Statewide Range: 22%
67%
Avg. Statewide: 40%
Top-Ranked Cities With Best Public Schools in Arizona (2026)
City
% of Schools in
Top 10% Statewide
Top 10% Statewide
Top-Ranked Schools
(Math Proficiency % | Reading Proficiency %)
(Math Proficiency % | Reading Proficiency %)
Rank: #11.
67%
(4 out of 6)
(4 out of 6)
Rank: #22.
56%
(5 out of 9)
(5 out of 9)
- Horseshoe Trails Elementary School
Rank: #210 of 1,921 (Top 5%)
(Math: 70% | Reading: 69%) - Lone Mountain Elementary School
Rank: #279 of 1,921 (Top 10%)
(Math: 65% | Reading: 67%) - Cactus Shadows High School
Rank: #332 of 1,921 (Top 10%)
(Math: 57% | Reading: 71%) - View Full List of Top-Ranked Cave Creek, AZ Schools
Rank: #33.
38%
(5 out of 13)
(5 out of 13)
- Senita Valley Elementary School
Rank: #63 of 1,921 (Top 5%)
(Math: 83% | Reading: 78%) - Ocotillo Ridge Elementary School
Rank: #139 of 1,921 (Top 5%)
(Math: 78% | Reading: 71%) - Corona Foothills Middle School
Rank: #316 of 1,921 (Top 10%)
(Math: 61% | Reading: 69%) - View Full List of Top-Ranked Vail, AZ Schools
Rank: #44.
36%
(18 out of 50)
(18 out of 50)
- Basis Scottsdale
Rank: #28 of 1,921 (Top 1%)
(Math: 86% | Reading: 84%) - Basis Scottsdale Primary - East Campus
Rank: #42 of 1,921 (Top 5%)
(Math: 81% | Reading: 86%) - Basis Scottsdale Primary - West Campus
Rank: #49 of 1,921 (Top 5%)
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 80-84%) - View Full List of Top-Ranked Scottsdale, AZ Schools
Rank: #55.
24%
(18 out of 75)
(18 out of 75)
Rank: #66.
22%
(18 out of 82)
(18 out of 82)
Recent Articles
Public School Rankings: Are They Accurate?
Explore how accurate public school rankings really are, their limitations, and how parents can interpret them in 2026.
Public School Schedule Options Explained for Families
Learn how public school schedule options like year-round calendars, block scheduling, and later start times affect students and families in 2026.
How to Request Special Education Services at School Registration
A step-by-step guide for families on how to request special education services at school registration, including IEPs, 504 plans, timelines, and tips.
