University High School is an accelerated public high school located in Tucson, Arizona. Originally known as Special Projects High School, University High School is in the Tucson Unified School District.
Serving 1,001 students in grades 8-12, University High School ranks in the top 1% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 1%, and reading proficiency is top 1%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≥99% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 95% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student:teacher ratio of 23:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 8-12
- Enrollment: 1,001 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Minority Enrollment: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 95% (Top 20% in AZ)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 1%
- Math Proficiency: ≥99% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: 95% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: 69% (Top 1%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
University High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
Diversity
School Overview
University High School's student population of 1,001 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 43 teachers has declined by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 8-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,001 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
43 teachers
Year Founded
1976
Colors
White, Black
School Calendar
School Rankings
University High School ranks within the top 1% of all 1,956 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of University High School is 0.72, which is more 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
#1 out of 1956 schools
(Top 1%)
(Top 1%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥99%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
95%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
69%
24%
Student : Teacher Ratio
23:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
5%
Asian
14%
3%
Hispanic
33%
48%
Black
4%
6%
White
38%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
10%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
95%
77%
Eligible for Free Lunch
16%
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: Penguin
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is University High School's ranking?
University High School is ranked #1 out of 1,956 schools, which ranks it among the top 1% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are University High School often compared to?
University High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Rincon High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≥99% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% AZ state average), while 95% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
What is the graduation rate of University High School?
The graduation rate of University High School is 95%, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 77%.
How many students attend University High School?
1,001 students attend University High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
38% of University High School students are White, 33% of students are Hispanic, 14% of students are Asian, 10% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Black, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of University High School?
University High School has a student ration of 23:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does University High School offer ?
University High School offers enrollment in grades 8-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is University High School part of?
University High School is part of Tucson Unified District (4403) School District.
In what neighborhood is University High School located?
University High School is located in the Rincon University neighborhood of Tucson, AZ. There are 3 other public schools located in Rincon University.
School Reviews
5 2/27/2023
Nice school w smart students.
Review University High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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