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 982 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 96% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 34%). 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 67% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 8-12
- Enrollment: 982 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Minority Enrollment: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 98% (Top 1% in AZ)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 1%
- Math Proficiency: 96% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: 95% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: 69% (Top 1%)
- Attendance Zone: University High School's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district of Tucson, AZ, covering approximately 229 square miles. The typical drive to the school is between 15 to 20 minutes, with the average distance from the school to the edge of the zone being about 8.2 miles and the furthest edge reaching 18.1 miles away.
- 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
School Overview
University High School's student population of 982 students has declined by 19% over five school years.
The teacher population of 42 teachers has declined by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 8-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
982 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1976
School Calendar
School Rankings
University High School ranks within the top 1% of all 1,921 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of University High School is 0.73, 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 1921 schools
(Top 1%)
(Top 1%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
96%
34%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
95%
40%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
69%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
23:1
17:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
5%
Showing 2009–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
15%
3%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
32%
49%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Black
4%
6%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
White
38%
33%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
10%
4%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
98%
77.8%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)29.6%
41.2%
Eligible for Free Lunch
16%
41%
Showing 2011–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
10%
Showing 2011–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
White, Black
School Mascot
Penguin
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 09/26/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is University High School's ranking?
University High School is ranked #1 out of 1,921 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?
96% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% 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 98%, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 77.8%.
How many students attend University High School?
982 students attend University High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
38% of University High School students are White, 32% of students are Hispanic, 15% 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).
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 10/10/2025
Nice school w smart students.
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