Arizona is the #13 largest school system in the United States, serving 1,111,369 students across the 2,487 public schools for the 2026 school year (there are 475 private schools, serving 69,220 students). 94% of all K-12 students in Arizona attend public schools, compared to the national average of 90%.
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in Arizona is 34%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 41%.
The top-ranked public schools in Arizona are University High School, Arizona College Prep Middle School, and Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
Minority enrollment is 67%, with the majority being Hispanic and the student-teacher ratio is 17:1.
Top-Ranked Public Schools in Arizona (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
University High School
(Math: 96% | Reading: 95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 96% (Top 1%)
Reading: 95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 8-12
421 N Arcadia Ave
Tucson, AZ 85711
(520) 232-5900
Tucson, AZ 85711
(520) 232-5900
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Arizona College Prep Middle School
(Math: 95% | Reading: 90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 95% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90% (Top 1%)
Grades: 6-8
1150 W Erie St
Chandler, AZ 85224
(480) 883-5400
Chandler, AZ 85224
(480) 883-5400
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12
(Math: 88% | Reading: 94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 88% (Top 1%)
Reading: 94% (Top 1%)
Grades: 7-12
1016 N Burk Street
Gilbert, AZ 85234
(480) 497-4034
Gilbert, AZ 85234
(480) 497-4034
Rank: #44.
Arizona College Prep High School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 88% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90% (Top 1%)
Grades: 7-12
4477 S Gilbert Rd
Chandler, AZ 85249
(480) 424-8700
Chandler, AZ 85249
(480) 424-8700
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Basis Chandler
Charter School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 88% (Top 1%)
Reading: 87% (Top 1%)
Grades: 5-12
4825 S Arizona Ave
Chandler, AZ 85248
(480) 907-6072
Chandler, AZ 85248
(480) 907-6072
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Weinberg Gifted Academy
(Math: 87% | Reading: 92%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 87% (Top 1%)
Reading: 92% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-6
5245 S Val Vista Dr
Gilbert, AZ 85298
(480) 812-6600
Gilbert, AZ 85298
(480) 812-6600
Rank: #77.
Basis Oro Valley
Charter School
(Math: 86% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 86% (Top 1%)
Reading: 86% (Top 1%)
Grades: 5-12
11155 N Oracle Rd
Tucson, AZ 85737
(520) 308-5220
Tucson, AZ 85737
(520) 308-5220
Rank: #88.
Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence
(Math: 86% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 86% (Top 1%)
Reading: 85% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-6
1405 W Lake Dr
Chandler, AZ 85248
(480) 224-2700
Chandler, AZ 85248
(480) 224-2700
Rank: #99.
Basis Oro Valley Primary
Charter School
(Math: 89% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 89% (Top 1%)
Reading: 82% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-6
11155 N Oracle Rd
Tucson, AZ 85737
(520) 812-5900
Tucson, AZ 85737
(520) 812-5900
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Basis Chandler Primary - North Campus
Charter School
(Math: 86% | Reading: 84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 86% (Top 1%)
Reading: 84% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-4
1800 E Chandler Blvd
Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 798-6447
Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 798-6447
Overview
This State (AZ)
US
# Schools
2,487 Schools
100,525 Schools
# Students
1,111,369 Students
49,339,277 Students
Gender %
# Teachers
62,202 Teachers
3,180,552 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
15:1
Student By Grade
State Acdeamy
State Average (AZ)
National Average
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
43%
Graduation Rate
77%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
5%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.66
0.71
# American Indian Students
54,644 Students
466,525 Students
% American Indian Students
5%
1%
# Asian Students
36,694 Students
2,807,520 Students
% Asian Students
3%
6%
# Hispanic Students
538,438 Students
14,955,622 Students
% Hispanic Students
49%
30%
# Black Students
64,818 Students
7,274,090 Students
% Black Students
6%
15%
# White Students
363,709 Students
21,014,271 Students
% White Students
33%
43%
# Hawaiian Students
3,903 Students
196,971 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
n/a
# Two or more races Students
49,163 Students
2,588,398 Students
% of Two or more races Students
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
State Revenue and Spending
This State (AZ)
Total Revenue (24-25)
$12,837 MM
Spending (24-25)
$12,727 MM
Revenue / Student (24-25)
$11,551
Spending / Student (24-25)
$11,452
Best Arizona Public Schools by County (2026)
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Arizona?
The top-ranked public schools in Arizona include University High School, Arizona College Prep Middle School, and Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12.
How many public schools are located in Arizona?
2,487 public schools are located in Arizona.
What percentage of students in Arizona go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in Arizona attend public schools (compared to the national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Arizona?
Minority enrollment in Arizona is 67%, with the majority being Hispanic.
Which public schools in Arizona are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Arizona include: Pcjted - San Manuel High School vs. Santa Rosa Preschool, Blue Ridge High School vs. Show Low High School, Desert Horizon Elementary School vs. Pendergast Elementary School
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