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Best Public Schools in 85042 (Phoenix, AZ) (2026)

Best 85042 Arizona Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 14 public schools serving 4,465 students in 85042, AZ (there are 5 private schools, serving 807 private students). 85% of all K-12 students in 85042, AZ are educated in public schools (compared to the AZ state average of 94%).
The top-ranked public schools in 85042, AZ are Paideia Liberal Arts Academy, Desert Marigold School and Cloves C Campbell Sr Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 85042 have an average math proficiency score of 15% (versus the Arizona public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 23% (versus the 41% statewide average). Schools in 85042, AZ have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arizona public schools.
Minority enrollment is 92% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arizona public school average of 67% (majority Hispanic).

Best 85042, AZ Public Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Paideia Liberal Arts Academy
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1535 E Baseline Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85042
(602) 343-3043
Gr: 7-12 | 266 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #22.
Desert Marigold School
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
6210 S 28th St
Phoenix, AZ 85042
(602) 243-6909
Gr: K-12 | 286 students Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #33.
Cloves C Campbell Sr Elementary School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
2624 E South Mountain Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85042
(602) 304-3170
Gr: PK-8 | 395 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #44.
Nevitt Elementary School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
4525 E Saint Anne Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85042
(602) 431-6640
Gr: PK-5 | 712 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #55.
The Paideia Academy Of South Phoenix
Charter School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
7777 S 15th Ter
Phoenix, AZ 85042
(602) 343-3040
Gr: K-12 | 579 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Hope College And Career Readiness Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
6401 S 16th St
Phoenix, AZ 85042
(602) 875-5265
Gr: 9-12
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Kaizen Education Foundation Dba Quest High School
Alternative School
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
217 E Olympic Dr
Phoenix, AZ 85042
(602) 243-8496
Gr: 9-12 | 84 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #88.
John F Kennedy Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
6825 S 10th St
Phoenix, AZ 85042
(602) 232-4220
Gr: PK-4 | 352 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #99.
T G Barr School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 14%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2041 E Vineyard Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85042
(602) 232-4950
Gr: PK-8 | 402 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #1010.
C O Greenfield School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 16%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
7009 S 10th St
Phoenix, AZ 85042
(602) 232-4240
Gr: K-8 | 453 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #1111.
Maxine O Bush Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
602 E Siesta Dr
Phoenix, AZ 85042
(602) 232-4260
Gr: PK-8 | 299 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #12 - 1312. - 13.
Iamrsdonline Academy
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
6000 S 7th St
Phoenix, AZ 85042
(602) 304-3180
Gr: K-8
Rank: #12 - 1312. - 13.
South Pointe High School
Alternative School
Charter School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
8325 S Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85042
(602) 243-0600
Gr: 9-12 | 615 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #1414.
Amy L. Houston Academy
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5% )
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
7139 S 10th St
Phoenix, AZ 85042
(602) 232-4230
Gr: PK-8 | 22 students Minority enrollment: 96%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in 85042, AZ?
The top-ranked public schools in 85042, AZ include Paideia Liberal Arts Academy, Desert Marigold School and Cloves C Campbell Sr Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 85042?
14 public schools are located in 85042.
What percentage of students in 85042 go to public school?
85% of all K-12 students in 85042 are educated in public schools (compared to the AZ state average of 94%).
What is the racial composition of students in 85042?
85042 public schools minority enrollment is 92% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arizona public schools average of 67% (majority Hispanic).

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