Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetGet($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 106 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetSet($offset, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 115 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetUnset($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 130 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 48 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 56 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 80 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Drivers\Memcached\Item::jsonSerialize() should either be compatible with JsonSerializable::jsonSerialize(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Core/Item/ItemExtendedTrait.php on line 438 Best Public Schools in Payson, AZ (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Payson Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 2,144 students in Payson, AZ (there are 1 private school, serving 176 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in Payson, AZ are educated in public schools (compared to the AZ state average of 94%).
The top-ranked public schools in Payson, AZ are Payson High School, Julia Randall Elementary School and Rim Country Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Payson, AZ public schools have an average math proficiency score of 25% (versus the Arizona public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 37% (versus the 41% statewide average). Schools in Payson have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Arizona public schools.
Minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arizona public school average of 67% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Payson, AZ (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Payson High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
301 S Mclane Rd
Payson, AZ 85547
(928) 472-5788
Gr: 9-12 | 733 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #22.
Julia Randall Elementary School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
902 W Main St
Payson, AZ 85547
(928) 468-2600
Gr: 2-5 | 503 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #33.
Rim Country Middle School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
304 S Meadow St
Payson, AZ 85547
(928) 472-3062
Gr: 6-8 | 478 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #44.
Payson Center For Success - Online
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 11-19% )
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
902 W Main St
Payson, AZ 85547
(928) 472-5891
Gr: 7-12
Rank: n/an/a
Payson Elementary School
500 East Rancho Road
Payson, AZ 85547
(928) 472-5801
Gr: K-2 | 430 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 32%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Payson, AZ?
The top-ranked public schools in Payson, AZ include Payson High School, Julia Randall Elementary School and Rim Country Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Payson?
5 public schools are located in Payson.
What percentage of students in Payson go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in Payson are educated in public schools (compared to the AZ state average of 94%).
What is the racial composition of students in Payson?
Payson public schools minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arizona public schools average of 67% (majority Hispanic).

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (AZ):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links: