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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best 85281 Arizona Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 12 public schools serving 6,033 students in 85281, AZ (there are 4 private schools, serving 315 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in 85281, AZ are educated in public schools (compared to the AZ state average of 94%).
The top-ranked public schools in 85281, AZ are New School For The Arts, New School For The Arts Middle School and Ombudsman - Charter Northeast. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 85281 have an average math proficiency score of 13% (versus the Arizona public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 21% (versus the 41% statewide average). Schools in 85281, AZ have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arizona public schools.
Minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arizona public school average of 67% (majority Hispanic).

Best 85281, AZ Public Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
New School For The Arts
Charter School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
1216 E Apache Blvd
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 252-5414
Gr: 9-12 | 173 students Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #22.
New School For The Arts Middle School
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1216 E Apache Blvd
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 481-9235
Gr: 6-8 | 75 students Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #33.
Ombudsman - Charter Northeast
Alternative School
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1290 N. Scottsdale Road Ste 13
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 485-9872
Gr: 9-12 | 93 students Student-teacher ratio: 31:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #44.
Holdeman Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1326 W 18th St
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 966-9934
Gr: PK-5 | 418 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #55.
Tempe High School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1730 S Mill Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 967-1661
Gr: 9-12 | 1,431 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #66.
Scales Technology Academy
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1115 W 5th St
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 929-9909
Gr: PK-5 | 375 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #77.
Cecil Shamley School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1500 N Scovel St
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 941-2440
Gr: PK-8 | 411 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #88.
Evit - Tempe High School
Vocational School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29% )
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1730 S Mill Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 461-4000
Gr: 9-12
Rank: #99.
Flora Thew Elementary School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2130 E Howe Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 894-5574
Gr: PK-5 | 501 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #1010.
Kaizen Education Foundation Dba South Pointe Elementary School
Alternative School
Charter School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
2033 E Southern Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 276-1943
Gr: K-6 | 322 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #1111.
Geneva Epps Mosley Middle School
(Math: 7% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1025 S Beck Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 966-7114
Gr: 6-8 | 694 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #1212.
Student Choice High School
Alternative School
Charter School
(Math: 2% | Reading: 9%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1833 N Scottsdale Rd
Tempe, AZ 85281
(623) 242-0689
Gr: 9-12 | 1,540 students Student-teacher ratio: 62:1 Minority enrollment: 86%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in 85281, AZ?
How many public schools are located in 85281?
12 public schools are located in 85281.
What percentage of students in 85281 go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in 85281 are educated in public schools (compared to the AZ state average of 94%).
What is the racial composition of students in 85281?
85281 public schools minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arizona public schools average of 67% (majority Hispanic).

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