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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best 85281 Arizona Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public elementary schools serving 2,796 students in 85281, AZ.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 85281, AZ are New School For The Arts Middle School, Holdeman Elementary School and Scales Technology Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 85281 have an average math proficiency score of 11% (versus the Arizona public elementary school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 22% (versus the 40% statewide average). Elementary schools in 85281, AZ have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arizona public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 92% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arizona public elementary school average of 67% (majority Hispanic).

Best 85281, AZ Public Elementary Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #33.
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: #44.
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: #55.
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: #66.
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: #77.
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%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in 85281, AZ?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 85281, AZ include New School For The Arts Middle School, Holdeman Elementary School and Scales Technology Academy.
How many public elementary schools are located in 85281?
7 public elementary schools are located in 85281.
What is the racial composition of students in 85281?
85281 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 92% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arizona public elementary schools average of 67% (majority Hispanic).

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