Serving 1,171 students in grades 7-8, Willie & Coy Payne Jr. High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 52% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 32% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 7-8
- Enrollment: 1,171 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 32%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 52% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 44% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Willie & Coy Payne Jr. High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Willie & Coy Payne Jr. High School's student population of 1,171 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 59 teachers has grown by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,171 students
Total Classroom Teachers
59 teachers
Year Founded
2025
School Calendar
School Rankings
Willie & Coy Payne Jr. High School ranks within the top 30% of all 1,921 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Willie & Coy Payne Jr. High School is 0.50, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#388 out of 1921 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
52%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
5%
Asian
3%
3%
Hispanic
19%
49%
Black
3%
6%
White
68%
33%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
11%
41%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Willie & Coy Payne Jr. High School's ranking?
Willie & Coy Payne Jr. High School is ranked #388 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Willie & Coy Payne Jr. High School often compared to?
Willie & Coy Payne Jr. High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Sossaman Middle School, Santan Junior High School, Dr. Camille Casteel High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
52% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
How many students attend Willie & Coy Payne Jr. High School?
1,171 students attend Willie & Coy Payne Jr. High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
68% of Willie & Coy Payne Jr. High School students are White, 19% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, 3% of students are Black, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Willie & Coy Payne Jr. High School?
Willie & Coy Payne Jr. High School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Willie & Coy Payne Jr. High School offer ?
Willie & Coy Payne Jr. High School offers enrollment in grades 7-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Willie & Coy Payne Jr. High School part of?
Willie & Coy Payne Jr. High School is part of Chandler Unified District #80 (4242).
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
We have moved all over the country and this school is by far the worst school we have ever attended. I have never written a review on any of the other 6 states we've lived in and in fact have never had hardly any complaints at other schools. This was the most uncaring, uninvolved, lackluster, blah school we've attended. For eighth grade graduation, you had to be invited to participate and the invitation came through winning an award. So for the other half of students who did not get an award, you simply left on the last day of school with a good-bye (if that even happened). My student is a gifted, well liked, kind, friendly individual. She goes out of her way to help others and be involved, unlike most of the teachers, and front office staff at this school. Terrible.
5 10/10/2025
We have had a great experience with Payne Jr. High. Our son is thriving and I have nothing but positive things to say about this school.
Review Willie & Coy Payne Jr. High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
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
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
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
