The ranking below is based on the percentage of schools within a town or city which have placed in the top 10% of all schools statewide.
A school's overall rank is based on its combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking. Schools are ranked and compared within their own state only.
Statewide Range: 22%
67%
Avg. Statewide: 40%
Top Ranked Cities With Best Public Schools in Arizona (2025)
City
% of Schools in
Top 10% Statewide
Top 10% Statewide
Top Ranked Schools
(Math Proficiency % | Reading Proficiency %)
(Math Proficiency % | Reading Proficiency %)
Rank: #11.
67%
(4 out of 6)
(4 out of 6)
Rank: #22.
56%
(5 out of 9)
(5 out of 9)
- Horseshoe Trails Elementary School
Rank: #210 of 1,921 (Top 5%)
(Math: 70% | Reading: 69%) - Lone Mountain Elementary School
Rank: #279 of 1,921 (Top 10%)
(Math: 65% | Reading: 67%) - Cactus Shadows High School
Rank: #332 of 1,921 (Top 10%)
(Math: 57% | Reading: 71%) - View Full List of Top Ranked Cave Creek, AZ Schools
Rank: #33.
38%
(5 out of 13)
(5 out of 13)
- Senita Valley Elementary School
Rank: #63 of 1,921 (Top 5%)
(Math: 83% | Reading: 78%) - Ocotillo Ridge Elementary School
Rank: #139 of 1,921 (Top 5%)
(Math: 78% | Reading: 71%) - Corona Foothills Middle School
Rank: #316 of 1,921 (Top 10%)
(Math: 61% | Reading: 69%) - View Full List of Top Ranked Vail, AZ Schools
Rank: #44.
36%
(18 out of 50)
(18 out of 50)
- Basis Scottsdale
Rank: #28 of 1,921 (Top 1%)
(Math: 86% | Reading: 84%) - Basis Scottsdale Primary - East Campus
Rank: #42 of 1,921 (Top 5%)
(Math: 81% | Reading: 86%) - Basis Scottsdale Primary - West Campus
Rank: #49 of 1,921 (Top 5%)
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 80-84%) - View Full List of Top Ranked Scottsdale, AZ Schools
Rank: #55.
24%
(18 out of 75)
(18 out of 75)
Rank: #66.
22%
(18 out of 82)
(18 out of 82)
Recent Articles

Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.

Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.

What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.