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)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
New School For The Arts
Charter School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1216 E Apache Blvd
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 252-5414
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:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1216 E Apache Blvd
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 481-9235
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 481-9235
Gr: 6-8 | 75 students Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #33.
Ombudsman - Charter Northeast
Alternative School
Charter School
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1290 N. Scottsdale Road Ste 13
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 485-9872
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:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1326 W 18th St
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 966-9934
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:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1730 S Mill Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 967-1661
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 967-1661
Gr: 9-12 | 1,431 student Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #66.
Scales Technology Academy
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1115 W 5th St
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 929-9909
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:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1500 N Scovel St
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 941-2440
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:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1730 S Mill Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 461-4000
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 461-4000
Gr: 9-12
Rank: #99.
Flora Thew Elementary School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2130 E Howe Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 894-5574
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
Charter School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2033 E Southern Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 276-1943
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:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1025 S Beck Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 966-7114
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
Charter School
(Math: 2% | Reading: 9%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1833 N Scottsdale Rd
Tempe, AZ 85281
(623) 242-0689
Tempe, AZ 85281
(623) 242-0689
Gr: 9-12 | 1,540 student Student-teacher ratio: 62:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 85281, AZ?
The top-ranked public schools in 85281, AZ include New School For The Arts, New School For The Arts Middle School and Ombudsman - Charter Northeast.
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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