Serving 629 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Cortina Elementary School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 62% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 62% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is lower than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 629 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 30%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 62% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 62% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Cortina Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Cortina Elementary School's student population of 629 students has declined by 19% over five school years.
The teacher population of 41 teachers has declined by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
629 students
Total Classroom Teachers
41 teachers
School Motto
Committed to being a positive, connected community that inspires, encourages, engages and empowers all learners.
School Rankings
Cortina Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all 1,921 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Cortina Elementary School is 0.47, 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
#198 out of 1921 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
62%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
62%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
5%
Asian
2%
3%
Hispanic
19%
49%
Black
3%
6%
White
70%
33%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
15%
41%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Higley Unified School District (4248)
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cortina Elementary School's ranking?
Cortina Elementary School is ranked #198 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Cortina Elementary School often compared to?
Cortina Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Desert Mountain Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
62% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 62% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
How many students attend Cortina Elementary School?
629 students attend Cortina Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
70% of Cortina Elementary School students are White, 19% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Black, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Cortina Elementary School?
Cortina Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is lower than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Cortina Elementary School offer ?
Cortina Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Cortina Elementary School part of?
Cortina Elementary School is part of Higley Unified School District (4248).
School Reviews
Review Cortina Elementary 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.
