For the 2026 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 6,328 students in 85281, AZ (there are , serving 448 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in 85281, AZ are educated in public schools (compared to the AZ state average of 93%).
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 88% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arizona public school average of 66% (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 | 190 students Minority enrollment: 40%
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 | 76 students Minority enrollment: 51%
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 | 92 students Minority enrollment: 77%
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 | 405 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
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 | 1,485 student Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
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 | 371 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
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 | 489 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
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 | 442 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
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 | 289 students 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 | 708 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
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 | 1,781 student Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: n/an/a
300 E University Drive Suite 2
Tempe, AZ 85281
(844) 692-3372
Tempe, AZ 85281
(844) 692-3372
Gr: PK-12
85281, Arizona Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1525 E Apache Blvd
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 305-1015
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 305-1015
Gr: 9-12 | 4 students Minority enrollment: 50%
Esperanza Prep (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
1938 E Apache Blvd
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 422-9080
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 422-9080
Gr: K-8 | 85 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Integrity Education Centre (Closed 2023)
Charter School
515 E Continental Dr
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 731-4829
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 731-4829
Gr: K-12 | 24 students Minority enrollment: 71%
1290 N. Scottsdale Rd. 117
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 258-6797
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 258-6797
Gr: 7-12 | 1 student
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?
13 public schools are located in 85281.
What percentage of students in 85281 go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in 85281 are educated in public schools (compared to the AZ state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in 85281?
85281 public schools minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arizona public schools average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Public School Transportation & Commute Planning Guide
Learn how public school transportation and commute planning can help families prepare for the coming school year safely and efficiently.
New Public School Safety Protocols 2025–26 Guide
Learn how new public school safety protocols for 2025–26 affect students, parents, and schools nationwide.
How Technology Transforms Education in 2025
Explore how technology shapes learning today, with updated data, policy context, trends, and real-world implications for students, educators, and families.
