Serving 730 students in grades Prekindergarten-6, Manuel Pena Jr. School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 19% (which is lower than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 23% (which is lower than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Arizona state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 730 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 96%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 23% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Manuel Pena Jr. School's student population of 730 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 40 teachers has grown by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
730 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
40 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Manuel Pena Jr. School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,956 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Manuel Pena Jr. School is 0.39, 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
#1424 out of 1956 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(22-23)19%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
23%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
24%
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
17:1
American Indian
3%
5%
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
77%
48%
Black
14%
6%
White
4%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
40%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Manuel Pena Jr. School's ranking?
Manuel Pena Jr. School is ranked #1424 out of 1,956 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Manuel Pena Jr. School often compared to?
Manuel Pena Jr. Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Holiday Park School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 23% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
How many students attend Manuel Pena Jr. School?
730 students attend Manuel Pena Jr. School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
77% of Manuel Pena Jr. School students are Hispanic, 14% of students are Black, 4% of students are White, 3% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Manuel Pena Jr. School?
Manuel Pena Jr. School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Manuel Pena Jr. School offer ?
Manuel Pena Jr. School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Manuel Pena Jr. School part of?
Manuel Pena Jr. School is part of Cartwright Elementary District (4282) School District.
In what neighborhood is Manuel Pena Jr. School located?
Manuel Pena Jr. School is located in the Cartwright Elementary School neighborhood of Phoenix, AZ. There are 1 other public schools located in Cartwright Elementary School.
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