Exploring the Top-Ranked High Schools in Phoenix: A Comprehensive Guide
High-Performance Public Charter Schools in Phoenix
BASIS Phoenix
Location: 11850 N 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85028
Grades: 5–12
Type: Public Charter
Overview: BASIS Phoenix stands out for its intense academic rigor, especially in STEM education and Advanced Placement (AP) coursework. It maintains a 100% AP participation rate, with students engaging in college-level classes from as early as fifth grade. This early exposure fosters critical thinking and prepares students for global competitiveness. Its graduation rate approaches near 100%, with alumni typically attending prestigious universities such as MIT, Stanford, and Caltech. The school offers extracurricular options including robotics, debate, and chess clubs, supporting students’ diverse interests and skill development.
Great Hearts Academies – Archway Chandler
Location: 1951 N Alma School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Grades: K–12
Type: Public Charter
Overview: As part of the Great Hearts network, Archway Chandler emphasizes a classical liberal arts curriculum. Its mission includes cultivating students’ intellectual and moral virtues, aimed at higher education readiness and responsible citizenship. The curriculum strongly features humanities, arts, and sciences, offering a holistic educational approach. This school invests in developing well-rounded individuals capable of critical analysis and moral reasoning, which are integral for leadership roles in the future.
BASIS Ahwatukee
Location: 17040 S 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85048
Grades: 5–12
Type: Public Charter
Overview: Basis Ahwatukee is recognized nationally for outstanding academic performance within the BASIS network. It emphasizes challenging STEM coursework and AP classes, with standards that push students toward excellence. Its rigorous curriculum consistently produces top scorers and high college placement rates. The school’s philosophy centers on academic excellence, perseverance, and preparing students for competitive universities. Extracurriculars mirror this focus, offering coding clubs, Math Olympiads, and science fairs.
Specialized and Honors-Level Programs
Arizona College Prep – Erie Campus
Location: 1150 W Erie St, Chandler, AZ 85224
Grades: 9–12
Type: Public Charter
Overview: Arizona College Prep – Erie Campus is distinguished by its honors-level curriculum and small class sizes, which facilitate personalized attention. The school emphasizes academic rigor and character development, with a transparent goal of preparing students for college and careers. Its inclusive admission policy through Arizona’s open enrollment program promotes diversity and community engagement. The school’s focus on formative assessment and project-based learning fosters critical problem-solving skills.
University High School – Tolleson
Location: 3805 S 91st Ave, Tolleson, AZ 85353
Grades: 9–12
Type: Public
Overview: University High School in Tolleson offers a comprehensive honors program with a 100% AP participation rate. The school prioritizes college-readiness and academic rigor. It provides advanced coursework across core subjects and supports student involvement in AP classes, encouraging mastery of topics and skills critical for post-secondary success. Its curriculum aligns well with university standards, preparing students to excel academically.
Specialized Magnet and Themed Schools
Phoenix Union Bioscience High School
Location: 512 E Pierce St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Grades: 9–12
Type: Public Magnet
Overview: Bioscience High School specializes in biomedical and health sciences, providing a unique curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in biotech, medicine, and research. Its intensive focus on bioscience integrates practical lab work, internships, and project-based learning. The school stages a 100% graduation rate and boasts strong college acceptance stats for its focused graduates. Its innovative approach combining academics with real-world applications makes it a forerunner among specialized high schools.
Desert Mountain High School
Location: 12575 E Via Linda, Scottsdale, AZ 85259
Grades: 9–12
Type: Public
Overview: This school’s broad offerings include AP classes, arts, athletics, and Advanced Placement courses. It emphasizes college readiness and a diverse array of extracurricular activities. Its strong academic environment and extracurricular engagement foster a holistic student development approach. The school continually ranks highly on local performance metrics and offers extensive AP testing options to push students toward college success.
Community and Agricultural-Focused Programs
Maryvale High School
Location: 3415 N 59th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85031
Grades: 9–12
Type: Public
Overview: Maryvale High emphasizes broad academic excellence alongside community involvement. Its curriculum is designed to prep students for post-secondary education, workforce integration, and responsible citizenship. The school fosters skills necessary for careers in various sectors including trades, health, and technology, through specialized programs and partnerships. Its comprehensive approach aims to equip students with lifelong learning skills.
Moon Valley High School
Location: 3625 W Cactus Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85029
Grades: 9–12
Type: Public
Overview: Moon Valley is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and an enriching extracurricular environment. Its curriculum spans core academic subjects, along with arts and sports. The school fosters a supportive environment promoting student success and growth. It maintains diverse pathways for college preparation and community engagement while encouraging student participation in various clubs and teams.
High School Academics and Campus Features
Sandra Day O’Connor High School
Location: 25250 N 35th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85083
Grades: 9–12
Type: Public
Overview: Known for its strong academic programs and student-focused initiatives, O’Connor High offers a wide array of classes including Advanced Placement and honors courses. Its curriculum is aligned to university testing standards, and it emphasizes career readiness. The school also provides leadership development and community service opportunities, supporting holistic student growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the standout features of BASIS Phoenix?
BASIS Phoenix offers a rigorous curriculum with 100% AP participation, early college prep from grade five, and a high success rate in university placements. It emphasizes STEM and critical thinking skills for globally competitive students.
How does Great Hearts Academies – Archway Chandler differ from other schools?
It focuses on a classical liberal arts education, cultivating both intellectual and moral virtues. Its curriculum enhances students’ humanities, arts, and sciences, preparing them for higher education and responsible citizenship.
What unique programs does Bioscience High School offer?
Bioscience High specializes in biomedical research and health sciences, providing hands-on lab experiences, internships, and project-based learning designed to prepare students for careers in biotechnology, medicine, and research fields.
Which schools have the highest college placement success?
Schools like BASIS Phoenix, Arizona College Prep – Erie Campus, and University High School in Tolleson are known for their high college placement rates, rigorous coursework, and dedicated college prep programs.
Key Features of Top Phoenix High Schools
| School | Grades | Curriculum Focus | AP Participation | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BASIS Phoenix | 5–12 | STEM & College Prep | 100% | Early college, extracurricular clubs |
| Great Hearts – Archway Chandler | K–12 | Classical Liberal Arts | Varies | Humanities focus, moral virtues |
| BASIS Ahwatukee | 5–12 | STEM & AP Courses | High | High academic standards |
| Arizona College Prep – Erie | 9–12 | Honors & College Prep | Varsity | Small classes, inclusive environment |
| University High School – Tolleson | 9–12 | College Readiness & AP | 100% | Advanced coursework |
| Phoenix Union Bioscience High School | 9–12 | Biomedical & Health Sciences | High | Research & internship programs |
| Desert Mountain High School | 9–12 | Diverse disciplines including AP | High | Athletics & arts |
| Maryvale High School | 9–12 | Comprehensive education | Varies | Career pathways |
| Moon Valley High School | 9–12 | Academic & Extracurricular | Varies | Arts and sports programs |
| Sandra Day O’Connor High School | 9–12 | Career & College Prep | High | Leadership & community service |
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
