News Summary
BASIS Tucson North has soared to the top position in the U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools Rankings after previously ranking 33rd. This achievement highlights the school’s commitment to academic excellence, particularly in college readiness and STEM education. The BASIS network boasts multiple schools in the top 100, emphasizing the overall educational quality in Arizona. The rankings are based on extensive evaluations of numerous public schools across the nation, reflecting significant academic improvements and dedication from educators and students.
Tucson, Arizona – BASIS Tucson North has achieved the top position in the 2025-26 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools Rankings, marking a significant leap from its previous rank of 33rd last year. The prestigious ranking is a part of an extensive evaluation that assessed approximately 24,000 public schools nationwide and ranked nearly 18,000. This accomplishment is a testament to the school’s commitment to academic excellence and student success.
As part of the BASIS Charter Schools network, BASIS Tucson North is not alone in its triumph. In fact, the network boasts ten schools among the top 100 high schools in the United States, underscoring the overall quality of education offered across its facilities. Following BASIS Tucson North in the rankings are BASIS Phoenix at 17th, BASIS Chandler at 28th, and BASIS Flagstaff at 37th, among others. In comparison, BASIS Peoria, which claimed the top spot last year, saw a decline to 66th place this year.
The rankings methodology incorporates a variety of critical factors, including college readiness metrics, state test scores, graduation rates, as well as the performance of historically underserved student populations. For college readiness, the assessment reflects the percentage of seniors who have taken at least one Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exam, while the graduation rates are based specifically on the 2023 graduating class.
In recognition of its excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, BASIS Chandler and BASIS Peoria have been hailed as the second and third best high schools for STEM education in the country, respectively. This demonstrates that the BASIS network not only provides strong overall educational offerings but also excels in targeted academic disciplines.
Among the eleven Arizona schools that made it to the top 100 are BASIS Oro Valley (45th), BASIS Mesa (51st), BASIS Scottsdale (52nd), BASIS Ahwatukee (68th), BASIS Prescott (81st), and University High School from the Tucson Unified School District at 92nd. This impressive representation speaks volumes about the educational landscape in Arizona and the effectiveness of its high schools.
The 2025-26 rankings, which were released on August 19, 2025, utilized updated data that reflects the academic performance of schools during the 2022-23 school year. The consistent application of ranking methodology year-over-year enables fair comparison and highlights significant achievements within the education sector.
BASIS Tucson North’s rise to the number one position illustrates not only its strategic improvements in academic performance but also the dedication of its educators and students. The recognition serves as a motivator for continued excellence and provides a benchmark for other institutions striving for similar success.
As U.S. News & World Report continues to analyze and rank educational institutions, the focus remains on highlighting schools that provide significant opportunities for all students, particularly those from underserved communities. BASIS Tucson North’s latest accolade reflects its ongoing mission to foster an environment conducive to academic achievement.
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Additional Resources
- AZCentral: High School Rankings
- Sports Illustrated: Top 10 Arizona High School Football Rankings
- AZCentral: Arizona High School Football Preseason Rankings
- On3: Way Too Early Arizona High School Football Top 25 Rankings
- AZ Big Media: Top 10 Private Schools in Arizona for 2025
- Wikipedia: Education in Arizona
- Google Search: Arizona High School Football
- Google Scholar: Arizona Educational Rankings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google News: Arizona School Rankings
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PHOENIX STAFF 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.
