News Summary
BASIS Tucson North has ascended to first place in the U.S. News Best High Schools Rankings. This major achievement comes after a thorough review of 24,000 public schools, marking a notable change as BASIS Peoria, last year’s frontrunner, dropped to 66th. Arizona celebrates a strong showing with 11 schools on the top 100 list. The ranking methodology considered various performance indicators, highlighting college readiness and state assessment scores. BASIS Tucson North’s notable improvement reflects its commitment to educational excellence.
Tucson, Arizona – BASIS Tucson North has claimed the top position in the 2025-26 U.S. News Best High Schools Rankings, dethroning BASIS Peoria, which fell from first to 66th place. This significant shift in rankings was announced on August 19 and follows a comprehensive evaluation of 24,000 public schools, with nearly 18,000 schools included in the ranking process.
A total of 11 schools from Arizona made the prestigious top 100 list, highlighting the state’s educational achievements and performance. Alongside BASIS Tucson North in the rankings are:
- BASIS Phoenix – 17th
- BASIS Chandler – 28th
- BASIS Flagstaff – 37th
- BASIS Oro Valley – 45th
- BASIS Mesa – 51st
- BASIS Scottsdale – 52nd
- BASIS Peoria – 66th
- BASIS Ahwatukee – 68th
- BASIS Prescott – 81st
- University High School – 92nd (Tucson Unified School District)
In addition to achieving the overall top spot, BASIS Tucson North, BASIS Phoenix, BASIS Chandler, and BASIS Flagstaff were also recognized among the 10 best charter schools nationwide. Furthermore, BASIS Chandler, BASIS Peoria, BASIS Tucson North, and BASIS Scottsdale distinguished themselves as the top four high schools for STEM education in the rankings.
Ranking Methodology
The U.S. News rankings evaluated high schools based on various performance metrics, including college readiness indicators, state assessment scores, graduation rates, and the academic performance of historically underserved student populations. College readiness was particularly emphasized, measured by the percentage of seniors who undertook and performed well on Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams. The methodology used for the 2025-26 rankings remained consistent with the previous year, reflecting data from the 2022-23 academic year.
Key Improvements and Comparisons
BASIS Tucson North notably improved its standing from 33rd place in the previous year to first. The critical differentiator that propelled BASIS Tucson North to the top was its superior performance on state assessments, where it outperformed BASIS Peoria, the previous leader. This indicates a significant boost in academic achievements over the past year.
Notably, BASIS Chandler and BASIS Peoria were recognized as second and third best in the STEM category, further emphasizing Arizona’s commitment to advancing educational quality in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Education as a Cornerstone
The acknowledgement of BASIS Tucson North as the best high school serves as a testament to the hard work and commitment of teachers, students, and families within the BASIS educational network. The educational success showcased by these rankings is not only a point of pride but also positions Arizona as an attractive location for business investments and workforce development efforts.
As the rankings reflect a broader landscape of educational excellence, they suggest that Arizona’s educational institutions are effectively preparing students for college and future careers, reinforcing the importance of robust academic programs.
Future Enrollment Opportunities
For parents and students interested in enrolling in BASIS Tucson North or other BASIS schools for the 2026-27 academic year, applications will open on November 4, 2025. This upcoming enrollment period represents an opportunity for new students to join a highly-regarded educational network recognized for its quality and performance.
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Additional Resources
- AZ Central: High School Rankings
- Chamber Business News: BASIS Charter Schools
- ABC 15: BASIS Schools Ranking
- Google Search: Best High Schools
- Times of India: Top Charter Schools
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
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.
