Exploring the Top Public High Schools in Phoenix: A Comprehensive Guide
Overview of Phoenix’s Public High Schools
Phoenix, Arizona, hosts a diverse selection of public high schools renowned for academic excellence, innovative programs, and extracurricular opportunities. This city’s schools cater to a wide array of student interests, from STEM and arts to athletics. This guide explores some of the most distinguished institutions, offering detailed insights into their achievements, special programs, and unique features.
Sandra Day O’Connor High School
Sandra Day O’Connor High School, established in 2002, is a flagship of the Deer Valley Unified School District. Situated at 25250 N. 35th Ave, the school serves approximately 2,604 students. Its student-teacher ratio is 21.56:1, supporting a personalized learning environment. The school’s mascot is the Eagle, and its colors are Royal Blue and Metallic Gold, fostering school pride and community spirit.
Historical Highlights include achieving a 97.1% graduation rate in 2018, reflecting strong student outcomes. The school earned the prestigious A+ School of Excellence designation, first awarded in 2018 and renewed in 2023, underscoring its high standards.
Academic offerings are comprehensive, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, honors classes, and career technical education. Athletic programs are expansive, ranging from baseball and basketball to swimming and wrestling. Notable alumni include Jordin Sparks, the celebrated American Idol winner, and Nolan Gorman, a professional baseball third baseman.
Desert Vista High School
Located at 16440 S. 32nd St., Desert Vista High School is part of the Tempe Union High School District. With approximately 2,000 students and a student-teacher ratio of 21:1, it provides an academically rigorous environment. The school’s recent A+ rating, awarded by the Arizona Department of Education in 2022, marks it as one of the top non-magnet public high schools in the state.
The school’s extracurriculars are extensive. Its athletic department offers programs such as badminton, lacrosse, ice hockey, and golf. The Speech and Debate Team has achieved significant recognition, winning its 19th state championship in 2024, a record in Arizona. The marching band has also secured nine state titles—highlighting a strong emphasis on arts and leadership.
Alumni such as NFL tight end Mark Andrews and actress Heather Morris showcase the school’s ability to foster diverse talents.
Carl Hayden Community High School
Located at 3333 W. Roosevelt Street, Carl Hayden Community High School is an esteemed part of the Phoenix Union High School District. Founded in 1957, this school serves around 2,217 students with a student-teacher ratio of 19.28:1. Its school mascot is the Falcon, symbolizing agility and resilience.
Carl Hayden is distinguished for its pioneering robotics program. The school’s team won the FIRST International Chairman’s Award in 2008 and gained global recognition in underwater robotics competitions. Success stories include defeating major research universities in competitive robotics, positioning the school as a leader in STEM education.
This focus on technological innovation and hands-on learning makes Carl Hayden a magnet for students interested in engineering and robotics.
Maryvale High School
Set at 3415 N. 59th Avenue, Maryvale High School is recognized for its inclusive approach and academic results. Serving approximately 2,685 students, it maintains a student-teacher ratio of 20.37:1. The school’s mascot is the Panther, embodying strength and agility.
Maryvale boasts the highest attendance and graduation rates in the district—at 91.4%. Its curriculum includes over 60 AP and Honors sections across diverse academic and elective fields. An integral element is dual enrollment with Phoenix College, allowing students to earn college credits while still in high school.
The school’s commitment to academic success is reflected in seniors’ scholarship totals exceeding $1,000,000 annually, signifying robust preparation and support.
Moon Valley High School
At 3625 W. Cactus Road, Moon Valley High School is part of the Glendale Union High School District. Founded in 1965, it educates approximately 1,468 students. The student-teacher ratio is 21.46:1, fostering close academic mentorship.
The school’s mascot is the Rocket, symbolizing innovation and exploration. Recognized as an “excelling” school by the Arizona Department of Education, Moon Valley achieved a 96% graduation rate in 2017 and an extracurricular activity rate of 80%. Its robust athletic and arts programs contribute significantly to student engagement, leadership, and community involvement.
Desert Mountain High School
Located at 12575 E. Via Linda in Scottsdale, Desert Mountain High School operates within the Scottsdale Unified School District. The school serves roughly 1,880 students with a 20:1 student-teacher ratio. Its academic credentials include notably strong AP program metrics—the AP participation rate reaches 33%, with a 76% exam passage rate.
The school was awarded an A+ rating in 2022 by the Arizona Department of Education. Athletic offerings are broad, including golf, lacrosse, ice hockey, and cross-country, empowering students to excel in multiple domains. Notable alumni such as NFL star Mark Andrews and singer-songwriter Alec Benjamin reflect the comprehensive support for diverse talents.
Arizona School for the Arts
Situated at 1410 N. 3rd St., Arizona School for the Arts functions as a public charter dedicated to integrating rigorous academic coursework with intensive arts education. Serving grades 9–12, enrollment reaches approximately 373 students with a graduation rate of 95%.
Students engage in a multidisciplinary arts curriculum, including theater, dance, visual arts, and music. The school emphasizes a challenging college preparatory program with an AP participation rate of 33% and a passage rate of 76%. Its focus on arts enhances creativity, critical thinking, and cultural literacy.
Phoenix Union Bioscience High School
Located at 512 E. Pierce St., Phoenix Union Bioscience High School specializes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). With a graduation rate of 95%, it emphasizes experiential learning facilitated through partnerships with biotech firms and local universities.
Class sizes are small—averaging 15 students per teacher—to promote personalized instruction. The school ranks 15th in Arizona and boasts strong AP performance metrics. Students design real-world healthcare solutions, such as medical devices, preparing them for careers in biosciences and innovation.
ASU Preparatory Academy Phoenix
Found at 735 E. Fillmore St., ASU Preparatory Academy is a charter school affiliated with Arizona State University. It offers a tuition-free environment with dual-language immersion programs in English and Spanish.
The school focuses on project-based learning and college pathways, allowing students to earn up to 12 college credits from ASU at no cost. Its social-emotional learning emphasis and flexible curriculum make it appealing for families seeking a comprehensive, college-ready experience.
Great Hearts – Scottsdale Preparatory Academy
Located in Scottsdale at Scottsdale Preparatory Academy, this charter school emphasizes classical liberal arts education. Serving grades 9–12 with an enrollment of approximately 875 students, it maintains a 14:1 student-teacher ratio.
The curriculum centers on critical thinking, ethics, and character development, aligning with traditional academic standards. Its high Niche grade (A+) signals excellence in academics and student experience.
BASIS Schools in the Phoenix Area
BASIS Peoria and BASIS Chandler are two of the leading charter schools dedicated to STEM and rigorous academics. BASIS Peoria has around 974 students, offering a challenging curriculum with an emphasis on math, science, and research. BASIS Chandler educates roughly 1,146 students and maintains high academic standards, with both schools earning a Niche grade of A+.
These schools prioritize college preparatory curricula, fostering high achievement levels among their students.
Summary of Key Features
| School | Location | Enrollment | Key Programs | Academic Rating | Extracurriculars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandra Day O’Connor | Deer Valley | ~2,600 | AP, honors, athletics | A+ (renewed 2023) | Multiple sports, arts |
| Desert Vista | Tempe | ~2,000 | AP, speech & debate, arts | A+ | Record debate titles, band |
| Carl Hayden | Phoenix | ~2,200 | Robotics STEM | Not specified | Robotics, tech competitions |
| Maryvale | Phoenix | ~2,700 | AP, dual enrollment | High (91.4%) | Various arts, sports |
| Moon Valley | Glendale | ~1,470 | Excelling, arts, athletics | 96% graduation | Wide extracurriculars |
| Desert Mountain | Scottsdale | ~1,880 | AP, STEM focus | A+ | Various sports, arts |
| Arizona School for the Arts | Phoenix | ~373 | Arts & academics integration | 95% | Arts, academics |
| Phoenix Union Bioscience | Phoenix | ~300 | STEM, bioscience | 95% | Research projects, biotech ties |
| ASU Prep Academy | Phoenix | Varies | Project-based, dual credits | 90% | College prep, community projects |
| Scottsdale Preparatory | Scottsdale | ~875 | Classical liberal arts | A+ | Critical thinking, leadership |
| BASIS Peoria | Peoria | 974 | STEM & rigorous academics | A+ | Research, college prep |
| BASIS Chandler | Chandler | 1,146 | STEM & college prep | A+ | Research, AP courses |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What factors differentiate top public high schools in Phoenix?
Key differentiators include high academic achievement, specialized programs such as STEM or arts, extracurricular excellence, strong graduation and college readiness rates, and innovative teaching approaches.
How do public charter schools in Phoenix compare to district-run schools?
Charter schools often focus on specialized curricula, such as STEM or arts, and may have higher academic standards. They typically have more flexible scheduling and teaching methods, fostering innovation and personalized instruction.
Are extracurricular activities a significant component in top schools?
Yes. Extracurricular programs like athletics, arts, debate, robotics, and leadership clubs contribute to student development and college applications. Many top schools excel in these areas, reflecting a balanced education approach.
What opportunities are available for advanced students in Phoenix high schools?
Students can access AP and Honors courses, dual enrollment programs with local colleges, specialized STEM and arts tracks, and research opportunities through partnerships with universities and industry leaders.
How do schools measure success aside from test scores?
Success is measured through graduation rates, college acceptance and scholarship data, extracurricular achievements, student engagement, alumni success stories, and nationally recognized awards or rankings.
Key Features Comparison Chart
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.
