News Summary
BASIS Tucson North has achieved the remarkable feat of being ranked the #1 public high school in the United States for the 2025-26 academic year by U.S. News & World Report. This significant rise from 33rd place showcases the school’s outstanding academic performance. Arizona secured a prominent presence in the top 100, with eleven schools featured, reaffirming the state’s educational excellence. The rankings reflect evaluations based on multiple criteria, including college readiness, test scores, and graduation rates, emphasizing rigorous academic programs.
Tucson, Arizona – BASIS Tucson North has captured the prestigious title of the #1 public high school in the United States for the 2025-26 academic year, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report. This significant achievement marks a leap from its previous position at 33rd in the last year’s rankings, showcasing the school’s remarkable academic performance.
In contrast, BASIS Peoria, which held the top spot in the previous year, experienced a decline, falling to 66th place. The rankings this year were based on evaluations of nearly 24,000 public schools, with approximately 18,000 being specifically ranked. U.S. News used a robust methodology that assessed schools on several criteria, including college readiness indicators, state test scores, graduation rates, and the academic performance of historically underserved populations.
The college readiness assessment took into account the percentage of senior students who participated in Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, along with the scores they achieved. This evaluation model underscores the significance of rigorous academic programs in preparing students for higher education.
Top Rankings for Arizona Schools
Alongside BASIS Tucson North, eleven schools from Arizona secured spots in the top 100 list. Noteworthy rankings from Arizona include:
- BASIS Phoenix – 17th
- BASIS Chandler – 28th
- BASIS Flagstaff – 37th
- BASIS Oro Valley – 45th
- BASIS Mesa – 51st
- BASIS Scottsdale – 52nd
- BASIS Ahwatukee – 68th
- BASIS Prescott – 81st
- University High School from Tucson Unified School District – 92nd
This year’s rankings have solidified Arizona as a leading state in education, with it being tied with California, Florida, and Texas for having the most schools represented in the top 100 list, each boasting eleven schools.
Continued Success in STEM Education
In addition to the overall rankings, BASIS Tucson North, BASIS Chandler, and BASIS Peoria are recognized among the top 10 best high schools for STEM education in the nation. The data used for determining this year’s rankings were drawn from the 2022-23 school year, ensuring that the evaluations reflect up-to-date academic performance.
History and Methodology
BASIS Charter Schools have a storied history of excellence, maintaining premier status for nearly three decades. The school system focuses on a rigorous, STEM-infused liberal arts education, which contributes to their consistent top rankings. U.S. News collaborated with RTI International to implement an assessment methodology that emphasizes performance across diverse student populations, particularly highlighting success within underserved communities.
Acknowledging Excellence
The rise of BASIS Tucson North to the number one position emphasizes the hard work and dedication of students, educators, and families alike. Education leaders within the BASIS network have reaffirmed the quality of education provided across their campuses, crediting this achievement to a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
This recognition not only elevates BASIS Tucson North but also sets a standard for educational achievement within the state of Arizona and across the nation, encouraging other institutions to strive for similar accomplishments.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AZCentral: High School Rankings
- AZ Big Media: Best High Schools in Arizona
- ABC15: Ranking Arizona’s BASIS Schools
- U.S. News: Top 100 Public High Schools
- Wikipedia: High School
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.
