For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 2,975 students in Safford, AZ (there are 1 private school, serving 23 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Safford, AZ are educated in public schools (compared to the AZ state average of 94%).
The top-ranked public schools in Safford, AZ are Dorothy Stinson School, Lafe Nelson School and Safford High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Safford, AZ public schools have an average math proficiency score of 32% (versus the Arizona public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 41% statewide average). Schools in Safford have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Arizona public schools.
Minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arizona public school average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Safford, AZ (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Dorothy Stinson School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2013 S 8th Ave
Safford, AZ 85546
(928) 348-7010
Safford, AZ 85546
(928) 348-7010
Gr: PK-6 | 539 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #22.
Lafe Nelson School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1100 S 10th Ave
Safford, AZ 85546
(928) 348-7020
Safford, AZ 85546
(928) 348-7020
Gr: K-6 | 471 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #33.
Safford High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1400 W 11th St
Safford, AZ 85546
(928) 348-7050
Safford, AZ 85546
(928) 348-7050
Gr: 9-12 | 828 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #44.
Ruth Powell Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1041 S 14th Ave
Safford, AZ 85546
(928) 348-7030
Safford, AZ 85546
(928) 348-7030
Gr: PK-6 | 575 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #55.
Mt Graham High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
300 W Discovery Park Blvd
Safford, AZ 85546
(928) 348-7060
Safford, AZ 85546
(928) 348-7060
Gr: 9-12 | 86 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #66.
Safford Middle School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
698 W 11th St
Safford, AZ 85546
(928) 348-7040
Safford, AZ 85546
(928) 348-7040
Gr: 7-8 | 375 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #77.
Triumphant Learning Center
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
201 E Main St
Safford, AZ 85546
(928) 348-8422
Safford, AZ 85546
(928) 348-8422
Gr: K-8 | 101 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Safford, AZ?
The top-ranked public schools in Safford, AZ include Dorothy Stinson School, Lafe Nelson School and Safford High School.
How many public schools are located in Safford?
7 public schools are located in Safford.
What percentage of students in Safford go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Safford are educated in public schools (compared to the AZ state average of 94%).
What is the racial composition of students in Safford?
Safford public schools minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arizona public schools average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Safford are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Safford include: Lafe Nelson School vs. Ruth Powell Elementary School, Ruth Powell Elementary School vs. Lafe Nelson School, Dorothy Stinson School vs. Ruth Powell Elementary School
Recent Articles
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.
