For the 2026 school year, there are 659 public middle schools serving 430,928 students in Maricopa County, AZ.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Maricopa County, AZ are Arizona College Prep Middle School, Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12 and Arizona College Prep High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Maricopa County, AZ public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the Arizona public middle school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 40% statewide average). Middle schools in Maricopa County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of Arizona public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arizona public middle school average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Maricopa County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Arizona College Prep Middle School
(Math: 95% | Reading: 90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
1150 W Erie St
Chandler, AZ 85224
(480) 883-5400
Chandler, AZ 85224
(480) 883-5400
Gr: 6-8 | 907 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12
(Math: 88% | Reading: 94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
1016 N Burk Street
Gilbert, AZ 85234
(480) 497-4034
Gilbert, AZ 85234
(480) 497-4034
Gr: 7-12 | 572 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #33.
Arizona College Prep High School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
4477 S Gilbert Rd
Chandler, AZ 85249
(480) 424-8700
Chandler, AZ 85249
(480) 424-8700
Gr: 7-12 | 2,271 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #44.
Basis Chandler
Charter School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
4825 S Arizona Ave
Chandler, AZ 85248
(480) 907-6072
Chandler, AZ 85248
(480) 907-6072
Gr: 5-12 | 1,185 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #55.
Basis Scottsdale
Charter School
(Math: 86% | Reading: 84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
10400 N 128th St
Scottsdale, AZ 85259
(480) 451-7500
Scottsdale, AZ 85259
(480) 451-7500
Gr: 4-12 | 1,023 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #66.
Mesa Academy For Advanced Studies
(Math: 82% | Reading: 94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
6919 E Brown Rd
Mesa, AZ 85207
(480) 308-7400
Mesa, AZ 85207
(480) 308-7400
Gr: 4-9 | 379 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #77.
Basis Phoenix
Charter School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
13231 N 22nd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85022
(602) 595-9870
Phoenix, AZ 85022
(602) 595-9870
Gr: 5-12 | 781 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #88.
Franklin Junior High School
(Math: 81% | Reading: 88%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
4949 E Southern Ave
Mesa, AZ 85206
(480) 472-8990
Mesa, AZ 85206
(480) 472-8990
Gr: 7-9 | 288 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #99.
Great Hearts Academies - Archway Chandler
Charter School
(Math: 86% | Reading: 81%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
1951 N Alma School Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85034
(480) 855-6474
Phoenix, AZ 85034
(480) 855-6474
Gr: K-12 | 536 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #1010.
Basis Ahwatukee
Charter School
(Math: 86% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
10210 S 50th Pl
Phoenix, AZ 85044
(480) 659-2294
Phoenix, AZ 85044
(480) 659-2294
Gr: 4-12 | 661 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #1111.
Basis Peoria
Charter School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
9902 W Yearling Rd
Peoria, AZ 85383
(623) 566-9100
Peoria, AZ 85383
(623) 566-9100
Gr: 5-12 | 1,021 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #1212.
Cheyenne Traditional School
(Math: 81% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
13636 N 100th St
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 484-5600
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 484-5600
Gr: PK-8 | 953 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #1313.
Khalsa Montessori Elementary School - Phoenix
Charter School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
2536 N 3rd St
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 252-3759
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 252-3759
Gr: K-8 | 118 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #1414.
Madison Traditional Academy
(Math: 81% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
925 E Maryland Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85014
(602) 745-4000
Phoenix, AZ 85014
(602) 745-4000
Gr: K-8 | 760 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #1515.
Vista Del Sur Accelerated
(Math: 74% | Reading: 84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
3908 W South Mountain Rd
Laveen, AZ 85339
(602) 237-3046
Laveen, AZ 85339
(602) 237-3046
Gr: PK-8 | 893 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #1616.
Desert Trails Elementary School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
4315 E Cashman Dr
Phoenix, AZ 85050
(602) 449-4100
Phoenix, AZ 85050
(602) 449-4100
Gr: PK-7 | 590 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #17 - 1817. - 18.
Great Hearts Academies - Archway Scottsdale
Charter School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
16648 N 94th St
Phoenix, AZ 85034
(480) 776-0413
Phoenix, AZ 85034
(480) 776-0413
Gr: K-12 | 1,079 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #17 - 1817. - 18.
Reid Traditional Schools' Valley Academy
Charter School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1520 W Rose Garden Ln
Phoenix, AZ 85027
(623) 516-7747
Phoenix, AZ 85027
(623) 516-7747
Gr: K-8 | 713 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #1919.
Candeo Peoria
Charter School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
9965 W Calle Lejos
Peoria, AZ 85383
(623) 979-6500
Peoria, AZ 85383
(623) 979-6500
Gr: K-8 | 597 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #2020.
Peoria Traditional School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
10851 W Williams Rd
Sun City, AZ 85373
(623) 412-5350
Sun City, AZ 85373
(623) 412-5350
Gr: K-8 | 380 students Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #2121.
Freedom Traditional Academy
(Math: 75% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
16066 N Parkview Pl
Surprise, AZ 85374
(623) 523-8650
Surprise, AZ 85374
(623) 523-8650
Gr: PK-8 | 529 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #2222.
Self Development Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1709 N Greenfield Rd
Mesa, AZ 85205
(480) 641-2640
Mesa, AZ 85205
(480) 641-2640
Gr: K-8 | 301 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #2323.
Adams Traditional Academy
Charter School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
2323 W Parkside Ln
Phoenix, AZ 85027
(602) 938-5517
Phoenix, AZ 85027
(602) 938-5517
Gr: K-8 | 532 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #2424.
Great Hearts Academies - Anthem Prep
Charter School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
43775 North Black Canyon Highw
Phoenix, AZ 85034
(623) 465-4776
Phoenix, AZ 85034
(623) 465-4776
Gr: K-12 | 1,031 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #2525.
Basis Mesa
Charter School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 76%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
5010 S Eastmark Pkwy
Mesa, AZ 85212
(602) 239-4807
Mesa, AZ 85212
(602) 239-4807
Gr: K-12 | 894 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #2626.
Great Hearts Academies - Archway Veritas
Charter School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
3102 N 56th St
Phoenix, AZ 85034
(602) 489-7341
Phoenix, AZ 85034
(602) 489-7341
Gr: K-12 | 716 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #2727.
Basha High School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
5990 S Val Vista Dr
Chandler, AZ 85249
(480) 224-2100
Chandler, AZ 85249
(480) 224-2100
Gr: 6-12 | 2,826 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #2828.
Alhambra Traditional School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
5725 N 27th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85017
(602) 484-8816
Phoenix, AZ 85017
(602) 484-8816
Gr: K-8 | 733 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #2929.
Sierra Verde Steam Academy
(Math: 69% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
7241 W Rose Garden Ln
Glendale, AZ 85308
(623) 376-4800
Glendale, AZ 85308
(623) 376-4800
Gr: PK-8 | 932 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #3030.
Stetson Hills School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
25475 N Stetson Hills Loop
Phoenix, AZ 85083
(623) 445-5300
Phoenix, AZ 85083
(623) 445-5300
Gr: PK-8 | 887 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #3131.
Sonoran Foothills School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
32150 N North Foothills Dr
Phoenix, AZ 85085
(623) 445-8400
Phoenix, AZ 85085
(623) 445-8400
Gr: PK-8 | 921 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #3232.
Basis Goodyear
Charter School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
15800 W Sherman St
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
(480) 276-8592
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
(480) 276-8592
Gr: 5-12 | 318 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #3333.
Montessori Education Centre Charter School - Mesa
Charter School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
2834 E Southern Ave
Mesa, AZ 85204
(480) 926-8375
Mesa, AZ 85204
(480) 926-8375
Gr: K-7 | 255 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #3434.
Cocopah Middle School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
6615 E Cholla St
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(480) 484-4400
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(480) 484-4400
Gr: 6-8 | 861 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #35 - 3635. - 36.
Diamond Canyon School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
40004 N Liberty Bell Way
Phoenix, AZ 85086
(623) 445-8000
Phoenix, AZ 85086
(623) 445-8000
Gr: PK-8 | 740 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Show 100 more public schools in Maricopa County, AZ (out of 659 total schools)
Loading...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Maricopa County, AZ?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Maricopa County, AZ include Arizona College Prep Middle School, Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12 and Arizona College Prep High School.
How many public middle schools are located in Maricopa County?
654 public middle schools are located in Maricopa County.
What is the racial composition of students in Maricopa County?
Maricopa County public middle schools minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arizona public middle schools average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Maricopa County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Maricopa County include: Desert Horizon Elementary School vs. Pendergast Elementary School, Pendergast Elementary School vs. Desert Horizon Elementary School, Shepherd Junior High School vs. Fremont Junior High School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
