For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public high schools serving 3,237 students in 85281, AZ.
The top-ranked public high schools in 85281, AZ are New School For The Arts, Ombudsman - Charter Northeast and Tempe High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public high schools in zipcode 85281 have an average math proficiency score of 16% (versus the Arizona public high school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 19% (versus the 45% statewide average). High schools in 85281, AZ have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arizona public high schools.
Public high school in zipcode 85281 have a Graduation Rate of 48%, which is less than the Arizona average of 78%.
The school with highest graduation rate is New School For The Arts, with 80-89% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Arizona or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 86% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arizona public high school average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Best 85281, AZ Public High Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
New School For The Arts
Charter School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1216 E Apache Blvd
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 252-5414
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 252-5414
Gr: 9-12 | 173 students Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #22.
Ombudsman - Charter Northeast
Alternative School
Charter School
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1290 N. Scottsdale Road Ste 13
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 485-9872
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 485-9872
Gr: 9-12 | 93 students Student-teacher ratio: 31:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #33.
Tempe High School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1730 S Mill Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 967-1661
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 967-1661
Gr: 9-12 | 1,431 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #44.
Evit - Tempe High School
Vocational School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29% )
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1730 S Mill Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 461-4000
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 461-4000
Gr: 9-12
Rank: #55.
Student Choice High School
Alternative School
Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 2% | Reading: 9%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1833 N Scottsdale Rd
Tempe, AZ 85281
(623) 242-0689
Tempe, AZ 85281
(623) 242-0689
Gr: 9-12 | 1,540 students Student-teacher ratio: 62:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in 85281, AZ?
The top-ranked public high schools in 85281, AZ include New School For The Arts, Ombudsman - Charter Northeast and Tempe High School.
How many public high schools are located in 85281?
5 public high schools are located in 85281.
What is the racial composition of students in 85281?
85281 public high schools minority enrollment is 86% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arizona public high schools average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
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.