For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 1,180 students in 85281, AZ.
The top-ranked public middle schools in 85281, AZ are New School For The Arts Middle School, Cecil Shamley School and Geneva Epps Mosley Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public middle schools in zipcode 85281 have an average math proficiency score of 9% (versus the Arizona public middle school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 22% (versus the 40% statewide average). Middle schools in 85281, AZ have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arizona public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arizona public middle school average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Best 85281, AZ Public Middle Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
New School For The Arts Middle School
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1216 E Apache Blvd
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 481-9235
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 481-9235
Gr: 6-8 | 75 students Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #22.
Cecil Shamley School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1500 N Scovel St
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 941-2440
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 941-2440
Gr: PK-8 | 411 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #33.
Geneva Epps Mosley Middle School
(Math: 7% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1025 S Beck Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 966-7114
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 966-7114
Gr: 6-8 | 694 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in 85281, AZ?
The top-ranked public middle schools in 85281, AZ include New School For The Arts Middle School, Cecil Shamley School and Geneva Epps Mosley Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in 85281?
3 public middle schools are located in 85281.
What is the racial composition of students in 85281?
85281 public middle schools minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arizona public middle schools average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.