Gila County Schools & Education
Gila County, Arizona
School Score
15/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
76.1%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
76.1%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 81.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,379
National avg $13,239
State avg $5,607
School Score
15/100
Higher = better
State avg 14/100
State School Rank
#9
of 15 counties (1 = best)
Explore Gila County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Gila County, Arizona
Small-Town Schooling in Gila County
Gila County manages 36 public schools across 12 districts for its 7,734 students. The network includes 16 high schools and 11 elementary schools, reflecting a strong focus on finishing secondary education. Most schools are situated in rugged, rural, or small-town environments.
Funding Success Despite Graduation Challenges
The county's 76.1% graduation rate falls below the state average of 81% and the national 87% benchmark. However, investment is relatively high, with per-pupil spending at $6,379, which is $772 more than the state average. The school score of 44.9 remains close to the Arizona average of 45.8.
Payson and Miami Unified Districts
Payson Unified is the primary district, serving 2,291 students across 5 schools. Miami Unified also plays a vital role, supporting 933 students in the region. Charter schools are less common here, accounting for only 5.6% of the county's total school count.
Tight-Knit Campuses in Rural Arizona
Average school size is modest at 276 students, providing a personalized feel for most learners. Payson High School is the largest campus with 790 students, while 20 schools are located in strictly rural areas. These settings foster strong community ties between students, teachers, and local families.
Relocate Near Payson’s Top Schools
Families looking for a mountain lifestyle should consider homes within the Payson Unified District boundaries. Access to local elementary schools like Copper Rim is a major draw for new residents moving to the area. Let school quality be your guide when exploring real estate in Gila County.
School Overview
Total Schools
36
in Gila County
Total Enrollment
7,734
students
School Districts
12
districts
Charter Schools
2
6% of total
School Type Breakdown
12 School Districts in Gila County
Payson Unified District (4209)
Globe Unified District (4208)
San Carlos Unified District (4210)
Miami Unified District (4211)
Destiny School Inc. (6258)
Hayden-Winkelman Unified District (4212)
Pine Strawberry Elementary District (4214)
Tonto Basin Elementary District (4215)
Liberty High School (4216)
Young Elementary District (4213)
36 Public Schools in Gila County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payson High School | Payson Unified District (4209) | 9–12 | High | 790 |
| Copper Rim Elementary School | Globe Unified District (4208) | PK–5 | Primary | 765 |
| Rice Elementary School | San Carlos Unified District (4210) | PK–5 | Primary | 642 |
| Julia Randall Elementary School | Payson Unified District (4209) | 2–5 | Primary | 576 |
| Globe High School | Globe Unified District (4208) | 9–12 | High | 498 |
| Miami Junior Senior High School | Miami Unified District (4211) | 6–12 | High | 495 |
| Rim Country Middle School | Payson Unified District (4209) | 6–8 | Middle | 493 |
| Canyon Day Junior High School | Whiteriver Unified District (4394) | 6–8 | Middle | 437 |
| Payson Elementary School | Payson Unified District (4209) | KG–2 | Primary | 432 |
| High Desert Middle School | Globe Unified District (4208) | 6–8 | Middle | 407 |
| San Carlos High School | San Carlos Unified District (4210) | 9–12 | High | 393 |
| Destiny School | Destiny School Inc. (6258) | KG–8 | Charter | 340 |
| San Carlos Middle School | San Carlos Unified District (4210) | 6–8 | Middle | 322 |
| Dr. Charles A. Bejarano Elementary School | Miami Unified District (4211) | PK–2 | Primary | 238 |
| Leonor Hambly K-8 | Hayden-Winkelman Unified District (4212) | PK–8 | Primary | 221 |
| Lee Kornegay Intermediate School | Miami Unified District (4211) | 3–5 | Primary | 200 |
| Pine Strawberry Elementary School | Pine Strawberry Elementary District (4214) | PK–8 | Primary | 96 |
| Hayden High School | Hayden-Winkelman Unified District (4212) | 9–12 | High | 93 |
| Tonto Basin Elementary | Tonto Basin Elementary District (4215) | PK–8 | Primary | 84 |
| Liberty High School | Liberty High School (4216) | 7–12 | Charter | 61 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,379
State avg $5,607
Find Homes Near Top Schools
Browse homes in Gila County filtered by school ratings on Zillow.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Gila County, Arizona — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Gila County, Arizona?
Gila County manages 36 public schools across 12 districts for its 7,734 students. The network includes 16 high schools and 11 elementary schools, reflecting a strong focus on finishing secondary education. Most schools are situated in rugged, rural, or small-town environments.
How do schools in Gila County perform academically?
The county's 76.1% graduation rate falls below the state average of 81% and the national 87% benchmark. However, investment is relatively high, with per-pupil spending at $6,379, which is $772 more than the state average. The school score of 44.9 remains close to the Arizona average of 45.8.
What are the major school districts in Gila County, Arizona?
Payson Unified is the primary district, serving 2,291 students across 5 schools. Miami Unified also plays a vital role, supporting 933 students in the region. Charter schools are less common here, accounting for only 5.6% of the county's total school count.
What is the school experience like in Gila County?
Average school size is modest at 276 students, providing a personalized feel for most learners. Payson High School is the largest campus with 790 students, while 20 schools are located in strictly rural areas. These settings foster strong community ties between students, teachers, and local families.
How can I find homes near good schools in Gila County, Arizona?
Families looking for a mountain lifestyle should consider homes within the Payson Unified District boundaries. Access to local elementary schools like Copper Rim is a major draw for new residents moving to the area. Let school quality be your guide when exploring real estate in Gila County.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.