Graham County Schools & Education
Graham County, Arizona
School Score
20/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
85.6%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
85.6%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 81.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$5,973
National avg $13,239
State avg $5,607
School Score
20/100
Higher = better
State avg 14/100
State School Rank
#5
of 15 counties (1 = best)
Explore Graham County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Graham County, Arizona
Graham County's Focused School Network
Graham County supports 7,128 students across 32 public schools and 10 districts. The system is balanced with 12 elementary and 15 high schools, providing a clear path through the K-12 years. Education here is centralized in town settings, serving as the heart of the local community.
Strong Academic Outcomes in Graham
Graham County delivers an impressive 85.6% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the Arizona state average of 81%. Per-pupil expenditure is $5,973, which is higher than the state average of $5,607. The county’s school score of 49.0 also exceeds the state average, showing a high return on educational investment.
Safford and Thatcher Lead the Way
Safford Unified is the largest district, educating 2,943 students across 7 schools. Thatcher Unified follows closely with 1,849 students and 5 schools in its system. Charter schools represent a small niche in the county, making up just 6.3% of the total school landscape.
A Classic Small-Town School Feel
With 24 of its 32 schools located in town settings, the county offers a classic community-centric education. The average school size is 264 students, with Safford High being the largest hub at 836 students. Only 8 schools are located in rural areas, making most campuses easy to access for residents.
Join the Thatcher or Safford Communities
Thatcher and Safford offer excellent residential options near some of the county's highest-performing schools. Proximity to Thatcher High or Safford High is often a top priority for local homebuyers. Find your next home where community spirit and academic success meet.
School Overview
Total Schools
32
in Graham County
Total Enrollment
7,128
students
School Districts
10
districts
Charter Schools
2
6% of total
School Type Breakdown
10 School Districts in Graham County
Safford Unified District (4218)
Thatcher Unified District (4219)
Pima Unified District (4220)
Fort Thomas Unified District (4221)
Solomon Elementary District (4222)
Discovery Plus Academy (6357)
Bonita Elementary District (4224)
Triumphant Learning Center (4225)
Graham County Special Services (4217)
Gila Institute for Technology (79387)
32 Public Schools in Graham County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safford High School | Safford Unified District (4218) | 9–12 | High | 836 |
| Dorothy Stinson School | Safford Unified District (4218) | KG–6 | Primary | 583 |
| Thatcher High School | Thatcher Unified District (4219) | 9–12 | High | 558 |
| Thatcher Elementary School | Thatcher Unified District (4219) | 3–6 | Primary | 541 |
| Pima Elementary School | Pima Unified District (4220) | KG–6 | Primary | 539 |
| Ruth Powell Elementary School | Safford Unified District (4218) | PK–6 | Primary | 529 |
| Lafe Nelson School | Safford Unified District (4218) | KG–6 | Primary | 455 |
| Safford Middle School | Safford Unified District (4218) | 7–8 | Middle | 449 |
| Jack Daley Primary School | Thatcher Unified District (4219) | KG–2 | Primary | 433 |
| Pima High School | Pima Unified District (4220) | 9–12 | High | 352 |
| Thatcher Middle School | Thatcher Unified District (4219) | 7–8 | Middle | 290 |
| Fort Thomas High School | Fort Thomas Unified District (4221) | 7–12 | High | 252 |
| Fort Thomas Elementary School | Fort Thomas Unified District (4221) | PK–6 | Primary | 221 |
| Solomon Elementary School | Solomon Elementary District (4222) | PK–8 | Primary | 197 |
| Pima Junior High School | Pima Unified District (4220) | 7–8 | Middle | 194 |
| Mt. Turnbull Elementary School | Fort Thomas Unified District (4221) | PK–6 | Primary | 119 |
| Discovery Plus Academy | Discovery Plus Academy (6357) | KG–5 | Charter | 106 |
| Bonita Elementary School | Bonita Elementary District (4224) | KG–8 | Primary | 103 |
| Triumphant Learning Center | Triumphant Learning Center (4225) | KG–8 | Charter | 99 |
| Dan Hinton Accommodation School | Graham County Special Services (4217) | PK–12 | Other | 95 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$5,973
State avg $5,607
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Graham County, Arizona — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Graham County, Arizona?
Graham County supports 7,128 students across 32 public schools and 10 districts. The system is balanced with 12 elementary and 15 high schools, providing a clear path through the K-12 years. Education here is centralized in town settings, serving as the heart of the local community.
How do schools in Graham County perform academically?
Graham County delivers an impressive 85.6% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the Arizona state average of 81%. Per-pupil expenditure is $5,973, which is higher than the state average of $5,607. The county’s school score of 49.0 also exceeds the state average, showing a high return on educational investment.
What are the major school districts in Graham County, Arizona?
Safford Unified is the largest district, educating 2,943 students across 7 schools. Thatcher Unified follows closely with 1,849 students and 5 schools in its system. Charter schools represent a small niche in the county, making up just 6.3% of the total school landscape.
What is the school experience like in Graham County?
With 24 of its 32 schools located in town settings, the county offers a classic community-centric education. The average school size is 264 students, with Safford High being the largest hub at 836 students. Only 8 schools are located in rural areas, making most campuses easy to access for residents.
How can I find homes near good schools in Graham County, Arizona?
Thatcher and Safford offer excellent residential options near some of the county's highest-performing schools. Proximity to Thatcher High or Safford High is often a top priority for local homebuyers. Find your next home where community spirit and academic success meet.
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.