Maricopa County Schools & Education
Maricopa County, Arizona
School Score
5/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
77.1%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
77.1%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 81.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$5,251
National avg $13,239
State avg $5,607
School Score
5/100
Higher = better
State avg 14/100
State School Rank
#13
of 15 counties (1 = best)
Explore Maricopa County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Maricopa County, Arizona
Arizona’s Massive Metropolitan School System
Maricopa County features a staggering 1,268 public schools and 342 districts serving 746,037 students. The system is incredibly dense, with 717 elementary schools and 346 high schools forming the backbone of the state's education. It is one of the largest and most complex school landscapes in the United States.
Striving for Success in a Large System
The graduation rate is 77.1%, which trails both the state average of 81% and the national 87% mark. Per-pupil spending is $5,251, slightly below the Arizona average and roughly 60% lower than the national average. Despite these challenges, the county supports hundreds of high-performing alternative and special education schools.
Mesa Unified and a Charter Powerhouse
Mesa Unified is the largest district with 58,343 students across 78 schools. The county is a leader in school choice, with 369 charter schools representing nearly 30% of all institutions. Massive online charters like Primavera serve over 6,000 students each across the region.
Diverse Urban and Suburban Campus Life
The average school size is 623 students, but mega-campuses like Hamilton High serve 3,850 learners. Most schools are in city (808) or suburban (354) locales, offering a traditional metropolitan experience. This variety allows families to choose between small specialty charters and massive, amenity-rich high schools.
Explore Homes in Top-Tier Districts
From the suburbs of Chandler to the heart of Mesa, school quality is a primary driver of the Maricopa real estate market. Homes in districts like Paradise Valley or Mesa Unified are highly coveted for their diverse academic and athletic programs. Start your search today to find a home in one of Arizona's most vibrant education hubs.
School Overview
Total Schools
1,268
in Maricopa County
Total Enrollment
746,037
students
School Districts
342
districts
Charter Schools
369
29% of total
School Type Breakdown
342 School Districts in Maricopa County
Mesa Unified District (4235)
Chandler Unified District #80 (4242)
Peoria Unified School District (4237)
Gilbert Unified District (4239)
Deer Valley Unified District (4246)
Paradise Valley Unified District (4241)
Phoenix Union High School District (4286)
Dysart Unified District (4243)
Scottsdale Unified District (4240)
Washington Elementary School District (4260)
1,268 Public Schools in Maricopa County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primavera - Online | American Virtual Academy (79461) | KG–12 | Charter | 6,392 |
| Arizona Virtual Academy | Portable Practical Educational Preparation Inc. ( (87405) | KG–12 | Charter | 5,122 |
| Hamilton High School | Chandler Unified District #80 (4242) | 8–12 | High | 3,850 |
| Chandler High School | Chandler Unified District #80 (4242) | 8–12 | High | 3,597 |
| Westwood High School | Mesa Unified District (4235) | 9–12 | High | 3,570 |
| Mesa High School | Mesa Unified District (4235) | 9–12 | High | 3,475 |
| ASU Preparatory Academy Digital | ASU Preparatory Academy Digital (522074) | KG–12 | Charter | 3,455 |
| Red Mountain High School | Mesa Unified District (4235) | 9–12 | High | 3,448 |
| Mountain View High School | Mesa Unified District (4235) | 9–12 | High | 3,372 |
| Highland High School | Gilbert Unified District (4239) | 8–12 | High | 3,174 |
| Dr. Camille Casteel High School | Chandler Unified District #80 (4242) | 7–12 | High | 3,140 |
| Sequoia Choice School Arizona Distance Learning School | Edkey Inc. - Sequoia Choice Schools (4329) | KG–12 | Charter | 3,083 |
| West Point High School | Tolleson Union High School District (4288) | 9–12 | High | 3,033 |
| Desert Vista High School | Tempe Union High School District (4287) | 9–12 | High | 2,964 |
| Trevor Browne High School | Phoenix Union High School District (4286) | 9–12 | High | 2,921 |
| Perry High School | Chandler Unified District #80 (4242) | 8–12 | High | 2,822 |
| Basha High School | Chandler Unified District #80 (4242) | 6–12 | High | 2,814 |
| Maryvale High School | Phoenix Union High School District (4286) | 9–12 | High | 2,795 |
| Mountain Ridge High School | Deer Valley Unified District (4246) | 7–12 | High | 2,771 |
| Corona Del Sol High School | Tempe Union High School District (4287) | 9–12 | High | 2,733 |
Portable Practical Educational Preparation Inc. ( (87405)
Edkey Inc. - Sequoia Choice Schools (4329)
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$5,251
State avg $5,607
Find Homes Near Top Schools
Browse homes in Maricopa County filtered by school ratings on Zillow.
Search on Zillow →Find a Tutor in Maricopa County
Connect with local and online tutors via Wyzant for personalized learning support.
Find a Tutor →Sponsored
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Maricopa County, Arizona — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Maricopa County, Arizona?
Maricopa County features a staggering 1,268 public schools and 342 districts serving 746,037 students. The system is incredibly dense, with 717 elementary schools and 346 high schools forming the backbone of the state's education. It is one of the largest and most complex school landscapes in the United States.
How do schools in Maricopa County perform academically?
The graduation rate is 77.1%, which trails both the state average of 81% and the national 87% mark. Per-pupil spending is $5,251, slightly below the Arizona average and roughly 60% lower than the national average. Despite these challenges, the county supports hundreds of high-performing alternative and special education schools.
What are the major school districts in Maricopa County, Arizona?
Mesa Unified is the largest district with 58,343 students across 78 schools. The county is a leader in school choice, with 369 charter schools representing nearly 30% of all institutions. Massive online charters like Primavera serve over 6,000 students each across the region.
What is the school experience like in Maricopa County?
The average school size is 623 students, but mega-campuses like Hamilton High serve 3,850 learners. Most schools are in city (808) or suburban (354) locales, offering a traditional metropolitan experience. This variety allows families to choose between small specialty charters and massive, amenity-rich high schools.
How can I find homes near good schools in Maricopa County, Arizona?
From the suburbs of Chandler to the heart of Mesa, school quality is a primary driver of the Maricopa real estate market. Homes in districts like Paradise Valley or Mesa Unified are highly coveted for their diverse academic and athletic programs. Start your search today to find a home in one of Arizona's most vibrant education hubs.
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.