Best Elementary Schools
in Mesa, Arizona
We ranked the 90 elementary schools in Mesa with real test data. The top 25 scored between 8.1 and 9.3 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Arizona education data
The short answer
The top-rated elementary schools in Mesa for 2026 are Franklin Accelerated Academy - Brimhall Campus (9.3/10), Canyon Rim Elementary (9.2/10), and Macarthur Elementary School (9.2/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 90 rated elementary schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing an elementary school in Mesa?
Every elementary school in Mesa is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Franklin Accelerated Academy - Brimhall Campus
Mesa, AZ. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Canyon Rim Elementary
Mesa, AZ. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Macarthur Elementary School
Mesa, AZ. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Mesa's elementary school landscape spans 82 ranked schools, giving families a wide range of options across this sprawling East Valley city. The average composite score sits at 6.0/10, but the top of the table pulls well above that mark — Canyon Rim Elementary leads at 8.9/10, followed closely by Superstition Springs Elementary at 8.8/10 and Meridian at 8.7/10. The spread matters when you're choosing. Roughly 30 percent of ranked schools — 25 in total — score 7.0 or higher, meaning strong options exist across multiple neighborhoods and zip codes. Augusta Ranch Elementary and Silver Valley Elementary round out the top five, both clearing the 8.0 threshold. Use the table below to sort by score, location, or grade range and identify which schools are realistic fits for your family. Clicking any school name opens its full profile with enrollment data, test scores, and additional detail.
Franklin Accelerated Academy - Brimhall Campus
Canyon Rim Elementary
Macarthur Elementary School
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Mesa's Elementary Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within Arizona so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 90 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Franklin Accelerated Academy - Brimhall Campus Mesa Unified District (4235) | 9.3 |
| 2 | Canyon Rim Elementary Gilbert Unified District (4239) | 9.2 |
| 3 | Macarthur Elementary School Mesa Unified District (4235) | 9.2 |
| 4 | Las Sendas Elementary School Mesa Unified District (4235) | 9.0 |
| 5 | Montessori Education Centre Charter School - Mesa Charter Montessori Education Centre Charter School (4363) | 8.8 |
| 6 | Superstition Springs Elementary Gilbert Unified District (4239) | 8.8 |
| 7 | Franklin Accelerated Academy - East Campus Mesa Unified District (4235) | 8.8 |
| 8 | Hermosa Vista Elementary School Mesa Unified District (4235) | 8.8 |
| 9 | Franklin Accelerated Academy - Jordan Campus Mesa Unified District (4235) | 8.8 |
| 10 | Ishikawa Elementary School Mesa Unified District (4235) | 8.7 |
| 11 | Montessori Education Centre Charter School - North Campus Charter Montessori Education Centre Charter School (4363) | 8.6 |
| 12 | Meridian Gilbert Unified District (4239) | 8.6 |
| 13 | Zaharis Elementary Mesa Unified District (4235) | 8.6 |
| 14 | Gateway Polytechnic Academy Queen Creek Unified District (4245) | 8.6 |
| 15 | Silver Valley Elementary Queen Creek Unified District (4245) | 8.6 |
| 16 | Happy Valley School East Campus Charter Happy Valley East (90906) | 8.4 |
| 17 | Hale Elementary School Mesa Unified District (4235) | 8.4 |
| 18 | Bush Elementary Mesa Unified District (4235) | 8.4 |
| 19 | Franklin Accelerated Academy - Downtown Campus Mesa Unified District (4235) | 8.3 |
| 20 | Entz Elementary School Mesa Unified District (4235) | 8.3 |
| 21 | Sequoia Lehi Charter School Charter Edkey Inc. - Pathfinder Academy (81045) | 8.2 |
| 22 | Sequoia Pathfinder Academy at Eastmark Charter Edkey Inc. - Pathfinder Academy (81045) | 8.2 |
| 23 | Heartwood Montessori | 8.2 |
| 24 | Asu Preparatory Academy-polytechnic Elementary Charter ASU Preparatory Academy (91307) | 8.1 |
| 25 | Augusta Ranch Elementary Gilbert Unified District (4239) | 8.1 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Arizona education department. Rankings are relative to all public elementary schools in Arizona. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Elementary Schools in Mesa
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Mesa's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Montessori Education Centre Charter School - Mesa
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Mesa
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Mesa's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in Arizona, with 93 schools spanning 42 school districts, plus 23 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best elementary school in Mesa, Arizona?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Franklin Accelerated Academy - Brimhall Campus is the top-rated elementary school in Mesa with a composite score of 9.3/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
How many elementary schools are in Mesa, Arizona?
Mesa has 93 elementary schools, including 23 charter schools. Of these, 90 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Mesa?
The average composite score for Mesa elementary schools is 6.5/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Arizona).
How does MySchoolScout rate elementary schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. All scores are computed within Arizona, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Arizona, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Mesa elementary school rankings?
Yes. Mesa has 23 charter elementary schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.