Best Elementary Schools
in Mesa, Arizona
We ranked all 93 elementary schools in Mesa. The top 25 scored between 7.2 and 8.9 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Arizona education data
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.
Canyon Rim Elementary
Superstition Springs Elementary
Meridian
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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%) measures standardized test performance in math and reading. Student Growth (20%) tracks improvement over time. Equity (15%) evaluates how well a school serves all student groups. Environment (15%) considers class size, spending, and attendance. All scores are computed within Arizona so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 25 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canyon Rim Elementary Gilbert Unified District (4239) | 8.9 |
| 2 | Superstition Springs Elementary Gilbert Unified District (4239) | 8.8 |
| 3 | Meridian Gilbert Unified District (4239) | 8.7 |
| 4 | Augusta Ranch Elementary Gilbert Unified District (4239) | 8.5 |
| 5 | Silver Valley Elementary Queen Creek Unified District (4245) | 8.4 |
| 6 | Franklin Accelerated Academy - Brimhall Campus Mesa Unified District (4235) | 8.3 |
| 7 | HEARTWOOD MONTESSORI | 8.3 |
| 8 | Entz Elementary School Mesa Unified District (4235) | 8.2 |
| 9 | Boulder Creek Elementary Gilbert Unified District (4239) | 8.1 |
| 10 | Bush Elementary Mesa Unified District (4235) | 7.9 |
| 11 | New Horizon School for the Performing Arts Charter New Horizon School for the Performing Arts (4366) | 7.7 |
| 12 | Children First Leadership Academy Charter Edkey Inc. - Sequoia Ranch School (81052) | 7.7 |
| 13 | Franklin Accelerated Academy - East Campus Mesa Unified District (4235) | 7.7 |
| 14 | Gateway Polytechnic Academy Queen Creek Unified District (4245) | 7.7 |
| 15 | Sequoia Pathfinder Academy at Eastmark Charter Edkey Inc. - Pathfinder Academy (81045) | 7.6 |
| 16 | Zaharis Elementary Mesa Unified District (4235) | 7.6 |
| 17 | Michael T. Hughes Elementary School Mesa Unified District (4235) | 7.5 |
| 18 | Happy Valley School Charter Happy Valley School Inc. (79081) | 7.4 |
| 19 | Happy Valley School East Campus Charter Happy Valley East (90906) | 7.4 |
| 20 | Hale Elementary School Mesa Unified District (4235) | 7.4 |
| 21 | Lowell Elementary School Mesa Unified District (4235) | 7.4 |
| 22 | Crismon Elementary School Mesa Unified District (4235) | 7.4 |
| 23 | ST TIMOTHY CATHOLIC SCHOOL | 7.4 |
| 24 | George Washington Academy Charter Edkey Inc. - Sequoia Village School (79211) | 7.2 |
| 25 | Pathfinder Academy Charter Edkey Inc. - Pathfinder Academy (81045) | 7.2 |
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
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, Canyon Rim Elementary is the top-rated elementary school in Mesa with a composite score of 8.9/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
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 6.0/10. 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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). 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.