Best Elementary Schools
in Phoenix, Arizona
We ranked the 257 elementary schools in Phoenix with real test data. The top 25 scored between 8.8 and 9.7 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Arizona education data
The short answer
The top-rated elementary schools in Phoenix for 2026 are Bennett Academy - Venture Site (9.7/10), Desert Trails Elementary School (9.5/10), and Fireside Elementary School (9.5/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 257 rated elementary schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing an elementary school in Phoenix?
Every elementary school in Phoenix 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.
Bennett Academy - Venture Site
Phoenix, AZ. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Desert Trails Elementary School
Phoenix, AZ. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Fireside Elementary School
Phoenix, AZ. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Phoenix ranks 248 elementary schools, giving parents one of the larger candidate pools in the Southwest. Scores span a wide range, with an average composite of 6.1/10 — but strong options exist well above that midpoint. Sonoran Sky Elementary School leads the metro at 9.4/10, followed closely by Desert Cove Elementary and Sky Crossing Elementary, both at 9.2/10. That top tier is broader than it might seem: 75 schools, roughly 30% of the ranked pool, score 7 or higher. Whether you're weighing a neighborhood school or comparing options across districts, the table below lets you sort by overall score, school type, grade configuration, and more. Use the filters to narrow by ZIP code or performance range and focus on the schools most relevant to your family's situation.
Bennett Academy - Venture Site
Desert Trails Elementary School
Fireside Elementary School
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Phoenix'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 257 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bennett Academy - Venture Site Charter Twenty First Century Charter School Inc. Bennett (4310) | 9.7 |
| 2 | Desert Trails Elementary School Paradise Valley Unified District (4241) | 9.5 |
| 3 | Fireside Elementary School Paradise Valley Unified District (4241) | 9.5 |
| 4 | Great Hearts Academies - Archway Glendale Charter Archway Classical Academy Glendale (91878) | 9.4 |
| 5 | Great Hearts Academies - Archway Arete Charter Archway Classical Academy Arete (92312) | 9.4 |
| 6 | Great Hearts Academies - Archway Lincoln Charter Archway Classical Academy Lincoln (92656) | 9.3 |
| 7 | Sonoran Sky Elementary School Paradise Valley Unified District (4241) | 9.3 |
| 8 | North Ranch Elementary School Paradise Valley Unified District (4241) | 9.3 |
| 9 | Great Hearts Academies - Archway Cicero Charter Archway Classical Academy Cicero (92314) | 9.2 |
| 10 | Kyrene Monte Vista School Kyrene Elementary District (4267) | 9.2 |
| 11 | Boulder Creek Elementary School Paradise Valley Unified District (4241) | 9.2 |
| 12 | Sandpiper Elementary School Paradise Valley Unified District (4241) | 9.2 |
| 13 | Hopi Elementary School Scottsdale Unified District (4240) | 9.2 |
| 14 | Kyrene De La Sierra School Kyrene Elementary District (4267) | 9.1 |
| 15 | Sonoran Foothills School Deer Valley Unified District (4246) | 9.1 |
| 16 | Khalsa Montessori Elementary School - Phoenix Charter Khalsa Montessori Elementary Schools (4360) | 9.0 |
| 17 | Global Academy of Phoenix Alhambra Elementary District (4280) | 9.0 |
| 18 | Kyrene De Los Cerritos School Kyrene Elementary District (4267) | 9.0 |
| 19 | Kyrene De Los Lagos School Kyrene Elementary District (4267) | 9.0 |
| 20 | Madison Heights Elementary School Madison Elementary District (4270) | 9.0 |
| 21 | Augustus H. Shaw Montessori Phoenix Elementary District (4256) | 9.0 |
| 22 | Quail Run Elementary School Paradise Valley Unified District (4241) | 8.9 |
| 23 | Stetson Hills School Deer Valley Unified District (4246) | 8.9 |
| 24 | Phoenix International Academy Charter Phoenix International Academy (903484) | 8.8 |
| 25 | Mercury Mine Elementary School Paradise Valley Unified District (4241) | 8.8 |
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 Phoenix
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Phoenix's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Phoenix
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Phoenix's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in Arizona, with 283 schools spanning 178 school districts, plus 67 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 Phoenix, Arizona?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Bennett Academy - Venture Site is the top-rated elementary school in Phoenix with a composite score of 9.7/10. 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 Phoenix, Arizona?
Phoenix has 283 elementary schools, including 67 charter schools. Of these, 269 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Phoenix?
The average composite score for Phoenix elementary schools is 6.1/10. 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 Phoenix elementary school rankings?
Yes. Phoenix has 67 charter elementary schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.