Best Elementary Schools
in Phoenix, Arizona
We ranked all 283 elementary schools in Phoenix. The top 25 scored between 8.2 and 9.4 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Arizona education data
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.
Sonoran Sky Elementary School
Desert Cove Elementary School
Sky Crossing 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 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 | Sonoran Sky Elementary School Paradise Valley Unified District (4241) | 9.4 |
| 2 | Desert Cove Elementary School Paradise Valley Unified District (4241) | 9.2 |
| 3 | Sky Crossing Elementary School Paradise Valley Unified District (4241) | 9.2 |
| 4 | Boulder Creek Elementary School Paradise Valley Unified District (4241) | 9.1 |
| 5 | Global Academy of Phoenix Alhambra Elementary District (4280) | 9.0 |
| 6 | Sandpiper Elementary School Paradise Valley Unified District (4241) | 9.0 |
| 7 | Fireside Elementary School Paradise Valley Unified District (4241) | 9.0 |
| 8 | Wildfire Elementary School Paradise Valley Unified District (4241) | 8.9 |
| 9 | New River Elementary School Deer Valley Unified District (4246) | 8.9 |
| 10 | Phoenix International Academy Charter Phoenix International Academy (903484) | 8.8 |
| 11 | Desert Springs Preparatory Elementary School Paradise Valley Unified District (4241) | 8.6 |
| 12 | Eagle Ridge Elementary School Paradise Valley Unified District (4241) | 8.6 |
| 13 | North Ranch Elementary School Paradise Valley Unified District (4241) | 8.6 |
| 14 | Quail Run Elementary School Paradise Valley Unified District (4241) | 8.6 |
| 15 | Tavan Elementary School Scottsdale Unified District (4240) | 8.6 |
| 16 | Villa Montessori - Phoenix Campus Charter Villa Montessori Charter School (4339) | 8.5 |
| 17 | Arizona Language Preparatory Charter Arizona Language Preparatory (92566) | 8.4 |
| 18 | Kyrene de las Lomas School Kyrene Elementary District (4267) | 8.4 |
| 19 | Larkspur Elementary School Paradise Valley Unified District (4241) | 8.4 |
| 20 | Desert Trails Elementary School Paradise Valley Unified District (4241) | 8.4 |
| 21 | Hopi Elementary School Scottsdale Unified District (4240) | 8.4 |
| 22 | Great Hearts Academies - Archway Glendale Charter Archway Classical Academy Glendale (91878) | 8.3 |
| 23 | Stepping Stones Academy Charter Stepping Stones Academy (10966) | 8.2 |
| 24 | Great Hearts Academies - Archway North Phoenix Charter Archway Classical Academy North Phoenix (91758) | 8.2 |
| 25 | Mitchell Elementary School Isaac Elementary District (4259) | 8.2 |
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 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, Sonoran Sky Elementary School is the top-rated elementary school in Phoenix with a composite score of 9.4/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
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 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 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.