Best High Schools
in Mesa, Arizona
We ranked all 26 high schools in Mesa. The top 17 scored between 4.4 and 8.0 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Arizona education data
Mesa's 17 ranked high schools span a wide range of performance, with composite scores running from the mid-4s up to 8.0 out of 10. Westwood High School sits at the top of the list, outpacing the field by more than half a point over the next closest school. Only two schools — 12% of the ranked group — clear the 7.0 threshold, so genuine standouts are selective in this market. The city-wide average composite score of 6.2 gives a useful reference point as you sort through the table below. Schools cluster in the mid-to-upper 6s, meaning small score differences can reflect meaningful gaps in academic programming, college readiness data, and student outcomes. Use the table to filter by the metrics that matter most to your family — whether that's test scores, graduation rates, or another data point — and compare schools side by side before scheduling visits.
Westwood High School
Academy with Community Partners
Desert Ridge High
Score Distribution
Where the top 17 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Mesa's High 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 17 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Westwood High School Mesa Unified District (4235) | 8.0 |
| 2 | Academy with Community Partners Charter Academy with Community Partners-Arizona Inc (79213) | 7.4 |
| 3 | Desert Ridge High Gilbert Unified District (4239) | 6.9 |
| 4 | East Valley Academy Mesa Unified District (4235) | 6.8 |
| 5 | Mountain View High School Mesa Unified District (4235) | 6.6 |
| 6 | Red Mountain High School Mesa Unified District (4235) | 6.6 |
| 7 | Arizona Conservatory for Arts and Academics Charter Edkey Inc. dba Arizona Conservatory for Arts and (79981) | 6.5 |
| 8 | ASU Preparatory Academy-Polytechnic High School Charter ASU Preparatory Academy (91305) | 6.4 |
| 9 | Skyline High School Mesa Unified District (4235) | 6.2 |
| 10 | Mesa High School Mesa Unified District (4235) | 5.9 |
| 11 | Dobson High School Mesa Unified District (4235) | 5.9 |
| 12 | Heritage Academy Charter Heritage Academy Inc. (4336) | 5.8 |
| 13 | Eastmark High School Queen Creek Unified District (4245) | 5.8 |
| 14 | Sun Valley High School Charter American Charter Schools Foundation d.b.a. Sun Val (79877) | 5.7 |
| 15 | Pinnacle Online - WMCB Charter Pinnacle Education-WMCB Inc. (79439) | 5.2 |
| 16 | East Valley High School Charter Legacy Education Group (87349) | 5.1 |
| 17 | Heritage Academy Laveen Charter Heritage Academy Laveen Inc. (92520) | 4.4 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Arizona education department. Rankings are relative to all public high schools in Arizona. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 17 High 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 High Schools
Arizona Conservatory for Arts and Academics
Choosing the Right High 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 high school landscape is one of the most diverse in Arizona, with 26 schools spanning 42 school districts, plus 9 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 high school in Mesa, Arizona?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Westwood High School is the top-rated high school in Mesa with a composite score of 8.0/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many high schools are in Mesa, Arizona?
Mesa has 26 high schools, including 9 charter schools. Of these, 17 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average high school rating in Mesa?
The average composite score for Mesa high schools is 6.2/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Arizona).
How does MySchoolScout rate high 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 high school rankings?
Yes. Mesa has 9 charter high schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.