Best High Schools
in Tucson, Arizona
We ranked the 63 high schools in Tucson with real test data. The top 25 scored between 6.2 and 9.1 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Arizona education data
The short answer
The top-rated high schools in Tucson for 2026 are University High School (9.1/10), Basis Tucson North (8.4/10), and Catalina Foothills High School (8.4/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 63 rated high schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a high school in Tucson?
Every high school in Tucson 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.
University High School
Tucson, AZ. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Basis Tucson North
Tucson, AZ. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Catalina Foothills High School
Tucson, AZ. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Tucson's high school landscape spans 56 ranked schools, giving families a wide range of options across the metro. Quality varies considerably — the average composite score sits at 6.2/10, but 14 schools clear the 7/10 threshold, signaling a meaningful tier of strong performers worth a closer look. At the top, Tanque Verde High School and University High School both earn 8.6/10, the highest scores in the city. Mountain View, Pima Vocational, and Catalina Foothills round out the leading five, each scoring 8.0 or above. The table below lets you sort by academic performance, school type, size, and more — whether you're prioritizing test scores, vocational pathways, or something else entirely. Use the filters to narrow the field and find the schools that align with what matters most for your student.
University High School
Basis Tucson North
Catalina Foothills High School
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Tucson's High 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 63 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University High School Tucson Unified District (4403) | 9.1 |
| 2 | Basis Tucson North Charter BASIS Charter Schools Inc. (91309) | 8.4 |
| 3 | Catalina Foothills High School Catalina Foothills Unified District (4410) | 8.4 |
| 4 | Tanque Verde High School Tanque Verde Unified District (4408) | 8.3 |
| 5 | Empire High School Vail Unified District (4413) | 8.2 |
| 6 | The Gregory School | 7.6 |
| 7 | Pima Vocational High School Charter Pima County (4420) | 7.5 |
| 8 | Innovation Tech High School Tucson Unified District (4403) | 7.5 |
| 9 | Sky Islands Charter Blue Adobe Project (89871) | 7.3 |
| 10 | Faith Christian Academy | 7.3 |
| 11 | City High School Charter CITY Center for Collaborative Learning (85448) | 7.2 |
| 12 | Immaculate Heart High School | 7.2 |
| 13 | St Augustine Catholic High School | 7.1 |
| 14 | Canyon Rose Academy-east Charter Canyon Rose Academy Inc. (81029) | 7.0 |
| 15 | Flowing Wells High School Flowing Wells Unified District (4405) | 7.0 |
| 16 | Academy of Tucson High School Charter Academy of Tucson Inc. (78897) | 6.9 |
| 17 | Sabino High School Tucson Unified District (4403) | 6.9 |
| 18 | Ha:san Preparatory & Leadership School Charter Ha:san Educational Services (6369) | 6.8 |
| 19 | Mountain View High School Marana Unified District (4404) | 6.7 |
| 20 | Sonoran Science Academy - Davis Monthan Charter Daisy Education Corporation dba. Sonoran Science A (90284) | 6.4 |
| 21 | Envision High School Charter CPLC Community Schools dba Hiaki High School (90331) | 6.4 |
| 22 | Palo Verde High Magnet School Tucson Unified District (4403) | 6.3 |
| 23 | Mica Mountain High Vail Unified District (4413) | 6.3 |
| 24 | Tucson Magnet High School Tucson Unified District (4403) | 6.2 |
| 25 | Vail Blended Learning Vail Unified District (4413) | 6.2 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Arizona education department. Rankings are relative to all public high schools in Arizona. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 High Schools in Tucson
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Tucson's Top 10 High Schools
Choosing the Right High School in Tucson
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Tucson's high school landscape is one of the most diverse in Arizona, with 87 schools spanning 67 school districts, plus 32 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 Tucson, Arizona?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, University High School is the top-rated high school in Tucson with a composite score of 9.1/10. 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 high schools are in Tucson, Arizona?
Tucson has 87 high schools, including 32 charter schools. Of these, 63 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average high school rating in Tucson?
The average composite score for Tucson high schools is 5.8/10. 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 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 Tucson high school rankings?
Yes. Tucson has 32 charter high schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.