Best Schools in Mesa, Arizona
160 schools · 94 Elementary · 14 Middle · 26 High · 26 Other
Choosing a school in Mesa?
Use this page to compare every school in Mesa by level, neighborhood, and district — and find the right fit, not just the top of the list.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Entz Elementary School
Elementary · Mesa Unified District (4235). Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
Ishikawa Elementary School
Elementary · Mesa Unified District (4235). Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
Superstition Springs Elementary
Elementary · Gilbert Unified District (4239). Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
The short answer
The top-rated schools in Mesa for 2026 are Entz Elementary School (9.3/10), Ishikawa Elementary School (9.2/10), and Superstition Springs Elementary (9.1/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 125 rated schools. Ratings blend student growth, poverty-adjusted academic achievement, and school environment (plus college readiness for high schools), with equity shown as context, not scored; schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Schools
160
141 public · 19 private
Avg Score
6.5
out of 10
Median Home
$358,385
home value · ACS
Districts
42
serving the city
Schools
160
141 public · 19 private
Avg Score
6.5
out of 10
Median Home
$358,385
home value · ACS
Districts
42
serving the city
STAAR proficiency rose +10.0 points from 2022 to 2024. That's the biggest jump among Mesa schools across the two most recent comparable testing years.
Top-Rated Schools in Mesa
Ranked by MySchoolScout composite using only schools with real test data (Top 10 of 125 rated schools; 160 schools in the directory). "Value" = points above what student poverty predicts. Estimated (proxy) scores are excluded.
| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entz Elementary School | 9.3 / 10 |
| 2 | Ishikawa Elementary School | 9.2 / 10 |
| 3 | Superstition Springs Elementary | 9.1 / 10 |
| 4 | Bush Elementary | 9.1 / 10 |
| 5 | Highland JR High School | 9.0 / 10 |
| 6 | Las Sendas Elementary School | 8.9 / 10 |
| 7 | Falcon Hill Elementary School | 8.9 / 10 |
| 8 | Zaharis Elementary | 8.9 / 10 |
| 9 | Asu Preparatory Academy-Polytechnic Middle School | 8.8 / 10 |
| 10 | Franklin Accelerated Academy - East Campus | 8.8 / 10 |
See every school — including those with estimated data — in the full directory below. How we rate schools.
Family Snapshot
At a glance- Avg school rating
- 6.5/10
- Median household income
- $79,720
- Median home value
- $358,385
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 31%
- Avg commute
- 25 min
- Owner-occupied homes
- 67%
45% of schools rated 7+
Census ACS, ZIPs in this city
Owner-occupied units
Adults 25+
Workers age 16+
Of occupied housing units
How Mesa compares
Arizona rank
#36 of 97
cities by avg. school score
Vs. state average
+0.2
above Arizona avg (6.3)
Median household income
$80k
112% of Arizona median
Schools in this city
145
Education Snapshot
Mesa, ArizonaMesa's 154 schools enroll roughly 89,610 students, distributed across 42 school districts. The campus mix skews elementary: 93 elementary schools compared to 14 middle and 26 high schools. Charter schools account for 48 of those campuses — nearly one in three — giving families an active school-choice market. Across 140 scored schools, Mesa's average MySchoolScout composite rating is 6.3/10, exactly matching Arizona's statewide average; the city performs on par with state peers rather than above them. Household economics sit modestly higher: Mesa's median household income of $83,058 is 5% above the Arizona state median of $79,290. Adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher account for 30% of the adult population. With a large charter sector and 42 separate district jurisdictions, the local school landscape rewards direct comparison by neighborhood rather than city-level averages.
42 districts draw attendance lines through Mesa
Mesa is not one school system. 42 districts cut across the city limits, and the largest still holds only 52% of the public campuses.
Mesa Unified District (4235) is the largest slice at 73 of 141 public schools — not a majority. Choosing a Mesa address is choosing a district first.
Among 125 public schools with real test data, composite scores run from 3.1 to 9.3 — the spread is inside Mesa, not a citywide average.
48 of the 141 public schools are charters (34%), so the district split is not the whole market.
- Mesa Unified District (4235)73 public · 52%
- Gilbert Unified District (4239)9 public · 6%
- East Valley Institute of Technology (4516)8 public · 6%
- American Leadership Academy Inc. (4348)3 public · 2%
- Edkey Inc. - Pathfinder Academy (81045)3 public · 2%
About Schools in Mesa, Arizona
Mesa is one of Arizona's largest cities, and its public school system reflects that scale — 127 ranked schools spread across a sprawling suburban landscape, serving families in neighborhoods that range from established east-side communities to newer master-planned developments. With that many schools, the variation matters as much as the average.
The system scores an average of 6.1 out of 10, which puts most Mesa families near the middle of the performance spectrum. Thirty-four schools — 27% of the ranked total — clear the 7-point threshold, so a meaningful share of campuses are genuinely strong performers. The rest cluster below that line, which makes neighborhood and school selection consequential for parents who prioritize academics.
The top performers are concentrated in the elementary tier. Canyon Rim Elementary leads the city with a 9.2, followed closely by Superstition Springs Elementary (9.1), Meridian (9.0), Augusta Ranch Elementary (8.8), and Franklin Accelerated Academy – Brimhall Campus (8.8). Five of the top five ranked schools share the same grade band — a practical signal that parents of elementary-age children have the most high-scoring options to choose from. Whether that strong elementary performance carries through middle and high school is worth investigating school by school.
For parents evaluating Mesa, the city's size creates real optionality, but only if you're willing to look past proximity. The 27% of schools scoring 7 or above are distributed across the metro, not concentrated in one corridor. Start with Canyon Rim and the other top-rated elementaries as your performance benchmark, then map your commutable radius and compare scores against that baseline. The 6.1 system average means the default-by-address assignment may underperform your expectations — but the high end of the distribution is legitimate, and it's accessible to families willing to explore beyond their immediate neighborhood.
Elementary Schools
94 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 592 students · Pre-K–6th | 9.3 |
| 2 | 863 students · Pre-K–6th | 9.2 |
| 3 | 774 students · Pre-K–6th | 9.1 |
| 4 | 502 students · Pre-K–6th | 9.1 |
| 5 | 707 students · Pre-K–6th | 8.9 |
| 6 | 541 students · Pre-K–6th | 8.9 |
| 7 | 731 students · Pre-K–6th | 8.9 |
| 8 | 546 students · Pre-K–6th | 8.8 |
| 9 | 443 students · Pre-K–6th | 8.6 |
| 10 | 711 students · Pre-K–6th | 8.6 |
Show all 94 elementary schools in Mesa
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Middle Schools
14 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 956 students · 6th–8th | 9.0 |
| 2 | 351 students · 5th–8th | 8.8 |
| 3 | 950 students · 7th–8th | 8.0 |
| 4 | 667 students · 4th–8th | 7.9 |
| 5 | 779 students · 7th–9th | 7.3 |
| 6 | 946 students · 7th–9th | 7.0 |
| 7 | 925 students · 7th–8th | 6.8 |
| 8 | 762 students · 7th–8th | 6.8 |
| 9 | 282 students · 7th–9th | 6.8 |
| 10 | 869 students · 7th–9th | 6.0 |
Show all 14 middle schools in Mesa
High Schools
26 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 179 students · 9th–12th | 8.2 |
| 2 | 787 students · 7th–12th | 8.0 |
| 3 | 463 students · 8th–12th | 8.0 |
| 4 | 2,222 students · 8th–12th | 7.7 |
| 5 | 97 students · 10th–12th | 7.5 |
| 6 | 280 students · 6th–12th | 7.3 |
| 7 | 3,469 students · 9th–12th | 7.1 |
| 8 | 3,391 students · 9th–12th | 6.7 |
| 9 | 1,887 students · 7th–12th | 6.6 |
| 10 | 670 students · 6th–12th | 6.1 |
Show all 26 high schools in Mesa
Other Schools
26 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 867 students · Kindergarten–12th | 7.8 |
| 2 | 378 students · 4th–9th | 7.8 |
| 3 | 1,510 students · Kindergarten–12th | 7.5 |
| 4 | 1,883 students · Kindergarten–12th | 7.1 |
| 5 | 159 students · Kindergarten–12th | 6.7 |
| 6 | 472 students · Kindergarten–12th | 6.1 |
| 7 | 752 students · Kindergarten–12th | 5.9 |
| 8 | 811 students · Kindergarten–12th | 5.8 |
| 9 | 72 students · Pre-K–Pre-K | 5.8 |
| 10 | 43 students · Kindergarten–12th | 5.7 |
Show all 26 other schools in Mesa
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Schools in Mesa
Mesa, Arizona · 160 schools
Community Demographics
Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 13 ZIP codes
Median Income
$79,720
Median Home Value
$358,385
Median Rent
$1,562/mo
Population
550,266
College Educated
31%
Homeownership
67%
Avg Commute
25 min
Poverty Rate
10.5%
Community Profile
Mesa has a median household income of $79,720. It is an area where 31% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $358,385, with a median rent of $1,562/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.5%. The average commute for residents is 25 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Schools by Level
- State
- Arizona
- Elementary
- 94
- Middle
- 14
- High
- 26
- Other
- 26
Resources
School Districts (42)
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley (4305)
1 school · 227 students
STEP UP Schools Inc. (4313)
1 school · 64 students
Heritage Academy Inc. (4336)
2 schools · 880 students
Montessori Education Centre Charter School (4363)
2 schools · 442 students
American Leadership Academy Inc. (4348)
12 schools · 13,876 students
New Horizon School for the Performing Arts (4366)
1 school · 123 students
Edkey Inc. - Sequoia Choice Schools (4329)
2 schools · 2,300 students
Cambridge Academy East Inc (78888)
2 schools · 200 students
American Basic Schools LLC (79215)
1 school · 685 students
Pinnacle Education-WMCB Inc. (79439)
2 schools · 48 students
Noah Webster Schools - Mesa (10760)
1 school · 492 students
Kaizen Education Foundation dba Vista Grove Prepar (79871)
1 school · 29 students
American Charter Schools Foundation d.b.a. Sun Val (79877)
1 school · 351 students
CAFA Inc. dba Learning Foundation Performing Arts (79971)
1 school · 159 students
Happy Valley School Inc. (79081)
1 school · 567 students
Self Development Charter School (79072)
2 schools · 372 students
Edkey Inc. dba Sequoia Charter School (6446)
1 school · 685 students
Edkey Inc. - Sequoia Village School (79211)
3 schools · 364 students
Academy with Community Partners-Arizona Inc (79213)
1 school · 184 students
Legacy Education Group (87349)
1 school · 141 students
Concordia Charter School Inc. (89556)
2 schools · 78 students
Kaizen Education Foundation dba Vista Grove Prepar (90330)
1 school · 72 students
Kaizen Education Foundation dba Liberty Arts Acade (90334)
1 school · 345 students
Arizona Education Solutions (90758)
2 schools · 1,360 students
ASU Preparatory Academy (91307)
1 school · 488 students
ASU Preparatory Academy (91305)
1 school · 463 students
Happy Valley East (90906)
1 school · 435 students
Edkey Inc. - Redwood Academy (81043)
1 school · 128 students
Edkey Inc. - Pathfinder Academy (81045)
3 schools · 1,052 students
Edkey Inc. - Sequoia School for the Deaf and Hard (81050)
2 schools · 67 students
Edkey Inc. - Sequoia Ranch School (81052)
1 school · 121 students
Edkey Inc. dba Arizona Conservatory for Arts and (79981)
1 school · 280 students
ASU Preparatory Academy (92327)
1 school · 351 students
BASIS Charter Schools Inc. (91949)
1 school · 867 students
Edkey Inc. - Sequoia Pathway Academy (92226)
1 school · 752 students
Heritage Academy Gateway Inc. (92519)
1 school · 1,510 students
EAGLE College Prep Mesa LLC. (91939)
1 school · 177 students
Heritage Academy Laveen Inc. (92520)
1 school · 670 students
Gilbert Unified District (4239)
38 schools · 32,402 students
Mesa Unified District (4235)
78 schools · 57,204 students
Queen Creek Unified District (4245)
15 schools · 14,503 students
East Valley Institute of Technology (4516)
50 schools · 306 students
Other Major Cities in Arizona
Top metros statewide by school count.
Featured Rankings
See our in-depth rankings with interactive maps, score breakdowns, and school spotlights.
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about schools in Mesa, Arizona
How many schools are in Mesa, Arizona?
Mesa has 160 schools, including 141 public and 19 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the average school rating in Mesa, Arizona?
The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Mesa is 6.5 out of 10, built from student growth, poverty-adjusted academic achievement, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools.
What is the top-ranked school in Mesa, Arizona?
The top-ranked school in Mesa on MySchoolScout is Entz Elementary School with a composite score of 9.3/10.
What is the best elementary school in Mesa, Arizona?
The top-ranked elementary school in Mesa on MySchoolScout is Entz Elementary School with a composite score of 9.3/10.
What is the best middle school in Mesa, Arizona?
The top-ranked middle school in Mesa on MySchoolScout is Highland JR High School with a composite score of 9.0/10.
What is the best high school in Mesa, Arizona?
The top-ranked high school in Mesa on MySchoolScout is Evit - East Valley Institute of Technology with a composite score of 8.2/10.
How many school districts serve Mesa, Arizona?
Mesa is served by 42 school districts: The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley (4305), Step Up Schools Inc. (4313), Heritage Academy Inc. (4336), Montessori Education Centre Charter School (4363), American Leadership Academy Inc. (4348), New Horizon School for the Performing Arts (4366), Edkey Inc. - Sequoia Choice Schools (4329), Cambridge Academy East Inc (78888), American Basic Schools Llc (79215), Pinnacle Education-Wmcb Inc. (79439), Noah Webster Schools - Mesa (10760), Kaizen Education Foundation Dba Vista Grove Prepar (79871), American Charter Schools Foundation D.b.a. Sun Val (79877), Cafa Inc. Dba Learning Foundation Performing Arts (79971), Happy Valley School Inc. (79081), Self Development Charter School (79072), Edkey Inc. Dba Sequoia Charter School (6446), Edkey Inc. - Sequoia Village School (79211), Academy With Community Partners-Arizona Inc (79213), Legacy Education Group (87349), Concordia Charter School Inc. (89556), Kaizen Education Foundation Dba Vista Grove Prepar (90330), Kaizen Education Foundation Dba Liberty Arts Acade (90334), Arizona Education Solutions (90758), Asu Preparatory Academy (91307), Asu Preparatory Academy (91305), Happy Valley East (90906), Edkey Inc. - Redwood Academy (81043), Edkey Inc. - Pathfinder Academy (81045), Edkey Inc. - Sequoia School for the Deaf and Hard (81050), Edkey Inc. - Sequoia Ranch School (81052), Edkey Inc. Dba Arizona Conservatory for Arts and (79981), Asu Preparatory Academy (92327), Basis Charter Schools Inc. (91949), Edkey Inc. - Sequoia Pathway Academy (92226), Heritage Academy Gateway Inc. (92519), Eagle College Prep Mesa Llc. (91939), Heritage Academy Laveen Inc. (92520), Gilbert Unified District (4239), Mesa Unified District (4235), Queen Creek Unified District (4245), East Valley Institute of Technology (4516).
What is the education level in Mesa, Arizona?
According to Census data, 31% of adults in Mesa have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the median income in Mesa, Arizona?
The median household income in Mesa is approximately $79,720 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.
Are there private schools in Mesa, Arizona?
Yes, Mesa has 19 private schools alongside 141 public schools. The top-rated private school is Montessori International Schl - Brown Road Campus with a score of 8.0/10.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Mesa, Arizona?
The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Mesa is 15.4:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.
How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Mesa, Arizona?
MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score built from Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, and equity data is shown for context but not scored.
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Data from NCES Common Core of Data, Arizona Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.