Excellent
#151 of 2,000 schools in AZ
Top 8% in state
Stepping Stones Academy
Elementary School · Stepping Stones Academy (10966)
35812 N 7TH ST, Phoenix, AZ 85086
Enrollment
219
Score
8.2
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
219
Score
8.2
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Phoenix
#27 of 398
public schools
Arizona elementary schools
#121 of 1,216
Academic performance
9.7 / 10
Exceptional
About Stepping Stones Academy
Stepping Stones Academy is a public elementary school in Phoenix, AZ, part of the Stepping Stones Academy (10966). The school serves approximately 219 students in grades Kindergarten – 8th. It holds a MySchoolScout rating of 8.2/10, placing it in the 92.5th percentile among AZ schools — an above average rating overall.
Students demonstrate 70% proficiency in math and 55% in reading/language arts. The school scores particularly well in student growth (8.9/10). Located in a neighborhood with a median household income of $118,543, where 42% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
The school is situated in a large suburban setting.
What Parents Should Know
Stepping Stones Academy is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Data not available for this school
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Stepping Stones Academy — Students at Stepping Stones Academy score 72% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 38%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores AZ EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from AZ state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 8.9/10.
How Stepping Stones Academy Compares
See how Stepping Stones Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 77% (2019) to 82% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 62% (2019) to 62% (2022).
Location
35812 N 7TH ST, Phoenix, AZ 85086
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Stepping Stones Academy may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Gavilan Peak School (rated 9.2/10, 4.3 miles away, in nearby Anthem), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Desert Mountain School (rated 8.7/10, 0.7 miles away, in nearby Desert Hills), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Diamond Canyon School (rated 8.2/10, 3.3 miles away, in nearby Anthem), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Phoenix, see our Phoenix schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 6.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Desert Mountain School Desert Hills | 0.7 mi | 8.7 |
| Diamond Canyon School Anthem | 3.3 mi | 8.2 |
| Sonoran Foothills School Phoenix | 3.3 mi | 7.8 |
| Ridgeline Academy Inc. Phoenix | 3.4 mi | 6.0 |
| Sunset Ridge School Phoenix | 3.7 mi | 7.4 |
| Gavilan Peak School Anthem | 4.3 mi | 9.2 |
| Anthem School Anthem | 5.0 mi | 7.7 |
| West-MEC - Boulder Creek High School Anthem | 5.2 mi | — |
| Boulder Creek High School Anthem | 5.2 mi | 7.2 |
| Desert Willow Elementary School Cave Creek | 5.3 mi | 7.8 |
| Norterra Canyon School Phoenix | 6.0 mi | 6.9 |
| ANNUNCIATION CATHOLIC SCHOOL Cave Creek | 5.5 mi | 5.8 |
| CAREFREE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Cave Creek | 5.4 mi | 6.9 |
| NORTH VALLEY CHRISTAIN ACADEMY Anthem | 6.1 mi | 4.8 |
| AMCS at Anthem dba Caurus Academy Anthem | 6.1 mi | 7.0 |
| Union Park School Phoenix | 6.7 mi | 6.0 |
| Great Hearts Academies - Anthem Prep Phoenix | 6.7 mi | 7.2 |
| QUALITY INTERACTIVE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Cave Creek | 6.2 mi | 5.9 |
| Hope High School Online Glendale | 7.2 mi | 6.6 |
| Lone Mountain Elementary School Cave Creek | 6.5 mi | 7.2 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 85086 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$118,543
Median Home Value
$554,100
Median Rent
$2,177/mo
Population
43,369
College Educated
42.2%
Homeownership
84.8%
Avg Commute
29.3 min
Poverty Rate
4.4%
Median Age
44.4
Community Profile
The community surrounding Stepping Stones Academy has a median household income of $118,543. It is a well-educated community where 42% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $554,100, with a median rent of $2,177/month. The local poverty rate of 4.4% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 29 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Duncan Elementary Duncan, AZ | 8.2 |
| Harriet Johnson Primary School Tucson, AZ | 8.2 |
| Liberty Traditional Charter School - Saddleback Tucson, AZ | 8.2 |
| Pine Forest School Flagstaff, AZ | 8.2 |
| Blackwater Community School Coolidge, AZ | 8.1 |
| Casa Blanca Community School Bapchule, AZ | 8.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Stepping Stones Academy
What grades does Stepping Stones Academy serve?
Stepping Stones Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.
How many students attend Stepping Stones Academy?
Stepping Stones Academy has an enrollment of approximately 219 students.
How does Stepping Stones Academy rank in AZ?
Stepping Stones Academy is ranked #151 out of 2,000 schools in AZ.
What is Stepping Stones Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Stepping Stones Academy has a composite rating of 8.2 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Stepping Stones Academy?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Stepping Stones Academy has 70.3% math proficiency and 55.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Stepping Stones Academy a charter school?
Yes, Stepping Stones Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is Stepping Stones Academy a Title I school?
No, Stepping Stones Academy is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Phoenix). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 8th
- Enrollment
- 219
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Maricopa County
- Phone
- (623) 465-4910
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Stepping Stones Academy (10966)- District Enrollment
- 219
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,253
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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