Excellent
#214 of 2,006 schools in AZ
Top 11% in state
Cactus Shadows High School
High School · Cave Creek Unified District (4244)
PO BOX 426, Cave Creek, AZ 85327
Enrollment
1,566
Student-Teacher
21.8:1
Score
8.4
Grades
8th – 12th
Enrollment
1,566
Student-Teacher
21.8:1
Score
8.4
Grades
8th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Arizona schools
#214 of 2,006
In Cave Creek
#3 of 7
public schools
In district
#3 of 7
Cave Creek Unified District (4244)
Academic performance
9.5 / 10
Excellent
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Cactus Shadows High School
High School in Cave Creek · grades 8th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Evit Cactus Shadows High School
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Cave Creek Academy of Excellence
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Cactus Shadows High School
Cactus Shadows High School is a public high school in Cave Creek, AZ, part of Cave Creek Unified District (4244). Cactus Shadows High School serves approximately 1,566 students, and covers grades 8th-12th, and has a 21.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Cactus Shadows High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.4 out of 10 and ranks #214 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
Structured state assessment records for Cactus Shadows High School show 65% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 71% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 8.4 · Excellent
- AZ avg 6.2
What Parents Should Know
Cactus Shadows High School runs 21.8:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Cactus Shadows High School — Students at Cactus Shadows High School score 72% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 50%).
Test Scores AZ EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 28 test records from AZ state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 8.5/10.
How Cactus Shadows High School Compares
See how Cactus Shadows High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
PO BOX 426, Cave Creek, AZ 85327
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Cactus Shadows High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. CAREFREE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (rated 6.9/10, 1.3 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, BELLA VISTA COLLEGE PREPRATORY SCHOOL (rated 5.7/10, 0.3 miles away, in nearby Scottsdale), a more accessible option. For more schools in Cave Creek, see our Cave Creek schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 7.4 miSimilar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Catalina Foothills High School Tucson, AZ | 8.4 |
| BASIS Peoria Peoria, AZ | 8.3 |
| Desert Mountain High School Scottsdale, AZ | 8.3 |
| Campo Verde High School Gilbert, AZ | 8.2 |
| BASIS Chandler Chandler, AZ | 8.7 |
| Higley High School Gilbert, AZ | 8.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cactus Shadows High School
What grades does Cactus Shadows High School serve?
Cactus Shadows High School serves students in grades 8th through 12th.
How many students attend Cactus Shadows High School?
Cactus Shadows High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,566 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Cactus Shadows High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Cactus Shadows High School is 21.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Cactus Shadows High School rank in AZ?
Cactus Shadows High School ranks #214 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
What is Cactus Shadows High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Cactus Shadows High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.4 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Cactus Shadows High School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Cactus Shadows High School has 65% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 71% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Cactus Shadows High School a charter school?
No, Cactus Shadows High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Cactus Shadows High School a Title I school?
No, Cactus Shadows High School is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 8th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,566
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 72
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Maricopa County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 22.9%
- Phone
- (480) 575-2400
- 4-Year Graduation
- 96.0%
Resources & Links
District
Cave Creek Unified District (4244)- District Enrollment
- 4,214
- Schools in District
- 8
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $9,626
- District Rank
- #3 of 7
How we rate schools
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