Excellent
#93 of 2,000 schools in AZ
Top 5% 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
8.5
Grades
8th – 12th
Enrollment
1,566
Student-Teacher
21.8:1
Score
8.5
Grades
8th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Cave Creek
#1 of 7
public schools
Arizona high schools
#10 of 429
In district
#1 of 7
Cave Creek Unified District (4244)
Academic performance
9.5 / 10
Exceptional
About Cactus Shadows High School
Cactus Shadows High School is a public high school in Cave Creek, AZ, part of the Cave Creek Unified District (4244). The school serves approximately 1,566 students in grades 8th – 12th with a student-teacher ratio of 21.8:1. It holds a MySchoolScout rating of 8.5/10, placing it in the 95.4th percentile among AZ schools — an above average rating overall.
Students demonstrate 63% proficiency in math and 62% in reading/language arts. The school scores particularly well in student growth (9.0/10). The school is situated in a midsize city setting.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Cactus Shadows High School is 21.8:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
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%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0%
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: 9.0/10.
How Cactus Shadows High School Compares
See how Cactus Shadows High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 68% (2019) to 73% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 70% (2019) to 71% (2022).
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 |
|---|---|
| Arizona College Prep High School Chandler, AZ | 8.5 |
| Horizon High School Scottsdale, AZ | 8.5 |
| Paradise Valley High School Phoenix, AZ | 8.5 |
| University High School Tucson, AZ | 8.6 |
| Willow Canyon High School Surprise, AZ | 8.4 |
| Canyon View High School Waddell, AZ | 8.3 |
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 is ranked #93 out of 2,000 schools in AZ.
What is Cactus Shadows High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Cactus Shadows High School has a composite rating of 8.5 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 Cactus Shadows High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Cactus Shadows High School has 63.3% math proficiency and 62.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
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
Powered by 
FBI UCR. County-level only.
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
- Phone
- (480) 575-2400
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Cave Creek Unified District (4244)- District Enrollment
- 4,214
- Schools in District
- 8
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $9,626
- District Rank
- #1 of 7
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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