Needs Improvement
#1928 of 2,006 schools in AZ
Challenger Middle School
Middle School · Sunnyside Unified District (4407)
100 E ELVIRA RD, Tucson, AZ 85756
Enrollment
595
Student-Teacher
22.9:1
Score
3.4
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
595
Student-Teacher
22.9:1
Score
3.4
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Arizona schools
#1,928 of 2,006
In Tucson
#246 of 257
public schools
In district
#16 of 21
Sunnyside Unified District (4407)
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Challenger Middle School
Middle School in Tucson · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Elvira Elementary School
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
San Miguel High School
0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Challenger Middle School
Challenger Middle School is a public middle school in Tucson, AZ, part of Sunnyside Unified District (4407). Challenger Middle School serves approximately 595 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 22.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Challenger Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.4 out of 10 and ranks #1,928 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
Structured state assessment records for Challenger Middle School show 20% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 34% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 3.4 · Needs Improvement
- District avg 4.0
- AZ avg 5.6
What Parents Should Know
Challenger Middle School runs 22.9:1 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.
78% of students at Challenger Middle School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Challenger Middle School — Students at Challenger Middle School score 10% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 25%).
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: 4.4/10.
How Challenger Middle School Compares
See how Challenger Middle 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
100 E ELVIRA RD, Tucson, AZ 85756
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Challenger Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Apollo Middle School (rated 4.2/10, 2.1 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Sierra 2-8 School (rated 3.3/10, 1.9 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Tucson, see our Tucson schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Elvira Elementary School Tucson | 0.3 mi | 6.8 |
| SAN MIGUEL HIGH SCHOOL Tucson | 0.5 mi | 5.5 |
| Math and Science Success Academy Tucson | 0.7 mi | 5.8 |
| Santa Clara Elementary School Tucson | 0.9 mi | 5.1 |
| Southgate Academy Tucson | 1.1 mi | 4.8 |
| Mission Manor Elementary School Tucson | 1.3 mi | 5.1 |
| Drexel Elementary School Tucson | 1.7 mi | 4.1 |
| La Paloma Academy-South Tucson | 1.8 mi | 4.6 |
| PCJTED - Sunnyside High School Tucson | 1.7 mi | — |
| Sunnyside High School Tucson | 1.7 mi | 5.3 |
| Liberty Elementary School Tucson | 1.9 mi | 3.1 |
| Sierra 2-8 School Tucson | 1.9 mi | 3.3 |
| Apollo Middle School Tucson | 2.1 mi | 4.2 |
| Ocotillo Early Learning Elementary School Tucson | 2.0 mi | 8.9 |
| Tucson International Academy Midvale Tucson | 2.0 mi | 7.9 |
| Pima County JTED - Star Tucson | 2.3 mi | — |
| STAR Academic High School Tucson | 2.3 mi | 4.3 |
| Los Amigos Elementary School Tucson | 2.3 mi | 6.3 |
| Ombudsman - Charter Valencia Tucson | 2.2 mi | 3.9 |
| Pima Vocational High School Tucson | 2.6 mi | 7.5 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 85756 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$67,617
Median Home Value
$210,800
Median Rent
$1,256/mo
Population
36,716
College Educated
18.9%
Homeownership
79.7%
Avg Commute
24.8 min
Poverty Rate
12.9%
Median Age
36.6
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Granada Elementary School-East Campus Phoenix, AZ | 3.4 |
| Kingman Middle School Kingman, AZ | 3.4 |
| Amphitheater Middle School Tucson, AZ | 3.3 |
| Sierra 2-8 School Tucson, AZ | 3.3 |
| Villago Middle School Casa Grande, AZ | 3.3 |
| Vista Verde Middle School Phoenix, AZ | 3.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Challenger Middle School
What grades does Challenger Middle School serve?
Challenger Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Challenger Middle School?
Challenger Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 595 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Challenger Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Challenger Middle School is 22.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Challenger Middle School rank in AZ?
Challenger Middle School ranks #1,928 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
What is Challenger Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Challenger Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.4 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 Challenger Middle School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Challenger Middle School has 20% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 34% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Challenger Middle School a charter school?
No, Challenger Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Challenger Middle School a Title I school?
No, Challenger Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 595
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 22.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 26
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Pima County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 77.5%
- Phone
- (520) 545-4600
Resources & Links
District
Sunnyside Unified District (4407)- District Enrollment
- 14,144
- Schools in District
- 22
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,153
- District Rank
- #16 of 21
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