Average
#904 of 2,000 schools in AZ
Top 45% in state
Horseshoe Trails Elementary School
Elementary School · Cave Creek Unified District (4244)
PO BOX 426, Cave Creek, AZ 85327
Enrollment
416
Student-Teacher
16.6:1
Score
6.4
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
416
Student-Teacher
16.6:1
Score
6.4
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Cave Creek
#6 of 7
public schools
Arizona elementary schools
#582 of 1,216
In district
#6 of 7
Cave Creek Unified District (4244)
Academic performance
9.5 / 10
Exceptional
About Horseshoe Trails Elementary School
Horseshoe Trails Elementary School serves 416 students in grades PK through 6 in Cave Creek, Arizona, earning recognition as one of the state's top-performing elementary schools. With a MySchoolScout rating of 8.4 out of 10 and ranking 30th among Arizona's 2,029 schools, this public school demonstrates exceptional academic achievement that places it in the 99th percentile statewide. The school's academic excellence is evident in its strong test performance, with 72% of students achieving proficiency or above in mathematics and 69% meeting or exceeding standards in English language arts and reading.
These impressive results reflect the quality instruction provided by 25 full-time equivalent teachers, who maintain a favorable student-teacher ratio of 16.6 to 1, allowing for more individualized attention and support. Horseshoe Trails Elementary's commitment to academic rigor and student success has earned it an outstanding academic score of 9.6 out of 10, demonstrating consistent high performance across grade levels. The school's prekindergarten through sixth-grade program provides a comprehensive foundation for students' educational journey.
Located in the scenic Cave Creek area of Maricopa County, Horseshoe Trails Elementary sits in a rural setting near town, offering students a peaceful learning environment while maintaining access to community resources and amenities.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Horseshoe Trails Elementary School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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Horseshoe Trails Elementary School — Students at Horseshoe Trails Elementary School score 70% 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
↓ 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 Horseshoe Trails Elementary School Compares
See how Horseshoe Trails Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 85% (2019) to 72% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 84% (2019) to 69% (2022).
Location
PO BOX 426, Cave Creek, AZ 85327
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Horseshoe Trails Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Sky Crossing Elementary School (rated 9.2/10, 4.0 miles away, in nearby Phoenix), which scores notably higher. Another option is Fireside Elementary School (rated 9.0/10, 4.1 miles away, in nearby Phoenix), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Wildfire Elementary School (rated 8.9/10, 3.0 miles away, in nearby Phoenix), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Cave Creek, see our Cave Creek schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 4.5 miSimilar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Arlington Elementary School Arlington, AZ | 6.4 |
| Arrowhead Elementary School Glendale, AZ | 6.4 |
| Clarkdale-Jerome Elementary School Clarkdale, AZ | 6.4 |
| Don Mensendick School Glendale, AZ | 6.4 |
| Flora Thew Elementary School Tempe, AZ | 6.4 |
| Gallego Primary Fine Arts Magnet Tucson, AZ | 6.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Horseshoe Trails Elementary School
What grades does Horseshoe Trails Elementary School serve?
Horseshoe Trails Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.
How many students attend Horseshoe Trails Elementary School?
Horseshoe Trails Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 416 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Horseshoe Trails Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Horseshoe Trails Elementary School is 16.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Horseshoe Trails Elementary School rank in AZ?
Horseshoe Trails Elementary School is ranked #904 out of 2,000 schools in AZ.
What is Horseshoe Trails Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Horseshoe Trails Elementary School has a composite rating of 6.4 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 Horseshoe Trails Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Horseshoe Trails Elementary School has 77.7% math proficiency and 76.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Horseshoe Trails Elementary School a charter school?
No, Horseshoe Trails Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Horseshoe Trails Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Horseshoe Trails Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 6th
- Enrollment
- 416
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 25
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Maricopa County
- Phone
- (480) 272-8500
- 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
- #6 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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