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#1148 of 2,000 schools in AZ

Pistor Middle School

Middle School · Tucson Unified District (4403)

5455 S CARDINAL AVE, Tucson, AZ 85746

Enrollment

629

Student-Teacher

13.1:1

Score

6.0

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Tucson

#129 of 246

public schools

Arizona middle schools

#137 of 218

In district

#45 of 86

Tucson Unified District (4403)

School environment

9.2 / 10

Exceptional

About Pistor Middle School

Pistor Middle School is a regular public school in Tucson, Arizona, serving students from sixth to eighth grade. With an enrollment of 629 students and a student-teacher ratio of 13.1:1, the school has 48 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to its diverse community. Located in a large suburban area, Pistor Middle School provides a range of educational opportunities for young adolescents.

The MySchoolScout rating for Pistor Middle School is 3.7 out of 10, placing it in the 17th percentile among Arizona schools with a state ranking of #1693 out of 2029 schools. The academic score is 1.8/10, indicating that there is room for improvement in overall test performance. In terms of proficiency rates, only 18% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading and just 9% in Math.

Despite these challenges, Pistor Middle School remains committed to the development and support of its students as they navigate their middle school years. The school's setting within a suburban area offers a mix of residential neighborhoods and nearby amenities, creating a supportive environment for learning and growth.

What Parents Should Know

While current test scores at Pistor Middle School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress6.8Above Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-2.59 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics2.8Needs Improvement35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency4%
Reading/ELA Proficiency18%
Overall Proficiency11%
Expected (poverty-adj.)32%
vs. Expected-20.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile10th
Resources & Environment9.2Exceptional25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,545

Pistor Middle School — Students at Pistor Middle School score 11% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 32%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

0.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores AZ EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 9.0%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 18.3%
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from AZ state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
16%
ELA
21%
2021*
Math
7%
ELA
16%
2022
Math
4%
ELA
18%

* 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: 6.8/10.

How Pistor Middle School Compares

See how Pistor Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.0/10
43th percentile in AZ
Academic
2.8/10
2.8/10
Growth
6.8/10
Above average
Environment
9.2/10
Above average

Location

5455 S CARDINAL AVE, Tucson, AZ 85746

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Pistor Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. CASITA DAYCARE & PRESCHOOL (rated 7.2/10, 2.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Anna Lawrence Intermediate School (rated 6.3/10, 3.0 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Valencia Middle School (rated 5.9/10, 1.9 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Tucson, see our Tucson schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.0 mi
School Distance Rating
John E White Elementary School Tucson 0.6 mi 4.7
Frances J Warren Elementary School Tucson 0.9 mi 7.8
Raul Grijalva Elementary School Tucson 1.4 mi 4.4
Pima Rose Academy Tucson 1.6 mi 3.9
Miller Elementary School Tucson 2.0 mi 4.9
Ombudsman - Charter Valencia Tucson 1.9 mi 5.0
SAGUARO HILLS ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Tucson 1.8 mi
McCorkle PK-8 Tucson 1.9 mi 5.3
Valencia Middle School Tucson 1.9 mi 5.9
Tucson International Academy Midvale Tucson 2.1 mi 6.6
Lynn Urquides Tucson 2.4 mi 4.8
Maldonado Amelia Elementary School Tucson 2.6 mi 4.3
Henry Hank Oyama Tucson 2.8 mi 6.0
CASITA DAYCARE & PRESCHOOL Tucson 2.6 mi 7.2
FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Tucson 2.9 mi 7.3
Harriet Johnson Primary School Tucson 2.8 mi 8.2
Vesey Elementary School Tucson 2.8 mi 5.8
Southgate Academy Tucson 2.9 mi 5.3
La Paloma Academy-South Tucson 2.8 mi 4.4
Anna Lawrence Intermediate School Tucson 3.0 mi 6.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 85746 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$68,506

Median Home Value

$225,200

Median Rent

$1,280/mo

Population

44,030

College Educated

17.8%

Homeownership

73.5%

Avg Commute

26.2 min

Poverty Rate

17.6%

Median Age

34.3

Community Profile

The community surrounding Pistor Middle School has a median household income of $68,506. It is a community where 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $225,200, with a median rent of $1,280/month. The area has a poverty rate of 17.6%. The average commute for residents is 26 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
Crane Middle School Yuma, AZ 6.0
Desert Sky Middle School Tucson, AZ 6.0
Greenway Middle School Phoenix, AZ 6.0
R Pete Woodard Jr High School Yuma, AZ 6.0
Shepherd Junior High School Mesa, AZ 6.0
Fox Creek Jr High School Bullhead City, AZ 6.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Pistor Middle School

What grades does Pistor Middle School serve?

Pistor Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Pistor Middle School?

Pistor Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 629 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Pistor Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at Pistor Middle School is 13.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Pistor Middle School rank in AZ?

Pistor Middle School is ranked #1148 out of 2,000 schools in AZ.

What is Pistor Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Pistor Middle School has a composite rating of 6.0 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 Pistor Middle School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Pistor Middle School has 9.0% math proficiency and 18.3% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Pistor Middle School a charter school?

No, Pistor Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Pistor Middle School a Title I school?

No, Pistor Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
High (3,922/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Tucson). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
629
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
48
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Pima County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Tucson Unified District (4403)
District Enrollment
40,929
Schools in District
90
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,783
District Rank
#45 of 86

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 methodology

Related reading

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