Below Average
#1858 of 2,000 schools in AZ
South Mountain High School
High School · Phoenix Union High School District (4286)
5401 S 7TH ST, Phoenix, AZ 85040
Enrollment
2,171
Student-Teacher
19.4:1
Score
4.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,171
Student-Teacher
19.4:1
Score
4.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Phoenix
#359 of 398
public schools
Arizona high schools
#414 of 429
In district
#13 of 18
Phoenix Union High School District (4286)
About South Mountain High School
South Mountain High School serves 2,171 students in grades 9-12 in Phoenix, Arizona, making it one of the larger high schools in the area. With 112 full-time teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 19.4:1, providing reasonable class sizes for a comprehensive public high school. Academically, South Mountain is focusing on student development, with 15% of students achieving proficiency in both English Language Arts and Mathematics.
The school ranks in the 15th percentile among Arizona high schools, indicating significant room for academic growth. These challenges likely reflect the broader socioeconomic factors affecting the community, where nearly a quarter of families face economic hardship. The school serves a working-class neighborhood in the 85040 ZIP code, where the median household income is $55,771 and home values average $240,100.
With only 13% of residents holding bachelor's degrees, South Mountain plays a crucial role in providing educational opportunities for first-generation college-bound students. Located on South 7th Street in Phoenix's urban landscape, South Mountain High School sits in a large city environment that offers students exposure to diverse experiences and opportunities. The school serves as an important educational anchor in this established Phoenix community, working to support students from varied backgrounds as they prepare for their post-graduation plans.
What Parents Should Know
South Mountain High School is a large school with 2,171 students enrolled. Larger schools typically offer a wider range of academic programs, electives, and extracurricular activities. Parents may want to ask about how the school maintains a sense of community and ensures students don't get lost in the crowd.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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South Mountain High School — Students at South Mountain High School score 15% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 32%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0.2%
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: 5.1/10.
How South Mountain High School Compares
See how South Mountain High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 25% (2019) to 15% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 27% (2019) to 15% (2022).
Location
5401 S 7TH ST, Phoenix, AZ 85040
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering South Mountain High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. AIM Higher College Prep Academy (rated 8.3/10, 0.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Hope College and Career Readiness Academy (rated 6.9/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, NFL YET College Prep Academy (rated 6.7/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Phoenix, see our Phoenix schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.5 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 85040 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$57,890
Median Home Value
$294,800
Median Rent
$1,193/mo
Population
33,325
College Educated
14.6%
Homeownership
47.6%
Avg Commute
25.5 min
Poverty Rate
23.1%
Median Age
30.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding South Mountain High School has a median household income of $57,890. It is a community where 15% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $294,800, with a median rent of $1,193/month. The area has a poverty rate of 23.1%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. 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 |
|---|---|
| Camelback High School Phoenix, AZ | 4.3 |
| Copper Canyon High School Glendale, AZ | 4.3 |
| Estrella Foothills High School Goodyear, AZ | 4.3 |
| Raymond S. Kellis Glendale, AZ | 4.1 |
| Desert View High School Tucson, AZ | 4.4 |
| Student Choice High School Tempe, AZ | 4.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about South Mountain High School
What grades does South Mountain High School serve?
South Mountain High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend South Mountain High School?
South Mountain High School has an enrollment of approximately 2,171 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at South Mountain High School?
The student-teacher ratio at South Mountain High School is 19.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does South Mountain High School rank in AZ?
South Mountain High School is ranked #1858 out of 2,000 schools in AZ.
What is South Mountain High School's MySchoolScout rating?
South Mountain High School has a composite rating of 4.2 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 South Mountain High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, South Mountain High School has 15.7% math proficiency and 19.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is South Mountain High School a charter school?
No, South Mountain High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is South Mountain High School a Title I school?
No, South Mountain High School is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 2,171
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 19.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 112
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Maricopa County
- Phone
- (602) 764-5000
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Phoenix Union High School District (4286)- District Enrollment
- 26,753
- Schools in District
- 20
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,194
- District Rank
- #13 of 18
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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