Below Average
#1655 of 2,006 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
4.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,171
Student-Teacher
19.4:1
Score
4.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Arizona schools
#1,655 of 2,006
In Phoenix
#325 of 422
public schools
In district
#15 of 18
Phoenix Union High School District (4286)
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South Mountain High School
High School in Phoenix · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
South Mountain Preparatory Academy
0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Irene Lopez School
0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About South Mountain High School
South Mountain High School is a public high school in Phoenix, AZ, part of Phoenix Union High School District (4286). South Mountain High School serves approximately 2,171 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 19.4:1 student-teacher ratio. South Mountain High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.6 out of 10 and ranks #1,655 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
Structured state assessment records for South Mountain High School show 28% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 40% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 4.6 · Below Average
- District avg 5.8
- AZ avg 6.2
What Parents Should Know
South Mountain High School is a large school: 2,171 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.
62% of students at South Mountain High 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 · 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%).
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: 3.8/10.
How South Mountain High School Compares
See how South Mountain High 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
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 7.2/10, 0.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is ASU Preparatory Academy - South Phoenix High School (rated 7.1/10, 0.7 miles away, in nearby Tempe), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Hope College and Career Readiness Academy (rated 5.5/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores slightly 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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Carl Hayden High School Phoenix, AZ | 4.6 |
| Maryvale High School Phoenix, AZ | 4.6 |
| Trevor Browne High School Phoenix, AZ | 4.5 |
| Camelback High School Phoenix, AZ | 4.7 |
| Arizona Preparatory Academy Phoenix, AZ | 4.8 |
| Cesar Chavez High School Laveen, AZ | 4.8 |
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 ranks #1,655 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
What is South Mountain High School's MySchoolScout rating?
South Mountain High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.6 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 South Mountain High School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, South Mountain High School has 28% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 40% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
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
Powered by 
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
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 61.9%
- Phone
- (602) 764-5000
- 4-Year Graduation
- 71.0%
Resources & Links
District
Phoenix Union High School District (4286)- District Enrollment
- 26,753
- Schools in District
- 20
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,194
- District Rank
- #15 of 18
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