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#1146 of 2,000 schools in AZ

Tempe High School

High School · Tempe Union High School District (4287)

1730 S MILL AVE, Tempe, AZ 85281

Enrollment

1,485

Student-Teacher

17.5:1

Score

6.0

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Tempe

#26 of 47

public schools

Arizona high schools

#243 of 429

In district

#5 of 7

Tempe Union High School District (4287)

About Tempe High School

Tempe High School serves 1,485 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 17.5:1 across 85 full-time equivalent teachers. Located at 1730 S Mill Ave, this regular public school operates in Arizona's competitive educational landscape, ranking in the 33rd percentile statewide. The school shows significant room for academic growth, with 20% of students scoring proficient or above in English Language Arts and 23% reaching proficiency in mathematics.

These results reflect the challenges many schools face in supporting diverse student populations and suggest opportunities for enhanced academic programming and support systems. Tempe High School draws from a varied community where 48% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, indicating strong educational values, though the area also faces economic diversity with a 27.1% poverty rate. The neighborhood's median household income of $55,572 and median home value of $333,600 reflect the mixed socioeconomic character of this part of Maricopa County.

With nearly 1,500 students, Tempe High offers the resources and opportunities that come with being a larger comprehensive high school while maintaining a reasonable class size environment. The school sits in the heart of Tempe, a vibrant mid-size city known for its proximity to Arizona State University and dynamic community atmosphere.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress2.6Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-6.5 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics4.0Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency23%
Reading/ELA Proficiency20%
Overall Proficiency22%
Expected (poverty-adj.)44%
vs. Expected-22.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile21th
College Readiness10.0Exceptional30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramYes
Resources & Environment6.8Above Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$9,314

Tempe High School — Students at Tempe High School score 22% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 44%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

0.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores AZ EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 24.3%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 27.0%
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
37%
ELA
42%
2021*
Math
13%
ELA
19%
2022
Math
23%
ELA
20%

* 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: 2.6/10.

How Tempe High School Compares

See how Tempe High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.0/10
43th percentile in AZ
Academic
4.0/10
4.0/10
Growth
2.6/10
Below average
Environment
6.8/10
Above average

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs IB Programme
·159 IB enrolled·CRDC 2020-21

Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

1730 S MILL AVE, Tempe, AZ 85281

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Tempe High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. New School for the Arts (rated 7.8/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Tempe Preparatory Academy (rated 7.0/10, 1.7 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, BANNER ACADEMY (rated 6.1/10, 1.4 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Tempe, see our Tempe schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.1 mi
School Distance Rating
McKemy Academy of International Studies Tempe 0.5 mi 7.2
Broadmor Elementary School Tempe 0.5 mi 7.7
NOOR ACADEMY OF ARIZONA Tempe 0.9 mi 6.9
OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL SCHOOL Tempe 0.9 mi 4.3
Geneva Epps Mosley Middle School Tempe 1.0 mi 6.3
Holdeman Elementary School Tempe 1.1 mi 5.7
EMMANUEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Tempe 1.3 mi 6.3
Humanities and Sciences Academy Arizona Phoenix 1.1 mi
International Commerce High School - Tempe Tempe 1.1 mi 5.6
Scales Technology Academy Tempe 1.4 mi 4.4
New School for the Arts Tempe 1.4 mi 7.8
New School for the Arts Middle School Tempe 1.4 mi 5.9
BANNER ACADEMY Tempe 1.4 mi 6.1
Carminati School Tempe 1.6 mi 3.6
ASU Preparatory Academy Digital Tempe 1.5 mi 5.8
GRACE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Tempe 1.6 mi 7.2
Meyer Montessori Tempe 1.6 mi 7.7
Tempe Preparatory Academy Tempe 1.7 mi 7.0
Joseph P. Spracale Elementary School Tempe 1.9 mi 4.9
Pinnacle High School - Tempe Tempe 2.1 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 85281 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$59,084

Median Home Value

$364,200

Median Rent

$1,531/mo

Population

70,726

College Educated

48.7%

Homeownership

23.8%

Avg Commute

21.1 min

Poverty Rate

26.2%

Median Age

25.3

Community Profile

The community surrounding Tempe High School has a median household income of $59,084. It is a well-educated community where 49% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $364,200, with a median rent of $1,531/month. The area has a poverty rate of 26.2%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 21 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
Ironwood High School Glendale, AZ 6.0
Maricopa High School Maricopa, AZ 6.0
Mcclintock High School Tempe, AZ 6.0
Pueblo High School Tucson, AZ 6.0
Sahuarita High School Sahuarita, AZ 6.0
Amphitheater High School Tucson, AZ 5.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Tempe High School

What grades does Tempe High School serve?

Tempe High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Tempe High School?

Tempe High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,485 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Tempe High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Tempe High School is 17.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Tempe High School rank in AZ?

Tempe High School is ranked #1146 out of 2,000 schools in AZ.

What is Tempe High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Tempe High 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 Tempe High School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Tempe High School has 24.3% math proficiency and 27.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Tempe High School a charter school?

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

Is Tempe High School a Title I school?

No, Tempe High School is not currently a Title I school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
52 Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
53 Good Transit
Bike Score
79 Very Bikeable
City Safety
High (3,371/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,485
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
85
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Maricopa County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Tempe Union High School District (4287)
District Enrollment
12,002
Schools in District
8
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,252
District Rank
#5 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 methodology

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