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Very Good

#500 of 2,006 schools in AZ

Top 25% in state

Thunderbird High School

High School · Glendale Union High School District (4285)

1750 W THUNDERBIRD RD, Phoenix, AZ 85023

Enrollment

1,547

Student-Teacher

22.8:1

Score

7.6

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Arizona schools

#500 of 2,006

In Phoenix

#92 of 422

public schools

In district

#2 of 11

Glendale Union High School District (4285)

Academic performance

8.9 / 10

Excellent

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Thunderbird High School

7.6/10

High School in Phoenix · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

West-mec - Thunderbird High School

Nearby

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Moon Mountain School

7.2/10

0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Thunderbird High School

Thunderbird High School is a public high school in Phoenix, AZ, part of Glendale Union High School District (4285). Thunderbird High School serves approximately 1,547 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 22.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Thunderbird High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.6 out of 10 and ranks #500 of 2,006 schools in AZ.

Structured state assessment records for Thunderbird High School show 59% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares1.1 pts above district
  • This school 7.6 · Very Good
  • District avg 6.5
  • AZ avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Thunderbird High School runs 22.8:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

36% of students at Thunderbird 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 metrics
Student Progress7.9Very Good25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-2.49 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics8.9Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency55% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency53% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency54% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)34% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected+19.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile83th
College Readiness7.9Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate93%
AP Participation18.8%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment4.9Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$10,875
Chronic Absenteeism35.6%

Thunderbird High School — Students at Thunderbird High School score 54% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 34%).

How we calculate scores →

Test Scores AZ EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 58.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 60.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 28 test records from AZ state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
72%
ELA
84%
2010
Math
71%
ELA
82%
2011
Math
72%
ELA
82%
2012
Math
75%
ELA
89%
2013
Math
72%
ELA
90%
2014
Math
38%
ELA
33%
2015
Math
30%
ELA
45%
2016
Math
58%
ELA
42%
2017
Math
69%
ELA
52%
2018
Math
76%
ELA
59%
2019
Math
76%
ELA
59%
2020*
Math
28%
ELA
35%
2021*
Math
28%
ELA
35%
2022
Math
55%
ELA
53%

* 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: 7.9/10.

How Thunderbird High School Compares

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

Overall Score
7.6/10
75th percentile in AZ
Academic
8.9/10
Excellent
Growth
7.9/10
Very Good
Environment
4.9/10
Below Average
AP Courses
3
State avg: 2.8
Sports
22
11 boys' · 11 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Teaching Staff
23:1 student-teacher ratio
68 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
35.6%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
18.8% participation·State avg: 2.8 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics22sports offered
11 boys'·11 girls'·36 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

1750 W THUNDERBIRD RD, Phoenix, AZ 85023

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Thunderbird High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Ombudsman - Charter West (rated 4.7/10, 2.3 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, Arizona Conservatory for Arts and Academics (rated 4.6/10, 2.1 miles away, in nearby Mesa), a more accessible option. For more schools in Phoenix, see our Phoenix schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.3 mi
School Distance Rating
West-MEC - Thunderbird High School Phoenix 0.0 mi
Moon Mountain School Phoenix 0.4 mi 7.2
HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN SCHOOL Phoenix 0.5 mi
John Jacobs Elementary School Phoenix 0.8 mi 5.8
Shaw Butte School Phoenix 1.1 mi 5.5
Reid Traditional Schools' Painted Rock Academy Phoenix 1.2 mi 8.3
Lookout Mountain School Phoenix 1.5 mi 8.5
Mountain Sky Middle School Phoenix 1.6 mi 6.0
Acacia Elementary School Phoenix 1.6 mi 7.2
Arizona Conservatory for Arts and Academics Elementary Schoo Mesa 2.1 mi 5.8
Vista College Preparatory - Metro North Elementary Phoenix 2.2 mi 7.4
Vista College Preparatory - Metro North Middle Phoenix 2.2 mi 7.5
Arizona Conservatory for Arts and Academics Mesa 2.1 mi 4.6
Sahuaro School Phoenix 2.0 mi 7.4
Desert Foothills Middle School Phoenix 2.0 mi 6.5
Mountain View Elementary School Phoenix 2.3 mi 4.2
Hearn Academy The - A Ball Charter School Phoenix 2.3 mi 8.2
Lakeview Elementary School Phoenix 2.3 mi 7.4
West-MEC Gateway Community College Phoenix 2.3 mi
Ombudsman - Charter West Phoenix 2.3 mi 4.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 85023 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$72,442

Median Home Value

$359,200

Median Rent

$1,429/mo

Population

34,635

College Educated

31.6%

Homeownership

57.3%

Avg Commute

27.9 min

Poverty Rate

10.1%

Median Age

37.2

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Benjamin Franklin High School Queen Creek, AZ 7.5
Deer Valley High School Glendale, AZ 7.5
Horizon High School Scottsdale, AZ 7.5
Sunrise Mountain High School Peoria, AZ 7.5
Chaparral High School Scottsdale, AZ 7.7
Combs High School San Tan Valley, AZ 7.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Thunderbird High School

What grades does Thunderbird High School serve?

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

How many students attend Thunderbird High School?

Thunderbird High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,547 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Thunderbird High School is 22.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Thunderbird High School rank in AZ?

Thunderbird High School ranks #500 of 2,006 schools in AZ.

What is Thunderbird High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Thunderbird High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.6 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 Thunderbird High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Thunderbird High School has 59% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Thunderbird High School a charter school?

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

Is Thunderbird High School a Title I school?

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

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
28 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
38 Some Transit
Bike Score
40 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,547
Student-Teacher Ratio
22.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
68
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Maricopa County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
35.6%
4-Year Graduation
93.0%

District

Glendale Union High School District (4285)
District Enrollment
16,407
Schools in District
11
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,875
District Rank
#2 of 11

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

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