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Excellent

#106 of 2,000 schools in AZ

Top 5% in state

University High School

High School · Tolleson Union High School District (4288)

9419 W VAN BUREN ST, Tolleson, AZ 85353

Enrollment

400

Student-Teacher

25:1

Score

8.5

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Tolleson

#1 of 13

public schools

Arizona high schools

#15 of 429

In district

#1 of 7

Tolleson Union High School District (4288)

Academic performance

10.0 / 10

Exceptional

About University High School

University High School is a public high school in Tolleson, AZ, part of the Tolleson Union High School District (4288). The school serves approximately 400 students in grades 9th – 12th with a student-teacher ratio of 25:1. It holds a MySchoolScout rating of 8.5/10, placing it in the 94.8th percentile among AZ schools — an above average rating overall.

Students demonstrate 88% proficiency in math and 90% in reading/language arts. The school scores particularly well in student growth (9.0/10). Located in a neighborhood with a median household income of $88,867, where 14% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

The school is situated in a large suburban setting.

What Parents Should Know

The student-teacher ratio at University High School is 25:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.0Exceptional25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-0.04 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendStable
Academics10.0Exceptional25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency97.5%
Reading/ELA Proficiency97.5%
Overall Proficiency98%
Expected (poverty-adj.)39%
vs. Expected+58.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile100th
College Readiness9.9Exceptional30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation88.2%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.7Fair20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio25:1
Per-Pupil Spending$9,583

University High School — Students at University High School score 98% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 39%).

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 88.0%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 89.8%
School
State
N/A

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

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2019
Math
92%
ELA
97.5%
2021*
Math
74.5%
ELA
74.5%
2022
Math
97.5%
ELA
97.5%

* 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: 9.0/10.

How University High School Compares

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

Overall Score
8.5/10
95th percentile in AZ
Academic
10.0/10
10.0/10
Growth
9.0/10
Above average
Environment
3.7/10
Below average

Location

9419 W VAN BUREN ST, Tolleson, AZ 85353

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering University High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Desert Oasis Elementary School (rated 7.5/10, 1.4 miles away), with a comparable rating. Another option is Country Place Elementary (rated 7.2/10, 2.4 miles away, in nearby Avondale), a more accessible option. Additionally, Academy of Math and Science Avondale (rated 7.1/10, 1.7 miles away, in nearby Tucson), a more accessible option. For more schools in Tolleson, see our Tolleson schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.8 mi
School Distance Rating
West-MEC - Tolleson Union High School Glendale 0.1 mi
Tolleson Union High School Tolleson 0.1 mi 5.1
Tolleson Virtual Academy Tolleson 0.2 mi
Porfirio H. Gonzales Elementary School Tolleson 0.4 mi 6.5
Arizona Desert Elementary School Tolleson 0.8 mi 4.9
Desert Oasis Elementary School Tolleson 1.4 mi 7.5
Sheely Farms Elementary School Phoenix 1.7 mi 5.4
Dos Rios Elementary Tolleson 1.7 mi 4.5
Arts Academy at Estrella Mountain Tolleson 1.8 mi 6.3
Rio Vista Elementary Avondale 1.8 mi 4.8
Fine Arts Academy Cashion 1.7 mi 5.3
Academy of Math and Science Avondale Tucson 1.7 mi 7.1
Sun Canyon School Phoenix 2.1 mi 4.2
LESD Online Academy Cashion 2.1 mi 6.2
Amberlea Elementary School Phoenix 2.2 mi 6.0
Country Place Elementary Avondale 2.4 mi 7.2
Pan-American Charter School Phoenix 2.4 mi 2.9
Hurley Ranch Elementary Tolleson 2.6 mi 6.7
Union Elementary School Tolleson 2.7 mi 6.3
Pendergast Elementary School Phoenix 2.8 mi 5.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 85353 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$88,867

Median Home Value

$344,600

Median Rent

$1,626/mo

Population

44,995

College Educated

13.8%

Homeownership

69.7%

Avg Commute

28.8 min

Poverty Rate

11.6%

Median Age

28.8

Community Profile

The community surrounding University High School has a median household income of $88,867. It is a community where 14% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $344,600, with a median rent of $1,626/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.6%. The average commute for residents is 29 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
St Johns High School St. Johns, AZ 8.7
Highland Prep Surprise, AZ 8.2
Bisbee High School Bisbee, AZ 8.0
Ridgeview College Preparatory High School Phoenix, AZ 8.0
Empower College Prep High School Phoenix, AZ 7.8
Thatcher High School Thatcher, AZ 7.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about University High School

What grades does University High School serve?

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

How many students attend University High School?

University High School has an enrollment of approximately 400 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at University High School is 25:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does University High School rank in AZ?

University High School is ranked #106 out of 2,000 schools in AZ.

What is University High School's MySchoolScout rating?

University High School has a composite rating of 8.5 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 University High School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, University High School has 88.0% math proficiency and 89.8% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is University High School a charter school?

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

Is University High School a Title I school?

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

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
73 Very Walkable
Bike Score
50 Bikeable
City Safety
High (10,167/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
400
Student-Teacher Ratio
25:1
Teachers (FTE)
16
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Maricopa County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Tolleson Union High School District (4288)
District Enrollment
13,665
Schools in District
8
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,581
District Rank
#1 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

Related reading

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