Excellent
#117 of 2,000 schools in AZ
Top 6% in state
Willow Canyon High School
High School · Dysart Unified District (4243)
17901 W LUNDBERG ST, Surprise, AZ 85388
Enrollment
1,819
Student-Teacher
23.3:1
Score
8.4
Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
1,819
Student-Teacher
23.3:1
Score
8.4
Grades
7th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Surprise
#2 of 22
public schools
Arizona high schools
#16 of 429
In district
#3 of 24
Dysart Unified District (4243)
Academic growth
9.6 / 10
Exceptional
About Willow Canyon High School
Willow Canyon High School is a public high school in Surprise, AZ, part of the Dysart Unified District (4243). The school serves approximately 1,819 students in grades 7th – 12th with a student-teacher ratio of 23.3:1. It holds a MySchoolScout rating of 8.4/10, placing it in the 94.2th percentile among AZ schools — an above average rating overall.
Students demonstrate 50% proficiency in math and 51% in reading/language arts. The school scores particularly well in student growth (9.6/10). Located in a neighborhood with a median household income of $107,131, where 31% 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 Willow Canyon High School is 23.3:1, 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
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Willow Canyon High School — Students at Willow Canyon High School score 60% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 43%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0.1%
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
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 9.6/10.
How Willow Canyon High School Compares
See how Willow Canyon High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 52% (2019) to 61% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 52% (2019) to 58% (2022).
Location
17901 W LUNDBERG ST, Surprise, AZ 85388
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Willow Canyon High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Highland Prep (rated 8.2/10, 3.1 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is Imagine Prep Surprise (rated 6.6/10, 3.0 miles away, in nearby Phoenix), a more accessible option. Additionally, Shadow Ridge High School (rated 6.4/10, 3.6 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Surprise, see our Surprise schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| West-MEC - Willow Canyon High School Surprise | 0.0 mi | — |
| Western Peaks Elementary Surprise | 0.4 mi | 7.3 |
| CROSS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Surprise | 0.7 mi | 6.3 |
| Canyon Ridge School Surprise | 0.7 mi | 7.8 |
| Sunset Hills Elementary Surprise | 1.0 mi | 5.3 |
| Cimarron Springs Middle School Surprise | 1.2 mi | 6.0 |
| ThrivePoint High School at Surprise Glendale | 1.8 mi | 4.0 |
| Paradise Honors High School Surprise | 2.4 mi | 5.1 |
| West-MEC Paradise Honors Surprise | 2.4 mi | — |
| Legacy Traditional School - West Surprise Chandler | 2.8 mi | 7.1 |
| Paradise Honors Elementary School Surprise | 2.8 mi | 7.1 |
| Calibre Academy Surprise Surprise | 2.9 mi | 3.9 |
| Imagine Surprise Middle Phoenix | 3.0 mi | 4.7 |
| Imagine Prep Surprise Phoenix | 3.0 mi | 6.6 |
| West-MEC - Shadow Ridge High School Surprise | 3.6 mi | — |
| Shadow Ridge High School Surprise | 3.6 mi | 6.4 |
| Highland Prep Surprise | 3.1 mi | 8.2 |
| FOURTEENSIX CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Surprise | 3.3 mi | 6.6 |
| Mountain View Waddell | 4.0 mi | 6.8 |
| Countryside Elementary School Surprise | 3.4 mi | 8.2 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 85388 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$107,131
Median Home Value
$420,000
Median Rent
$2,094/mo
Population
35,003
College Educated
31%
Homeownership
82.2%
Avg Commute
33.6 min
Poverty Rate
4.3%
Median Age
35.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding Willow Canyon High School has a median household income of $107,131. It is an area where 31% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $420,000, with a median rent of $2,094/month. The local poverty rate of 4.3% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 34 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 |
|---|---|
| Gilbert High School Gilbert, AZ | 8.4 |
| Arizona College Prep High School Chandler, AZ | 8.5 |
| Cactus Shadows High School Cave Creek, AZ | 8.5 |
| Canyon View High School Waddell, AZ | 8.3 |
| Chaparral High School Scottsdale, AZ | 8.3 |
| Cienega High School Vail, AZ | 8.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Willow Canyon High School
What grades does Willow Canyon High School serve?
Willow Canyon High School serves students in grades 7th through 12th.
How many students attend Willow Canyon High School?
Willow Canyon High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,819 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Willow Canyon High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Willow Canyon High School is 23.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Willow Canyon High School rank in AZ?
Willow Canyon High School is ranked #117 out of 2,000 schools in AZ.
What is Willow Canyon High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Willow Canyon High School has a composite rating of 8.4 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 Willow Canyon High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Willow Canyon High School has 49.7% math proficiency and 51.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Willow Canyon High School a charter school?
No, Willow Canyon High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Willow Canyon High School a Title I school?
No, Willow Canyon High School is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Surprise). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 7th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,819
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 23.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 78
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Maricopa County
- Phone
- (623) 523-8000
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Dysart Unified District (4243)- District Enrollment
- 23,118
- Schools in District
- 25
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,550
- District Rank
- #3 of 24
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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