For the 2025-26 school year, there are 6 public high schools serving 3,619 students in Santa Cruz County, AZ.
The top ranked public high schools in Santa Cruz County, AZ are Patagonia Union High School, Nogales High School and Pierson High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Santa Cruz County, AZ public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 17% (versus the Arizona public high school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 45% statewide average). High schools in Santa Cruz County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arizona public high schools.
Santa Cruz County, AZ public high school have a Graduation Rate of 86%, which is more than the Arizona average of 78%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Nogales High School, with 94% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Arizona or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arizona public high school average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Santa Cruz County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Patagonia Union High School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
200 Naugle Avenue
Patagonia, AZ 85624
(520) 394-3000
Patagonia, AZ 85624
(520) 394-3000
Gr: 9-12 | 80 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #22.
Nogales High School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1905 N Apache Blvd
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 377-2021
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 377-2021
Gr: 9-12 | 1,795 student Student-teacher ratio: 25:1
Rank: #33.
Pierson High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
451 N. Arroyo Blvd
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 287-0915
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 287-0915
Gr: 9-12 | 155 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1
Rank: #44.
Rio Rico High School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
590 N. Camino Galindo
Rio Rico, AZ 85648
(520) 375-8700
Rio Rico, AZ 85648
(520) 375-8700
Gr: 9-12 | 1,403 student Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #55.
Nusd Online
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
451 N Arroyo Blvd
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 287-0915
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 287-0915
Gr: K-12 | 186 students Student-teacher ratio: 186:1
Rank: n/an/a
590 Camino Lito Galindo
Rio Rico, AZ 85648
(520) 375-8700
Rio Rico, AZ 85648
(520) 375-8700
Gr: K-12
Santa Cruz County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Aoc-santa Cruz County Juvenile Detention Center (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
1260 N Hohokam Dr
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 375-8193
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 375-8193
Gr: 3-12
Jail-santa Cruz County Sheriffs Office Elementary School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
1250 N Hohokam Dr
Nogales, AZ 85628
(520) 761-7869
Nogales, AZ 85628
(520) 761-7869
Gr: 9-12
Nogales Special Programs (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
310 W Plum St
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 287-0800
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 287-0800
Gr: Inquire with school | 58 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
P.o. Box 254
Patagonia, AZ 85624
(520) 394-3000
Patagonia, AZ 85624
(520) 394-3000
Gr: 6-8 | 45 students Minority enrollment: 64%
131 Camino Maricopa
Rio Rico, AZ 85648
(520) 281-8282
Rio Rico, AZ 85648
(520) 281-8282
Gr: PK-5
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public high schools in Santa Cruz County, AZ?
The top ranked public high schools in Santa Cruz County, AZ include Patagonia Union High School, Nogales High School and Pierson High School.
How many public high schools are located in Santa Cruz County?
6 public high schools are located in Santa Cruz County.
What is the racial composition of students in Santa Cruz County?
Santa Cruz County public high schools minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arizona public high schools average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Santa Cruz County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Santa Cruz County include: Rio Rico High School vs. Nogales High School, Nogales High School vs. Rio Rico High School, Patagonia Union High School vs. Nogales High School
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