For the 2025-26 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 2,780 students in 85281, AZ.
The top ranked public elementary schools in 85281, AZ are New School For The Arts Middle School, Holdeman Elementary School and Scales Technology Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 85281 have an average math proficiency score of 11% (versus the Arizona public elementary school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 22% (versus the 40% statewide average). Elementary schools in 85281, AZ have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arizona public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 91% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arizona public elementary school average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Best 85281, AZ Public Elementary Schools (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
New School For The Arts Middle School
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1216 E Apache Blvd
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 481-9235
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 481-9235
Gr: 6-8 | 76 students Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #22.
Holdeman Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1326 W 18th St
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 966-9934
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 966-9934
Gr: PK-5 | 405 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #33.
Scales Technology Academy
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1115 W 5th St
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 929-9909
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 929-9909
Gr: PK-5 | 371 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #44.
Cecil Shamley School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1500 N Scovel St
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 941-2440
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 941-2440
Gr: PK-8 | 489 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #55.
Flora Thew Elementary School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2130 E Howe Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 894-5574
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 894-5574
Gr: PK-5 | 442 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #66.
Kaizen Education Foundation Dba South Pointe Elementary School
Alternative School
Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2033 E Southern Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 276-1943
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 276-1943
Gr: K-6 | 289 students Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #77.
Geneva Epps Mosley Middle School
(Math: 7% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1025 S Beck Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 966-7114
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 966-7114
Gr: 6-8 | 708 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: n/an/a
300 E University Drive Suite 2
Tempe, AZ 85281
(844) 692-3372
Tempe, AZ 85281
(844) 692-3372
Gr: PK-12
85281, Arizona Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1525 E Apache Blvd
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 305-1015
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 305-1015
Gr: 9-12 | 4 students Minority enrollment: 50%
Esperanza Prep (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
1938 E Apache Blvd
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 422-9080
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 422-9080
Gr: K-8 | 85 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Integrity Education Centre (Closed 2023)
Charter School
515 E Continental Dr
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 731-4829
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 731-4829
Gr: K-12 | 24 students Minority enrollment: 71%
1290 N. Scottsdale Rd. 117
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 258-6797
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 258-6797
Gr: 7-12 | 1 student
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in 85281, AZ?
The top ranked public elementary schools in 85281, AZ include New School For The Arts Middle School, Holdeman Elementary School and Scales Technology Academy.
How many public elementary schools are located in 85281?
8 public elementary schools are located in 85281.
What is the racial composition of students in 85281?
85281 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 91% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arizona public elementary schools average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Texas Schools Enrollment Trends & Policy in 2025
Latest data and policy changes on Texas public school enrollment growth, funding, and virtual education in 2025.
Financial Aid & Hidden Costs in Public Schools
Learn about financial aid and hidden costs in public schools. Discover what parents should budget for beyond tuition-free education.
NYC Schools Still Most Segregated in 2025
Despite reforms, New York City schools remain the most segregated in the U.S. in 2025. Here鈥檚 what parents and educators need to know.