Empire High School, also known as EHS, is a public high school in the Vail Unified School District in Tucson, Arizona. It is the first public high school in the United States to use all-wireless laptop technology and fully digital curriculum resources.
Serving 888 students in grades 9-12, Empire High School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-64% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 65-69% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 888 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 48%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 5% in AZ)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10%
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 35% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Empire High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Empire High School's student population of 888 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 43 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
888 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
43 teachers
Year Founded
2005
Colors
Black, Red
School Calendar
School Motto
Soaring with Distinction
School Rankings
Empire High School ranks within the top 10% of all 1,921 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Empire High School is 0.62, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#146 out of 1921 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
5%
Asian
4%
3%
Hispanic
33%
48%
Black
3%
6%
White
52%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
77%
Eligible for Free Lunch
9%
40%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Raven
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Empire High School's ranking?
Empire High School is ranked #146 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Empire High School often compared to?
Empire High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Cienega High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 65-69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
What is the graduation rate of Empire High School?
The graduation rate of Empire High School is 95%, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 77%.
How many students attend Empire High School?
888 students attend Empire High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
52% of Empire High School students are White, 33% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Asian, 3% of students are Black, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Empire High School?
Empire High School has a student ration of 21:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Empire High School offer ?
Empire High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Empire High School part of?
Empire High School is part of Vail Unified District (4413) School District.
In what neighborhood is Empire High School located?
Empire High School is located in the Rita Ranch neighborhood of Tucson, AZ. There are 10 other public schools located in Rita Ranch.
School Reviews
Review Empire High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
