Best Public Schools in Glendale, AZ

The city of Glendale, Arizona is home to a diverse school system with 85 schools, including 53 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 27 high schools, and 3 alternative schools. The data reveals a mix of high-performing and low-performing institutions, with several standout schools as well as some struggling ones.

At the top of the pack are Mountain Ridge High School and Sandra Day O'Connor High School, which have consistently ranked among the best high schools in Arizona. These schools boast impressive graduation rates over 97% and strong academic performance, with over 50% of students proficient in English Language Arts and Math. On the elementary level, Highland Lakes School and Sierra Verde STEAM Academy also stand out with 5-star ratings and high proficiency rates.

In contrast, some schools in the Glendale Elementary District and Glendale Union High School District struggle, with lower graduation rates, higher dropout rates, and proficiency levels under 35%. The data suggests a correlation between student demographics, socioeconomic status, and academic outcomes, with schools serving higher percentages of minority and low-income students tending to underperform. Overall, the Glendale school system has room for improvement in addressing these achievement gaps and inequities.