Tucson Unified District

The Tucson Unified District in Arizona encompasses 88 schools, including 61 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, 14 high schools, and 1 alternative school. The district serves a diverse student population and has a mix of high-performing and struggling schools, highlighting significant disparities in educational opportunities and resources within the area.

Some of the standout schools in the district include University High School, which is ranked 12th out of 469 Arizona high schools and has exceptional academic performance, with 99% of students proficient or better in English Language Arts and 96% in Mathematics. Other high-achieving schools are Fruchthendler Elementary School, Sam Hughes Elementary, and Carrillo Intermediate Magnet School. In contrast, schools like Catalina High School and Raul Grijalva Elementary School struggle academically, with proficiency rates as low as 8% in 11th grade Math.

The data reveals a strong correlation between socioeconomic status and academic performance, with high-poverty schools generally underperforming. Additionally, the district's magnet and alternative schools tend to outperform the traditional public schools, suggesting the need for more specialized programs and resources to address the diverse needs of students. Overall, the Tucson Unified District faces significant challenges in ensuring equitable educational opportunities for all its students, and addressing these disparities should be a top priority for the district.