Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

Summary:

Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies is an alternative public school serving grades 4-9 with a total enrollment of 410 students, located in Mesa, Arizona, which is part of the Mesa Unified District.

The school consistently outperforms the district and state in academic proficiency, with 94-95% of students proficient or better in English Language Arts and 82-96% proficient or better in Mathematics, compared to the district's 24-45% and the state's 28-46% proficiency rates. Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies also maintains a very low dropout rate, ranging from 0.0% to 0.6% over the past five school years, which is significantly lower than the state and district averages. However, the school's student population is predominantly White, with a relatively low percentage of minority students, and the percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch has increased from 5.45% in 2021-2022 to 18.78% in 2022-2023, indicating a growing population of economically disadvantaged students.

While Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies stands out as a high-performing school within the Mesa Unified District, the school's racial and socioeconomic makeup warrant further examination to ensure equitable access and support for all students. Nearby schools, such as American Leadership Academy Gilbert North K-12, EDUPRIZE SCHOOL Gilbert, and Learning Foundation, may offer alternative educational options for families in the area.


Detail:

Public, Alternative 4-9

 6919 E Brown Rd
       Mesa, AZ  85207-3762


(480) 308-7400

District: Mesa Unified District

SchoolDigger Rank:
1st of 904 Arizona Alternative Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $8,064 Help


Student/teacher ratio:  18.8 Help
Number of students:  410

Racial breakdown:

White:
67.3%
Hispanic:
21.0%
Two or more races:
5.9%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  18.8% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies ranks better than 99.9% of elementary schools in Arizona. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 99.48. (See more...)
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Compare Details Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies ranks better than 99.4% of middle schools in Arizona. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 99.4. (See more...)
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The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
Student Body
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (67.3%), Hispanic (21%), two or more races (5.9%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 18.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the highest percentage in the Mesa Unified District. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies is 18.8. 1 alternative schools in the Mesa Unified District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
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Compare Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies employs 21.8 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies is $8,064, which is the highest among 3 alternative schools in the Mesa Unified District!
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies:

SchoolDigger ranks Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies 1st of 904 Arizona public elementary schools. (See Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
White students:

SchoolDigger ranks Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies 3rd of 533 Arizona public middle schools. (See Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Mesa Unified District:

SchoolDigger ranks Mesa Unified District 179th of 288 Arizona school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies?

Rank History for Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

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Rank History for all elementary school students at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2009 93.73 11th 1062 99.0%
2010 96.12 2nd 1090 99.8%
2011 97.06 1st 1075 99.9%
2012 95.16 2nd 1141 99.8%
2013 94.96 2nd 1158 99.8%
2014 98.22 1st 1079 99.9%
2015 99.69 1st 955 99.9%
2016 99.49 1st 1079 99.9%
2017 99.18 2nd 1106 99.8%
2018 99.03 2nd 1109 99.8%
2019 99.19 1st 1039 99.9%
2021 98.97 4th 1226 99.7%
2022 98.22 3rd 1000 99.7%
2023 98.56 5th 1245 99.6%
2024 99.48 1st 904 99.9%
See the entire list of Arizona Alternative School Rankings!

Rank History for elementary school Multi-racial students at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 89.59 18th 1027 98.2%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for elementary school Special Education students at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 99.99 2nd 1201 99.8%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for elementary school Low Socio Economic Status students at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 98.47 1st 618 99.8%
2023 99.16 3rd 1116 99.7%
2024 99.89 2nd 546 99.6%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for elementary school Female students at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 98.41 2nd 1023 99.8%
2019 98.69 1st 862 99.9%
2021 98.21 4th 1219 99.7%
2022 95.19 6th 824 99.3%
2023 97.79 10th 1219 99.2%
2024 99.07 1st 593 99.8%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for elementary school Male students at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 99.06 2nd 1032 99.8%
2019 98.99 1st 850 99.9%
2021 98.83 4th 1220 99.7%
2022 97.37 3rd 830 99.6%
2023 98.53 6th 1216 99.5%
2024 98.82 4th 609 99.3%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for elementary school Asian students at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 84.45 26th 620 95.8%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for elementary school African American students at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 86.75 22nd 895 97.5%
2022 64.47 91st 289 68.5%
2023 93.58 11th 607 98.2%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for elementary school Hispanic students at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 97.65 8th 1198 99.3%
2022 98.82 1st 716 99.9%
2023 99.52 1st 1170 99.9%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for elementary school White students at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 96.99 1st 720 99.9%
2019 98.38 1st 595 99.8%
2021 96.01 3rd 1161 99.7%
2022 94.78 4th 800 99.5%
2023 95.26 6th 1024 99.4%
2024 98.90 1st 477 99.8%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Arizona Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

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Rank History for all middle school students at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2009 95.16 5th 663 99.2%
2010 96.44 5th 692 99.3%
2011 96.96 3rd 685 99.6%
2012 94.39 2nd 772 99.7%
2013 94.19 6th 787 99.2%
2014 98.44 1st 690 99.9%
2015 99.86 1st 521 99.8%
2016 99.84 1st 677 99.9%
2017 99.78 1st 695 99.9%
2018 99.62 1st 711 99.9%
2019 99.73 1st 605 99.8%
2021 99.74 2nd 832 99.8%
2022 99.42 2nd 605 99.7%
2023 99.65 2nd 854 99.8%
2024 99.40 3rd 533 99.4%
See the entire list of Arizona Alternative School Rankings!

Rank History for middle school Multi-racial students at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 92.24 17th 650 97.4%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for middle school Special Education students at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 75.97 42nd 789 94.7%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for middle school Low Socio Economic Status students at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 99.64 1st 369 99.7%
2023 99.68 7th 717 99.0%
2024 99.67 2nd 314 99.4%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for middle school Female students at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 99.37 1st 624 99.8%
2019 99.41 1st 466 99.8%
2021 99.45 2nd 820 99.8%
2022 97.97 6th 494 98.8%
2023 99.33 3rd 806 99.6%
2024 98.69 3rd 379 99.2%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for middle school Male students at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 99.56 1st 617 99.8%
2019 99.30 1st 435 99.8%
2021 99.71 1st 818 99.9%
2022 99.06 2nd 476 99.6%
2023 99.56 3rd 810 99.6%
2024 98.62 3rd 356 99.2%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for middle school Asian students at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 83.42 20th 404 95.0%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for middle school Hispanic students at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 95.60 18th 802 97.8%
2023 99.70 2nd 760 99.7%
2024 99.31 2nd 322 99.4%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for middle school White students at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 98.66 1st 436 99.8%
2019 99.17 1st 337 99.7%
2021 98.34 2nd 780 99.7%
2022 98.78 1st 446 99.8%
2023 98.75 4th 675 99.4%
2024 98.55 1st 273 99.6%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Arizona Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 







Data source: Arizona Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4.1)
76%

0%

0%

0%

24%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Thursday, March 5, 2020

Open Quote Not a parent friendly school. Pulling my son out after one year. There are numerous schools better than this one and nationally ranked. Would not recommend this school, they think too highly of themselves and unrightfully so. Close Quote


by a student
Friday, November 8, 2019

Open Quote This school is amazing. The only thing is that some of the teachers aren't very good and for some reason still have jobs. Close Quote


by a parent
Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Open Quote This is an excellent school for high-achieving self-learners with no behavioral problems. Academically rigorous and challenging, but it is not for every student. If you have to prompt your child to do homework, this is not the school for them. Close Quote


by a parent
Monday, May 13, 2019

Open Quote A wonderful school, the IB system develope the potential of each student. Close Quote


by a parent
Friday, May 4, 2018

Open Quote This is truly a great school. I strongly recommend. Close Quote


by a student
Monday, June 12, 2017

Open Quote I am happy that I got to be apart of the learning, fun and get to be educated at this fantastic school. All of the teachers are great and Mr. Crispin is the best he is fun and very nice. this is why I like this school. Close Quote


by a student
Friday, May 5, 2017

Open Quote This is a wonderful school. Close Quote


by a student
Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Open Quote The school is awesome. I go there. Close Quote


by a student
Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Open Quote amazing opportunities and learned so much more than other kids in my grade at other schools Close Quote


by a student
Friday, February 10, 2017

Open Quote I love it. The teachers are incredible, sometimes tough, sometimes fun, and all the people at the school are nice. Mr. Crispin is awesome! Close Quote


by a parent
Thursday, October 6, 2016

Open Quote Amazing Education. They are preparing students to succeed at the next level. There is no hand holding and children are encouraged to display a bias toward action. The teachers can be a little tough and the younger kids. However, it is clear that they are encouraging them to become self-sufficient and to embrace all aspects of accountability. Close Quote


by a parent
Monday, March 21, 2016

Open Quote If it were possible to rank this 10 stars, I would. Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies isn't top ranked by mistake. Their academics are superior to any other school. Academics are rigorous as teachers prepare students for the IB program. Whether or not you choose to follow up with the IB program is up to you after attending MAAS. While you are here, be prepared to work hard but to love every minute of it. You will learn a new language: Chinese or Spanish. You will learn to play an instrument. The staff is the best by far! They are excited to teach, and the students are eager to learn. Many of the staff come early and stay late after school to assist students with extra help and tutoring. They also run several before- and after-school clubs.

Everyone one at the Academy is great from the Principal, Bob Crispin, to the front office staff, the cafeteria crew, and even our custodians are the best in the district. The whole environment is welcoming and fun. There are clubs galore: choir, NJHS, NAL, math, robotics, computer, audio visual and broadcasting, art, creative writing, band and orchestra, etc. Our music program is stupendous with incredibly gifted and enthusiastic teachers. If sports are really important, you can still participate on team sports at the local junior high which is adjacent to the campus. There really is something for everyone here.

After having 6 children attend 5 different Mesa Public Schools, we have found the greatest school in the district. We have loved all our schools, but there is something extra special about Mesa Academy. Come find out for yourself. Close Quote


by a student
Saturday, May 16, 2015

Open Quote Mesa Academy is an excellent school. I know I will be prepared for high school and eventually college because I am going to this school. It involves IB (International Baccalaureate) curriculum, which encourages world view. The teachers are amazing, but the Chinese department needs a bit of work. Other than that, the teachers are friendly and encouraging, and the principal is very personable. Teachers also help with time management skills, a good work ethic, and readiness for the future. The homework is not too overwhelming if you pay attention during class. This school really is one in a million. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
2008 314 8 23 48 3 n/a n/a 0 396
2009 298 8 29 45 3 n/a n/a 0 383
2010 344 6 35 38 2 n/a n/a 0 425
2011 350 6 38 39 0 0 0 0 433
2012 361 4 37 30 1 0 0 0 433
2013 353 3 37 37 1 0 6 0 437
2014 342 3 44 38 1 1 3 0 432
2015 341 4 44 38 2 0 4 0 433
2016 336 4 40 44 2 0 7 0 433
2017 320 6 37 51 2 0 12 0 428
2018 335 5 37 49 3 0 9 0 438
2019 333 4 26 58 2 0 14 0 437
2020 315 3 25 70 2 0 23 0 438
2021 278 5 17 73 2 0 24 0 399
2022 254 4 14 71 2 0 22 0 367
2023 276 9 11 86 4 0 24 0 410

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

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Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2008 396 16.8 23.6 13.6
2009 383 19.4 19.7 9.7
2010 425 20.6 20.6 12.7
2011 433 20.0 21.6 11.1
2012 433 20.4 21.2 10.6
2013 437 20.2 21.6 10.8
2014 432 20.2 21.3 8.8
2015 433 21.0 20.6 8.1
2016 433 21.0 20.6 10.9
2017 428 20.7 20.6 11.9
2018 438 20.5 21.3 9.6
2019 437 20.2 21.5 12.6
2020 438 19.3 22.6 14.8
2021 399 19.8 20.1 n/a
2022 367 20.8 17.5 5.4
2023 410 21.8 18.8 18.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2008 396 16.8 23.6 13.6
2009 383 19.4 19.7 9.7
2010 425 20.6 20.6 12.7
2011 433 20.0 21.6 11.1
2012 433 20.4 21.2 10.6
2013 437 20.2 21.6 10.8
2014 432 20.2 21.3 8.8
2015 433 21.0 20.6 8.1
2016 433 21.0 20.6 10.9
2017 428 20.7 20.6 11.9
2018 438 20.5 21.3 9.6
2019 437 20.2 21.5 12.6
2020 438 19.3 22.6 14.8
2021 399 19.8 20.1 n/a
2022 367 20.8 17.5 5.4
2023 410 21.8 18.8 18.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

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YearPersonnel Expenditures from Federal FundsNon-Personnel Expenditures from Federal FundsTotal Expenditures from Federal FundsPersonnel Expenditures from State and Local FundsNon-Personnel Expenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $134 (1.3%) $22 (0.2%) $290 (2.8%) $6,945 (66.0%) $3,415 (32.5%) $10,360 (98.5%) $10,516
2020 $90 (1.5%) $59 (1.0%) $238 (3.9%) $5,596 (91.8%) $349 (5.7%) $5,945 (97.6%) $6,094
2021 $73 (1.0%) $14 (0.2%) $160 (2.3%) $6,517 (93.0%) $404 (5.8%) $6,921 (98.8%) $7,008
2022 $09 (0.1%) $02 (0.0%) $20 (0.2%) $7,571 (93.9%) $481 (6.0%) $8,053 (99.9%) $8,064

Data source: Arizona Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 1st of 1039 Elementary schoolsRanks 5th of 1245 Elementary schools
 0.3%
Ranks 1st of 605 Middle schoolsRanks 2nd of 854 Middle schools
 0.1%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students437410
 6.2%
African American49
 125%
American Indian24
 100%
Asian2611
 57.7%
Hispanic5886
 48.3%
Pacific Islander00
White333276
 17.1%
Two or More Races1424
 71.4%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients12.6%18.8%
 6.2%


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Frequently Asked Questions about Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

Students at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies are 67% White, 21% Hispanic, 6% Two or more races, 3% Asian, 2% African American.

Yes! Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies is one of the best alternative schools in the state. It ranks 1st of 904 Arizona alternative schools.

In the 2022-23 school year, 410 students attended Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies.


Rate Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies!



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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Arizona Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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