Scottsdale Schools Shine In State Report Cards
Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) delivered strong results in the latest Arizona state report cards, showcasing impressive academic performance across its 29 in-person schools. With every brick-and-mortar school earning an A or B grade, and the district itself scoring an A, SUSD solidified its position as a leader in education.
High School Highlights
Scottsdale’s high schools performed exceptionally well, with multiple institutions ranking among the top 10 in Arizona. The rankings reflect strong academic programs and student achievements. Here are some of the standout results:
- Desert Mountain High School: Ranked 1st with 98.44 points.
- Pinnacle High School: 2nd with 97.26 points.
- Chaparral High School: 3rd with 96.86 points.
- Horizon High School: 6th with 95.34 points.
- Cactus Shadows High School: 10th with 92.03 points.
- Arcadia High School: 13th with 91.44 points.
- Saguaro High School: 28th with 88.42 points.
- Coronado High School: Received a B grade with 74 points, ranked 119th.
Every SUSD high school except Coronado received an A grade, underscoring the district’s commitment to excellence.
Also Read: Scottsdale Unified School District Leads State & National Averages
Elementary Achievements
Elementary schools within SUSD also earned high marks, with several achieving top state rankings:
- Pueblo Elementary: Ranked 34th with 93.28 points.
- Kiva Elementary: 42nd with 92.09 points.
- Seqoya Elementary: 56th with 91.39 points.
- Cochise Elementary: 68th with 90+ points.
Out of 19 K-8 schools in SUSD, 13 received A grades, while six earned B grades. Copper Ridge Elementary, with 70.13 points, ranked 932nd statewide but still maintained a B grade.
Broader Performance Metrics
The Arizona Department of Education evaluates schools based on a variety of factors:
- Academic growth and proficiency in English, math, and science.
- Progress of English language learners.
- Readiness for high school, careers, or higher education.
- Graduation rates for high schools.
SUSD significantly outperformed state averages in these areas. While Arizona’s statewide proficiency rates stood at 40% for English and 32% for math, SUSD students achieved 61% and 55%, respectively.
Challenges For Online Learning
While the district excelled overall, Scottsdale Online Learning (SOL) received a D grade. Low test participation was a key issue, with only 23% of eligible students completing required assessments. Arizona mandates a 95% participation rate, and penalties for falling short significantly impacted SOL’s scores.
However, relief may be on the horizon. Arizona plans to allow remote testing for online students beginning in 2027, which could address participation challenges.
Also Read: Greater Phoenix Schools Shine In Niche’s National Overview
Private & Charter Schools
Several Scottsdale private and charter schools also earned A grades, adding to the city’s academic reputation:
- BASIS Scottsdale: 96.62% of available points.
- Great Hearts Scottsdale Prep: 94.61%.
- Scottsdale Country Day School: Earned an A.
- Scottsdale Preparatory Academy: Earned an A.
Sonoran Sky Elementary, part of the Paradise Valley Unified District, also received an A grade.
Commitment To Excellence
SUSD Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel credited the district’s success to dedicated students, educators, and district-wide efforts to improve outcomes. With plans to build on this momentum, Scottsdale schools are well-positioned for future success.
These results reflect the city’s robust education system, with academic excellence extending across its public, private, and charter schools.
Also Read: Why Scottsdale Is One Of America’s Happiest Cities To Reside In