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University High School

Summary:

University High School is a public high school located in Tucson, Arizona, serving grades 8-12 with a total enrollment of 1,060 students. The school is part of the Tucson Unified District, which is ranked 207 out of 288 districts in the state and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.

University High School consistently ranks among the top high schools in Arizona, with a statewide ranking between 1 and 13 over the past decade. In the 2023-2024 school year, the school ranked 2nd out of 259 Arizona high schools and received a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. The school has maintained exceptionally high four-year graduation rates, ranging from 95.4% to 99.2% over the past five years, significantly outperforming the district and state averages. University High School students demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, with 98-99% of 11th-grade students proficient or better in English Language Arts and Mathematics, far surpassing the Tucson Unified District and Arizona state averages.

University High School's academic performance and student outcomes significantly outshine those of the nearby Catalina High School and Rincon High School, which are also part of the Tucson Unified District. Catalina High School, in particular, struggles with low proficiency rates, high dropout rates, and a low graduation rate. University High School has maintained its exceptional academic performance and statewide rankings over an extended period, with a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger for the past decade, indicating a sustained commitment to excellence.


Detail:

Public 8-12

 421 N Arcadia Ave
       Tucson, AZ  85711-3032

(520) 232-5900

District: Tucson Unified District

SchoolDigger Rank:
2nd of 259 Arizona High Schools


Feeder schools for University High School:

Elementary:    Anna Henry Elementary School
    Annie Kellond Elementary School
    Blenman Elementary School
    Bloom Elementary
    More...
Middle:    Alice Vail Middle School
    Anna Lawrence Intermediate School
    Doolen Middle School
    Gridley Middle School
    More...

Student/teacher ratio:  22.9 Help
Number of students:  1,060

Racial breakdown:

White:
41.3%
Hispanic:
34.8%
Asian:
12.2%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  0.3% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details University High School ranks better than 99.2% of high schools in Arizona. It also ranks first among 10 ranked high schools in the Tucson Unified District! (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 99.73. (See more...)
Help
The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at University High School who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.
Help
The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Student population at University High School is diverse. Racial makeup is: White (41.3%), Hispanic (34.8%), Asian (12.2%). (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at University High School is 22.9. 11 high schools in the Tucson Unified District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare University High School employs 46.2 full-time teachers.
Finance
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

University High School:

SchoolDigger ranks University High School 2nd of 259 Arizona public high schools. (See University High School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:


Tucson Unified District:

SchoolDigger ranks Tucson Unified District 207th of 288 Arizona school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for University High School?

Rank History for University High School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at University High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2009 96.16 5th 395 98.7%
2010 96.23 5th 403 98.8%
2011 96.59 5th 397 98.7%
2012 94.77 8th 471 98.3%
2013 95.14 5th 491 99.0%
2015 98.40 1st 261 99.6%
2016 99.80 1st 406 99.8%
2017 99.13 9th 416 97.8%
2018 98.22 8th 420 98.1%
2021 99.76 13th 509 97.4%
2022 99.25 12th 464 97.4%
2023 99.34 12th 469 97.4%
2024 99.73 2nd 259 99.2%
See the entire list of Arizona High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at University High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 98.15 1st 374 99.7%
2022 93.28 30th 282 89.4%
2024 99.75 1st 36 97.2%
See the entire list of Best Arizona High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at University High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 99.40 3rd 168 98.2%
2023 99.60 5th 347 98.6%
2024 100.00 1st 168 99.4%
See the entire list of Best Arizona High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at University High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 99.07 2nd 354 99.4%
2021 99.89 2nd 492 99.6%
2022 98.31 15th 456 96.7%
2023 98.77 4th 406 99.0%
2024 99.60 1st 193 99.5%
See the entire list of Best Arizona High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Military Connected students at University High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 65.38 37th 125 70.4%
See the entire list of Best Arizona High Schools for Military Connected Students!

Rank History for Male students at University High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 99.16 2nd 370 99.5%
2021 98.72 23rd 492 95.3%
2022 99.28 11th 455 97.6%
2023 99.42 9th 429 97.9%
See the entire list of Best Arizona High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at University High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 95.79 1st 83 98.8%
2021 91.55 1st 231 99.6%
2022 90.09 10th 238 95.8%
See the entire list of Best Arizona High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at University High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 60.26 84th 306 72.5%
2022 98.67 10th 301 96.7%
See the entire list of Best Arizona High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at University High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 99.75 1st 311 99.7%
2021 99.96 9th 479 98.1%
2022 99.68 11th 441 97.5%
2023 99.36 4th 379 98.9%
See the entire list of Best Arizona High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for Native American students at University High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 99.47 1st 255 99.6%
See the entire list of Best Arizona High Schools for Native American Students!

Rank History for White students at University High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 99.36 1st 291 99.7%
2021 96.86 18th 448 96.0%
2022 97.63 15th 409 96.3%
2023 98.50 4th 371 98.9%
See the entire list of Best Arizona High 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.

University High School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 
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Data source: Arizona Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Monday, May 7, 2012

Open Quote My daughter is a Junior at UHS. Her writing scores have improved and she ranked in the top 50000 of 1.5 million students who took the PSAT this year. AP US History is a phenomenal class and the rigor is evident in all of the core subjects. The faculty is generally exceptional and there is such talent from UHS past, present and future. Close Quote



Enrollment information for University High School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1989 472 30 41 102 5 n/a n/a 4 654
1990 462 28 40 117 7 n/a n/a -8 646
1991 470 21 66 97 6 n/a n/a -38 622
1992 465 19 59 92 13 n/a n/a 0 648
1993 471 18 48 117 9 n/a n/a 0 663
1994 463 21 46 110 10 n/a n/a 0 650
1995 430 27 50 119 9 n/a n/a 0 635
1996 430 27 50 119 9 n/a n/a 0 635
1997 437 24 49 114 10 n/a n/a 0 634
1998 436 26 47 111 11 n/a n/a 0 631
1999 447 18 56 112 9 n/a n/a 0 642
2000 467 15 64 109 5 n/a n/a 0 660
2001 432 15 71 99 3 n/a n/a 0 620
2002 428 21 79 104 2 n/a n/a 0 634
2003 428 21 79 104 2 n/a n/a 0 634
2004 421 23 76 121 3 n/a n/a 0 644
2005 399 25 74 127 3 n/a n/a 0 628
2006 418 24 79 145 3 n/a n/a 0 669
2007 423 25 94 157 6 n/a n/a 0 705
2008 438 24 102 154 5 n/a n/a 0 723
2009 453 27 112 163 7 n/a n/a 0 762
2010 470 29 113 176 8 n/a n/a 0 796
2011 461 23 87 234 3 6 38 0 852
2012 463 13 108 260 5 3 41 0 893
2013 477 16 104 287 6 4 40 0 934
2014 503 14 94 334 6 5 53 0 1009
2015 517 15 86 339 5 4 67 0 1033
2016 508 17 98 357 4 1 71 0 1056
2017 503 16 92 402 2 1 80 0 1096
2018 511 13 109 387 1 1 78 0 1100
2019 489 13 128 386 4 0 77 0 1097
2020 509 23 124 404 4 0 86 0 1150
2021 565 25 138 410 3 1 80 0 1222
2022 489 29 126 396 6 1 82 0 1129
2023 438 33 129 369 7 2 82 0 1060

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 University High School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 654 24.6 26.5 n/a
1990 646 26.3 24.5 n/a
1991 622 25.4 24.4 n/a
1992 648 27.2 23.8 n/a
1993 663 26.2 25.3 n/a
1994 650 28.4 22.9 n/a
1995 635 26.2 24.2 n/a
1996 635 26.2 24.2 n/a
1997 634 28.6 22.2 n/a
1998 631 29.0 21.8 n/a
1999 642 29.0 22.1 n/a
2000 660 30.2 21.9 n/a
2001 620 30.6 20.3 n/a
2002 634 32.0 19.8 n/a
2003 634 32.0 19.8 n/a
2004 644 31.6 20.4 7.5
2005 628 30.8 20.4 9.2
2006 669 32.4 20.6 9.7
2007 705 36.8 19.2 9.8
2008 723 41.3 17.5 0.3
2009 762 51.4 14.8 8.7
2010 796 45.0 17.6 13.1
2011 852 41.0 20.7 15
2012 893 42.0 21.2 15.7
2013 934 44.0 21.2 16.7
2014 1009 40.6 24.8 16.4
2015 1033 56.0 18.4 n/a
2016 1056 46.0 22.9 0.3
2017 1096 50.2 21.8 18.5
2018 1100 53.8 20.4 n/a
2019 1097 51.6 21.2 n/a
2020 1150 49.4 23.2 0.3
2021 1222 51.4 23.7 n/a
2022 1129 48.6 23.2 n/a
2023 1060 46.2 22.9 n/a

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 University High School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 654 24.6 26.5 n/a
1990 646 26.3 24.5 n/a
1991 622 25.4 24.4 n/a
1992 648 27.2 23.8 n/a
1993 663 26.2 25.3 n/a
1994 650 28.4 22.9 n/a
1995 635 26.2 24.2 n/a
1996 635 26.2 24.2 n/a
1997 634 28.6 22.2 n/a
1998 631 29.0 21.8 n/a
1999 642 29.0 22.1 n/a
2000 660 30.2 21.9 n/a
2001 620 30.6 20.3 n/a
2002 634 32.0 19.8 n/a
2003 634 32.0 19.8 n/a
2004 644 31.6 20.4 7.5
2005 628 30.8 20.4 9.2
2006 669 32.4 20.6 9.7
2007 705 36.8 19.2 9.8
2008 723 41.3 17.5 0.3
2009 762 51.4 14.8 8.7
2010 796 45.0 17.6 13.1
2011 852 41.0 20.7 15
2012 893 42.0 21.2 15.7
2013 934 44.0 21.2 16.7
2014 1009 40.6 24.8 16.4
2015 1033 56.0 18.4 n/a
2016 1056 46.0 22.9 0.3
2017 1096 50.2 21.8 18.5
2018 1100 53.8 20.4 n/a
2019 1097 51.6 21.2 n/a
2020 1150 49.4 23.2 0.3
2021 1222 51.4 23.7 n/a
2022 1129 48.6 23.2 n/a
2023 1060 46.2 22.9 n/a

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 University High School

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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 $749 (10.0%) $48 (0.6%) $1,545 (20.6%) $5,490 (73.2%) $1,216 (16.2%) $6,706 (89.4%) $7,503
2020 $14 (0.3%) $20 (0.4%) $49 (1.0%) $4,440 (88.5%) $541 (10.8%) $4,980 (99.3%) $5,015

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

Impact of COVID-19 on University High School

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.

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Total Students10971060
 3.4%
African American1333
 153.8%
American Indian47
 75%
Asian128129
 0.8%
Hispanic386369
 4.4%
Pacific Islander02
White489438
 10.4%
Two or More Races7782
 6.5%

Schools Near University High School








Frequently Asked Questions about University High School

In the 2022-23 school year, 1,060 students attended University High School.

Students at University High School are 41% White, 35% Hispanic, 12% Asian, 8% Two or more races, 3% African American.

Yes! University High School is one of the best high schools in the state. It ranks 2nd of 259 Arizona high schools.

University High School is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Anna Henry Elementary School
Elementary : Annie Kellond Elementary School
Elementary : Blenman Elementary School
Elementary : Bloom Elementary
Elementary : Bonillas Elementary Basic Curriculum Magnet School
Elementary : Booth-Fickett Math/Science Magnet School
Elementary : Borman K-8 School
Elementary : Borton Primary Magnet School
Elementary : C E Rose Elementary School
Elementary : Carrillo Intermediate Magnet School
Elementary : Cavett Elementary School
Elementary : Collier Elementary School
Elementary : Cragin Elementary School
Elementary : Davidson Elementary School
Elementary : Davis Bilingual Magnet School
Elementary : Dietz K-8 School
Elementary : Drachman Primary Magnet School
Elementary : Dunham Elementary School
Elementary : Ford Elementary
Elementary : Frances J Warren Elementary School
Elementary : Fruchthendler Elementary School
Elementary : Gale Elementary School
Elementary : Harold Steele Elementary School
Elementary : Harriet Johnson Primary School
Elementary : Henry Hank Oyama
Elementary : Holladay Intermediate Magnet School
Elementary : Hollinger K-8 School
Elementary : Howell Peter Elementary
Elementary : Hudlow Elementary School
Elementary : Irene Erickson Elementary School
Elementary : John B Wright Elementary School
Elementary : John E White Elementary School
Elementary : Laura N. Banks Elementary
Elementary : Lineweaver Elementary School
Elementary : Lynn Urquides
Elementary : Maldonado Amelia Elementary School
Elementary : Manzo Elementary School
Elementary : Marshall Elementary School
Elementary : McCorkle Pk-8
Elementary : Miles-Exploratory Learning Center
Elementary : Miller Elementary School
Elementary : Mission View Elementary School
Elementary : Myers-Ganoung Elementary School
Elementary : Ochoa Elementary School
Elementary : Pueblo Gardens Elementary
Elementary : Raul Grijalva Elementary School
Elementary : Roberts Naylor
Elementary : Robins Elementary School
Elementary : Robison Elementary School
Elementary : Roskruge Bilingual Magnet Middle School
Elementary : Safford K-8 School
Elementary : Sam Hughes Elementary
Elementary : Soleng Tom Elementary School
Elementary : Tolson Elementary School
Elementary : Tully Elementary Accelerated Magnet School
Elementary : Van Buskirk Elementary School
Elementary : Vesey Elementary School
Elementary : W Arthur Sewel Elementary School
Elementary : W V Whitmore Elementary School
Elementary : Wheeler Elementary School
Middle : Alice Vail Middle School
Middle : Anna Lawrence Intermediate School
Middle : Doolen Middle School
Middle : Gridley Middle School
Middle : Magee Middle School
Middle : Mansfeld Middle Magnet School
Middle : Pistor Middle School
Middle : Secrist Middle School
Middle : Utterback Middle School
Middle : Valencia Middle School


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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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