Photo: Richard N Horne · CC BY-SA 4.0Payson’s public schools outscore 61% of Arizona districts
The grade covers the public school district serving Payson, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. On the state math tests, 26% of Payson’s students scored proficient, below the Arizona average (35%). Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Arizona, not nationally.
From Arizona state tests taken in spring 2022, when 97% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Payson’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 158 Arizona towns with household incomes within a quarter of Payson’s, its schools beat 69%, higher than their 61% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 36% of tested students were proficient in reading and 26% in math, against 40% and 35% statewide; 97% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
85–89% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 78% across Arizona (the state reports Payson’s rate as a range). Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $12,001 per student, against $12,318 across Arizona (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one elementary, one middle and one high school
From grade 3 the district’s path is Julia Randall Elementary School, then Rim Country Middle School, then Payson High School. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Payson Community Christian School (private) is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Payson’s grade
B: better than 61% of Arizona school districts, #59 of 139 Arizona towns. Graduation is above the Arizona average; test scores are below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Payson, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Payson
Payson Elementary School
Grades K–2 · 430 students · 15:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Payson
Payson Elementary School
Grades K–2 · 430 students · 15:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Payson · depends on your address
Julia Randall Elementary School
Grades 2–5 · 503 students · 16:1 students per teacher
Payson Elementary School
Grades K–2 · 430 students · 15:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Payson
Julia Randall Elementary School
Grades 2–5 · 503 students · 16:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Payson
Julia Randall Elementary School
Grades 2–5 · 503 students · 16:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Payson
Julia Randall Elementary School
Grades 2–5 · 503 students · 16:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Payson
Payson High School
Grades 9–12 · 733 students · 17:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Payson
Payson High School
Grades 9–12 · 733 students · 17:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Payson
Payson High School
Grades 9–12 · 733 students · 17:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Payson
Payson High School
Grades 9–12 · 733 students · 17:1 students per teacher
Payson’s public schools are run by Payson Unified District, which also serves Star Valley. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Below the state in reading
Payson vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Arizona towns that share Payson’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Payson | B | Payson Unified District |
| Star Valley | B | Payson Unified District |
Every school in Payson
5 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Arizona’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Left off: 4 public programs with fewer than 25 students (NAVIT - Payson High School, NAVIT - Gila Community College, Payson Center for Success High School and Payson Center for Success - Online).
Questions about Payson’s schools
Are Payson’s schools good?
They sit near the middle of Arizona: the public schools Payson children attend outscore 61% of Arizona’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B Schools grade, #59 of 139 Arizona towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 69%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Payson in?
Payson Unified District, which runs grades K–12 and enrolls 2,144 students in 4 schools (2024–25).
Where do Payson kids go to high school?
Payson High School, with 733 students; its own test results earn a B−.
What is Payson’s graduation rate?
85–89% of the class of 2023 in Payson Unified District graduated in four years, against 78% across Arizona.
How much does Payson spend per student?
$12,001 in Payson Unified District (FY2024), against $12,318 across Arizona. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Payson?
Yes: Payson Community Christian School (religious, grades PK–8, 183 students).
Parents talk
What Payson families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Payson → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Arizona. Stars are from neighbors.