Photo: Cbl62 · CC BY-SA 3.0Yuma’s public schools score below 56% of Arizona districts on tests and graduation
In Yuma, 25% of tested students are proficient in math, below the Arizona average (35%). The grade covers the two public school districts serving Yuma, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. 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.
Yuma’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 161 Arizona towns with household incomes within a quarter of Yuma’s, its schools beat 34%, lower than their 44% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 30% of tested students were proficient in reading and 25% in math, against 40% and 35% statewide; 97% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
90% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 78% across Arizona. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
Yuma Union High spends $10,484 per student and Yuma Elementary District $12,255, against $12,318 across Arizona (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
Choice beyond the district
Educational Opportunity Center Charter High School, AmeriSchools Academy - Yuma, Amerischools Academy - Yuma North, Desert View Academy, Student Choice High School - Yuma, Harvest Preparatory Academy, Desert View Middle & High School, Yuma Catholic High School (private), Yuma Lutheran School (private), Southwestern Christian School (private), St. Francis of Assisi School (private) and Immaculate Conception Catholic School (private) are in town. Yuma Online Distance Academy, an online school, is based here too; it isn’t counted as a local school. 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 Yuma’s grade
C+: better than 44% of Arizona school districts, #101 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 Yuma, with each school’s own grade.
Yuma runs its own schools through grade 8 (Yuma Elementary District). From grade 9, students attend the Yuma Union High School District, shared with San Luis and Somerton. Parts of Yuma (8% of its land) are served by Crane Elementary District instead. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve Yuma
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Yuma vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Arizona towns that share Yuma’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Yuma | C+ | Yuma Elementary District PK–8 · Yuma Union High 9–12 |
Every school in Yuma
45 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: 16 public programs with fewer than 25 students (AZTEC High School, Desert View Online School, Southwest Region, STEDY- Vista HS Satellite, STEDY- Cibola High School Satellite, STEDY- Yuma HS Satellite, STEDY- Kofa HS Satellite, STEDY- Gila Ridge HS Satellite, STEDY- Arizona Western College, STEDY- Desert View Academy, STEDY- Central Campus, STEDY- Aztec HS Satellite, Great Beginnings Pre-School, Crane iLearning Academy, Mary E Post Elementary School and Yuma District One Digital Learning Academy).
Questions about Yuma’s schools
Are Yuma’s schools good?
On Arizona’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Yuma children attend score below 56% of Arizona’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C+ Schools grade, #101 of 139 Arizona towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 34%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Yuma in?
Two districts: Yuma Elementary District runs grades PK–8, and Yuma Union High School District runs grades 9–12, shared with San Luis and Somerton.
Where do Yuma kids go to high school?
One of 4 high schools, depending on your address: Cibola High School, Gila Ridge High School, Kofa High School and Yuma High School.
What is Yuma’s graduation rate?
90% of the class of 2023 in Yuma Union High School District graduated in four years, against 78% across Arizona.
How much does Yuma spend per student?
$10,484 in Yuma Union High School District and $12,255 in Yuma Elementary District (FY2024), against $12,318 across Arizona. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Yuma?
Yes: Yuma Catholic High School (Catholic, grades 9–12, 517 students), Yuma Lutheran School (religious, grades PK–8, 480 students), Southwestern Christian School (religious, grades K–8, 264 students), St. Francis of Assisi School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 258 students) and Immaculate Conception Catholic School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 243 students). Yuma also has 7 charter schools, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What Yuma families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Yuma → 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.