Best Rita Ranch Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 2,868 students in the neighborhood of Rita Ranch, Tucson, AZ.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Rita Ranch are Esmond Station School, Mesquite Elementary School and Desert Willow Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of Rita Ranch, Tucson, AZ public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 56% (versus the Arizona public elementary school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 60% (versus the 40% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arizona public elementary school average of 67% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Elementary Schools in the neighborhood of Rita Ranch, Tucson, AZ (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Esmond Station School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
9400 S Atterbury Wash Way
Tucson, AZ 85747
(520) 879-3400
Gr: PK-8 | 741 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #22.
Mesquite Elementary School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
9455 E Rita Rd
Tucson, AZ 85747
(520) 879-2102
Gr: K-5 | 640 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #33.
Desert Willow Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
9400 E Esmond Loop
Tucson, AZ 85747
(520) 879-2302
Gr: K-5 | 811 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #44.
Vail Blended Learning
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
10775 E Mary Ann Cleveland Way
Tucson, AZ 85747
(520) 879-1300
Gr: 6-12 | 72 students Student-teacher ratio: 72:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #55.
Desert Sky Middle School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
9850 E Rankin Loop
Tucson, AZ 85747
(520) 879-2700
Gr: 6-8 | 743 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 61%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in the neighborhood of Rita Ranch, Tucson, AZ?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in the neighborhood of Rita Ranch, Tucson, AZ include Esmond Station School, Mesquite Elementary School and Desert Willow Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in the neighborhood of Rita Ranch, Tucson?
5 public elementary schools are located in the neighborhood of Rita Ranch, Tucson.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of Rita Ranch, Tucson?
the neighborhood of Rita Ranch, Tucson public elementary schools minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arizona public elementary schools average of 67% (majority Hispanic).

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links