Maricopa Unified School District (4441), AZ

Original Research by School Decision on Maricopa Unified School District (4441)

Maricopa Unified School District serves prekindergarten through twelfth grade in Pinal County, Arizona, a fast-growing area south of the Phoenix metro. The district operates thirteen schools, including two comprehensive high schools, two middle schools, multiple elementary schools, two preschools, and a virtual academy. It is a mid-sized district by enrollment. The student body is diverse, with Hispanic students forming the largest group, followed by White students, Black students, and smaller shares of multiracial, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander students. Data on the share of students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals was not available, nor were counts of students with disabilities or English learners, so a full picture of economic and special education support is missing from the public record.

Academically, the district’s state test results place it below the midpoint among Pinal County’s districts on an overall proficiency index that averages performance across tested subjects and grades. On the most recent state assessments, proficiency rates in math and English language arts varied by grade level, generally falling in the range roughly from one in ten students proficient to just over one in three. The higher rates tended to appear in the early elementary grades, while middle school math proficiency was notably lower. In science, proficiency was about three in ten at fifth grade and two in ten at eighth grade. The district’s chronic absenteeism rate, meaning students who miss a substantial portion of the school year, is above the midpoint among county districts, which is a concern for consistent learning. Statewide graduation rate data was not reported in the available information, so that metric cannot be assessed here.

The district has invested in growth. It recently opened Desert Sunrise High School as a second comprehensive high school, giving families a choice and adding capacity for a student population that has been expanding. The district’s per-pupil current spending is in the lower range compared to other Pinal County districts, which may shape class sizes and resource availability. Families considering the district will find that program offerings, such as Advanced Placement, career and technical education, or dual enrollment, were not listed in the data available; a parent may want to ask the district directly about these options.

Housing in the areas served by the district is relatively affordable by Arizona standards. Typical home values are below the statewide average, though they vary by zip code, with the bulk of enrollment in Maricopa and a smaller portion in a Phoenix zip. Rents are moderate, and housing costs are generally lower than in many parts of the state. The local housing market has seen a modest decline in values over the past year, which may affect property tax revenues for the district but could also offer entry points for new residents.

Overall, Maricopa Unified School District fits families who value a growing community with affordable housing and want the convenience of two high school options. The academic data shows room for improvement, particularly in middle school math and in reducing absenteeism. A parent looking for a district with strong test scores or extensive programs will want to investigate further, while those moving to the area for work or lower costs may find the district a practical choice, especially if they are prepared to supplement classroom learning at home or seek support from teachers directly. The absence of key data on economic need, special education, and graduation rates makes it harder to fully evaluate student supports, so direct inquiries to the district office would be prudent.

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District Context

Officially reported figures, 2024-25.

Enrollment

9,225

Grades

PK–12

Schools

Student body

Hispanic 45%

Black 16%

White 25%

Asian 2%

Two+ 7%

Am. Indian / AK Native 4%

Hawaiian / Pac. Isl. 1%

By economic status

Percent proficient by grade, as reported

Economically disadvantaged

Not disadvantaged

ELA

Gr 3

23%

—

Gr 4

31%

—

Gr 5

23%

—

Gr 6

24%

—

Gr 7

23%

—

Gr 8

24%

—

Math

Gr 3

28%

—

Gr 4

24%

—

Gr 5

20%

—

Gr 6

—

Gr 7

—

Gr 8

—

Science

Gr 5

22%

—

Gr 8

14%

—

Schools in this District

13 schools are officially reported under this district.

Maricopa Elementary School

Maricopa High School

Maricopa Wells Middle School

Pima Butte Elementary School

Santa Cruz Elementary School

Desert Wind Middle School

Butterfield Elementary School

Saddleback Elementary School

Santa Rosa Elementary School

Santa Rosa Preschool

Saddleback Preschool

Maricopa Virtual Academy

Desert Sunrise High School

Academic Performance

Percent of students meeting or exceeding state standards, by grade.

Mathematics

6 grades reported

34%

Grade 3

28%

Grade 4

26%

Grade 5

10%

Grade 6

11%

Grade 7

12%

Grade 8

English Language Arts

6 grades reported

29%

Grade 3

36%

Grade 4

29%

Grade 5

27%

Grade 6

31%

Grade 7

30%

Grade 8

Science

2 grades reported

30%

Grade 5

20%

Grade 8

Housing & Real Estate

Data as of April 2026 | District-weighted from constituent ZIP codes

Home Values

Typical home value$358,942

Year-over-year change-3.7%

Range across 3 ZIP codes$339K to $445K

vs. state typical0.85x

vs. national typical0.97x

Home value trend (12 months)

ZIP code home values (3 ZIP codes)

ZIP	City	Value	YoY	Weight
85139	Maricopa	$339K	-4.3%	53.5%
85138	Maricopa	$347K	-3.8%	27.9%
85339	Phoenix	$445K	-1.9%	15.9%

Rental Market

Typical monthly rent$1,800/mo

Year-over-year change-1.8%

Range across 3 ZIP codes$1,649 to $2,181/mo

Rent trend (12 months)

ZIP code rents (3 ZIP codes)

ZIP	City	Rent/mo	YoY	Weight
85139	Maricopa	$1,649	-5.1%	53.5%
85138	Maricopa	$1,874	+3.0%	27.9%
85339	Phoenix	$2,181	+1.0%	15.9%

Affordability

Est. monthly mortgage (20% down at 6.48%)$1,811/mo

Home price / national median income4.3x

Annual rent / national median income25.8%

Est. mortgage exceeds rent by$11/mo

Comparison

State typical home value$423,746 (-1.6% YoY)

National typical home value$368,198 (+0.6% YoY)

State ZHVI trend (12 months)

National ZHVI trend (12 months)

Economic Context

30-year fixed mortgage rate6.48%

National unemployment rate4.3%

National median household income$83,730

CPI: Rent of shelter (index)447.05

30-year fixed mortgage rate (12 months)

National unemployment rate (12 months)

National median household income (12 months)

CPI: Rent of shelter (index) (12 months)

Sources: Zillow Home Value Index and Zillow Observed Rent Index (Zillow Group), Realtor.com via Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED)

Data Currently Unavailable

Civil Rights Data (CRDC)

This profile is derived exclusively from publicly available federal and state datasets. It may not reflect the most current information available. We encourage parents and families to supplement this data with information published directly on the school’s website, which may include more recent figures, additional programs, or updated enrollment data.