Original Research by School Decision on Holladay Intermediate Magnet School
Holladay Intermediate Magnet School is a small public elementary school in Tucson Unified District, serving children from prekindergarten through fifth grade. The school is designated as a regular public school, and its name includes "Magnet," placing it within Tucson Unified's system of magnet schools. The district operates under a federal desegregation order known as the Unitary Status Plan, which shapes magnet school placement, student assignment, and transportation. That means enrollment at Holladay is not purely neighborhood-based; the magnet designation is tied to the district's integration goals, though the specific magnet theme or program focus is not detailed in the available data.
The student body is small and diverse. A majority of students are Hispanic, with a much smaller share of Black students, White students, students who identify as two or more races, and small numbers of Native American and Asian students. Information on the share of students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals, receive special education services, or are classified as English learners was not available, which limits a full picture of the student support needs.
State testing results for the most recent school year are suppressed for all tested grades (third through fifth) in math, English language arts, and science, meaning the numbers were not reported publicly, likely because the tested group in each grade was too small to report under state privacy rules. Aggregated data across all tested grades, which is reported, shows that proficiency rates in math and reading are low, with only a modest share of students meeting state standards. A parent considering this school may want to ask the school directly for a clearer picture of academic performance, including classroom-level progress and how the school supports students who are not yet at grade level.
The school is part of Tucson Unified, a large district that has seen a significant enrollment decline over the past decade, leading to ongoing discussions about school utilization and potential closures. A recent voter-approved override provides additional funding for teacher salaries, arts, music, physical education, magnet programs, full-day kindergarten, and class-size reduction, which supports programs like those at Holladay. The district's desegregation order also affects magnet school operations, so families should understand how student assignment works and whether there are transportation options.
The school is located in the city of Tucson, a major desert city with a historic downtown, the University of Arizona, and a wide geographic spread. The housing market in the school's zip code shows home values that are below the state average, and rents are moderate. The economy is anchored by the university and military installations, and the city has a reputation for its food culture and outdoor recreation. Walkability near the school is not detailed, but much of Tucson outside the downtown core is automobile-dependent.
This is a school that fits a family looking for a small elementary setting within a large urban district that offers magnet options. The low academic proficiency numbers are a soft spot that warrant a close look. Because the magnet theme is not specified in the data, a family should confirm what the magnet program actually offers and whether it aligns with their child's interests. The district's enrollment decline and desegregation framework add layers of complexity that are worth understanding before committing to a school choice.
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