The Ultimate Guide to Schools in San Tan Valley, Arizona (2025 Ultimate Guide)

by Heath Sullivan

The Ultimate Guide to Schools in San Tan Valley, Arizona (2025 Edition)

Introduction

Once considered a quiet rural suburb, San Tan Valley has transformed into a thriving community with affordable housing, beautiful master-planned neighborhoods, and a fast-improving school system.

Families are drawn here for A-rated campuses, new charter schools, and proximity to Queen Creek and Gilbert while maintaining value and space.

This 2025 guide gives you a complete overview of every major school district serving San Tan Valley, along with rankings, feeder patterns, and neighborhood insights so you can choose your ideal home + school combination.

1. Public School Districts Serving San Tan Valley

J.O. Combs Unified School District (JOCUSD)

Ranking: #27 of 132 AZ districts (Niche 2025)
Rating: A– on AZ Dept. of Education report
Students: ~5,000 across 8 schools
Highlights: Strong STEM programs + excellent community culture
www.jocombs.org

Florence Unified School District (FUSD)

Ranking: #33 of 132 (Niche 2025)
Rating: B+ statewide; large district serving most of San Tan Valley east of Ironwood Dr.
Students: ~9,000 across 17 schools
Focus: College prep, CTE (agriculture & tech), and performing arts
www.fusdaz.com

Coolidge Unified School District (CUSD #21)

Serves far-southeast San Tan Valley rural areas.
Smaller district, tight-knit community schools.
www.coolidgeschools.org

2. Neighborhood Zoning Overview

Community / Subdivision	District Zone	Feeder High School
Johnson Ranch	FUSD	Poston Butte High
Skyline Ranch	JOCUSD	Combs High
Copper Basin	FUSD	Poston Butte High
Circle Cross Ranch	JOCUSD	Combs High
Ironwood Crossing	JOCUSD	Combs High
Pecan Creek South	FUSD	Poston Butte High
San Tan Heights	FUSD	San Tan Foothills High
Magma Ranch	FUSD	San Tan Foothills High
Meadow Vista Estates	FUSD	Poston Butte High

Interactive Map: Florence USD Boundary Map | Combs District Map

3. Feeder Patterns (Example Flow)

Elementary School	Middle School	High School	District
Ranch Elementary	Skyline Ranch Jr. High	Poston Butte High	FUSD
Copper Basin K-8	Copper Basin Jr. High	Poston Butte High	FUSD
Ellsworth Elementary	J.O. Combs Middle School	Combs High	JOCUSD
Simonton Elementary	J.O. Combs Middle School	Combs High	JOCUSD
Magma Ranch Elementary	Magma Ranch Middle	San Tan Foothills High	FUSD

4. Top Public Elementary Schools in San Tan Valley (Ranked)

Rank	School	Grades	District	Highlights
1	Ellsworth Elementary	PK–6	JOCUSD	STEM labs + A rating from AZ Dept. of Ed.
2	Ranch Elementary	PK–6	FUSD	A+ School of Excellence; top teacher ratings
3	Simonton Elementary	PK–6	JOCUSD	Project-based learning & community focus
4	Copper Basin K-8	K–8	FUSD	Consistently above-average state scores
5	Magma Ranch Elementary	K–6	FUSD	Newer campus serving east STV

5. Top Middle & Junior High Schools in San Tan Valley

Rank	School	Grades	District	Highlights
1	Skyline Ranch Junior High	7–8	FUSD	Modern STEM programs; feeds Poston Butte High
2	J.O. Combs Middle School	7–8	JOCUSD	Award-winning arts & leadership curriculum
3	Magma Ranch Middle School	7–8	FUSD	Strong athletics & academic growth

6. Top High Schools in San Tan Valley (2025)

Rank	School	District	Rating	Highlights
1	Combs High School	JOCUSD	9/10	CTE career programs + college dual enrollment
2	Poston Butte High School	FUSD	8/10	A rating & renowned agriculture science program
3	San Tan Foothills High School	FUSD	8/10	Smaller campus feel; excellent athletics program

7. Top Charter Schools in San Tan Valley

Rank	School	Grades	Rating	Highlights
1	American Leadership Academy – Ironwood Campus	K–12	10/10	Leadership model + A+ Academy rating
2	Champion Schools San Tan	K–8	9/10	Personalized learning & strong athletics
3	Imagine Prep at Superstition	6–12	9/10	College prep focus + arts programs
4	Cambridge Academy East	K–8	8/10	STEM-based curriculum with small class sizes
5	Leading Edge Academy San Tan	K–8	8/10	Strong community focus & academics

8. Private Schools Serving San Tan Valley

School	Grades	Type	Highlights
Eduprize Private Prep	K–8	Private	STEM and project-based learning
American Heritage Academy	K–12	Faith-Based	Character development curriculum
Queen Creek Christian Academy	K–8	Faith-Based	Located near border with QC; small class sizes
Desert Sonshine Preschool & Academy	PreK–5	Private	Early childhood education with faith integration

9. Lifestyle & Commuter Notes

Most families in STV work in Gilbert, Queen Creek, or Mesa (20–35 min avg commute).
Best zones for resale + schools: Johnson Ranch (FUSD) & Ironwood Crossing (JOCUSD).
New homes in Magma Ranch & San Tan Heights offer value with newer A-rated school boundaries.

10. Parent Tips

Apply for open enrollment (January – March) to access preferred district schools.
Verify zoning each year, San Tan Valley’s growth means boundary updates are frequent.
Charter lotteries fill fast: ALA & Champion Schools often have wait lists.
Consider commute to work + school balance when choosing between north and south zones.

Summary

San Tan Valley delivers big value for families A-rated schools, brand-new campuses, and affordable homes make it a top choice for East Valley buyers. Between J.O. Combs and Florence Unified Districts, you’ll find dedicated educators, strong community involvement, and a growing network of charter and private options.

If you’re looking for family-friendly living without the Gilbert price tag, but with many of the same academic advantages, San Tan Valley is the perfect fit.

Ready to explore homes in San Tan Valley’s top school zones? Let’s find your perfect match.

Heath Sullivan THE REALTOR EXTRAORDINAIRE!!!

If you’re looking to buy, sell, invest, or sell me your home… RING ME!!!

☎️ 480-201-5555
📥 heath@ownphxaz.com
🌎 www.ownphxaz.com