New School Grading System Means Fewer A’s for Arizona Schools

Hey Phoenix expats and digital nomads, it's Vivian here, your go-to localista on all things happening in the Valley. As you know, I’ve been settling in here for a few years now, and it’s been fascinating to see how the town works. This week, the Arizona State Board of Education made a decision that could significantly affect our local schools: they voted to raise the proficiency and growth targets for A-F letter grades, a move that could lead to fewer A-rated schools.

According to the Arizona Department of Education, up to 50 high schools in Arizona might lose their A grades under the new system. In 2025, a whopping 70% of 11th graders failed to meet the state’s math proficiency standards, and 60% didn’t meet the English language arts standards. These new standards mean that more students will have to pass state standardized tests to earn an A grade, which could be a real budget-buster for families and a headache for parents trying to pick the best school for their kids.

The new changes are part of a larger overhaul of the A-F letter-grade system, which includes charter schools. However, private schools, including those receiving state tax dollars through Empowerment Scholarship Accounts, are not affected by these changes. Public schools are rated based on a variety of criteria, including test scores, growth, and other measures, but with the new standards, it seems the bar is being raised significantly.

This could impact everything from school funding to parent expectations. If you have kids in school, keep an eye on how these changes play out. It might be worth reaching out to your local school board or PTA to see how they plan to navigate these new requirements. And for those of you considering private schooling, now might be a good time to check if the new standards affect your options.