2022 Best Schools with Gifted and Talented Programs in the Tucson Area

University High School

• Tucson Unified School District, AZ
• 8-12
• Rating 4.06 out of 5  499 reviews

Alum: I really enjoyed my time at University High School! I felt that the teachers really wanted to connect with the students and put a lot of time and effort into their curriculum. One thing that I would like to see changed is the administration's efforts towards supporting their students' mental health. Since this school is a college prep one, it's easy to get pulled under by the work and feel subpar compared to students who are excelling. Overall, though, I really valued my time at this school...Read 499 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,150 Students
• 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Montessori Schoolhouse

• Public School
• TUCSON, AZ
• 1-5

• grade A+

• 77 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Sunrise Drive Elementary School

• Catalina Foothills Unified School District, AZ
• K-5
• Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: This is a wonderful school where teachers truly care about students. My children were made to feel welcomed and included from day 1, even starting in the middle of a challenging year for all schools. They have beautiful outdoor learning spaces that they utilize to the greatest extent. The teachers are kind and creative and highly qualified. I have one child who participates in the gifted program and loves it and one child who receives special education services and they are incredibly inclusive and wonderful with her. All my children made friends right away and love their teachers and the specials that are offered. The parent community is caring and involved, I cannot say enough good things about this school!...Read 1 Review

• grade A

• 547 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Orange Grove Middle School

• Catalina Foothills Unified School District, AZ
• 6-8
• Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Alum: Orange Grove has some extremely amazing teachers, and probably an overly high fraction of the teachers there are absolutely wonderful. Of course, not every single teacher can be so highly praised, but there are great opportunities to meet awesome faculty members who are very excited when returning students go to visit and talk about their lives. The teachers along with pretty advanced resources and future-planning activities truly prepare students for their futures, and are also a great place to return to when in need of some nostalgic comfort. The honors and gifted resources are very accommodating for students who need a challenge, and most other niches are amazingly welcoming to any students in need...Read 3 Reviews

• grade A

• 667 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Ocotillo Ridge Elementary School

• Vail Unified School District, AZ
• PK, K-5
• Rating 4.73 out of 5  15 reviews

Parent: Absolutely fabulous school! Absolutely fabulous district. I really have a great relationship with the school administration and it is wonderful!Read 15 Reviews

• grade A

• 569 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Desert Sky Middle School

• Vail Unified School District, AZ
• 6-8
• Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: Both of my daughters have now attended Desert Sky and loved it! Teachers and staff were responsive when they had an issue with an assignment or concern. They were involved in extra curricular activities like volleyball, basketball, Student Council, CIMI, and WEB. They have so many opportunities for the kids it’s amazing!...Read 3 Reviews

• grade A

• 753 Students
• 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Corona Foothills Middle School

• Vail Unified School District, AZ
• 6-8

• grade A

• 595 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Legacy Traditional School - NW Tucson

• Public School
• TUCSON, AZ
• K-8
• Rating 4 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: Our son was accepted middle of last year during the COVID-19 pandemic so he was behind in his academics when he started. Since starting at Legacy, he has been catching up. We’re loving the traditional instruction the Legacy offers. Highly recommended, by far the best school I have ever experienced...Read 4 Reviews

• grade A

• 1,192 Students
• 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Canyon View Elementary School

• Catalina Foothills Unified School District, AZ
• PK, K-5

• grade A

• 430 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Old Vail Middle School

• Vail Unified School District, AZ
• 6-8
• Rating 3.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: I love the school! My kids have wonderfulTeachers. They are all very caring and go above and beyond to help the studentsRead 3 Reviews

• grade A

• 876 Students
• 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Mesquite Elementary School

• Vail Unified School District, AZ
• K-5
• Rating 5 out of 5  6 reviews

Parent: I have been a Mesquite mom for 7 years. My oldest is now a 6th grader and my youngest is currently a 5th grader. We have been blessed to be a part of the Chinese Immersion program. All of the teachers at Mesquite have been amazing for both of my girls. I also can't say enough about our Special Education team. They have been there to support both my daughter and me through her years at Mesquite. My girls have had the chance to participate in art, drama, National Elementary Honor Society, and more. ...Status quo is never okay at Mesquite. They are always looking for ways to improve and lead the area in education. We are lucky to have such an amazing family of teachers and staff!Read 6 Reviews

• grade A

• 649 Students
• 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Senita Valley Elementary School

• Vail Unified School District, AZ
• PK, K-8
• Rating 5 out of 5  8 reviews

Niche User: The staff at Senita Valley are very supportive and caring of each other and welcome everyone with open arms. They are constantly seen having conversations with the kids, giving hugs and are almost always smiling. The overall environment is warm and inviting. This isn’t just a school, it’s a family!...Read 8 Reviews

• grade A

• 674 Students
• 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Manzanita School

• Catalina Foothills Unified School District, AZ
• K-5
• Rating 3.25 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: Outstanding school! Very dedicated teachers, wonderful administration. Supportive, involved parents. You can feel the sense of community that results form all parties working together in behalf of the students...Read 4 Reviews

• grade A

• 625 Students
• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Esperero Canyon Middle School

• Catalina Foothills Unified School District, AZ
• 6-8
• Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: I have nothing but wonderful things to say about ECMS. My daughter attended last year as a 6th grader. This was her first year in the district, having moved here from another state...and wow...what a wonderful experience. My daughter was always shy and didn't make friends and was rarely challenged. Now, my daughter is thriving, having found a community that cultivates my daughters passions and strengths, and one that fosters a great sense of community. My son now attends this middle school, and all I can say is how happy I am that my kids are students here. I am so thankful to the administration and teachers of CFSD and ECMS for the experience they are receiving...Read 3 Reviews

• grade A

• 620 Students
• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Rincon Vista Middle School

• Vail Unified School District, AZ
• 6-8
• Rating 5 out of 5  4 reviews

Middle School Student: I love Rincon Vista Middle School and the staff there! Many teachers are helpful and help you understand how to do things. I definitely want my younger brother to go here and have a similar experience to mine...Read 4 Reviews

• grade A

• 702 Students
• 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Esmond Station K-8 School

• Vail Unified School District, AZ
• PK, K-8
• Rating 4.25 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: This is an amazing K8 school! The staff genuinely cares for the students while creating an environment that creates stronger critical thinking kids. The culture on the campus is filled with kindness and a strong sense of community...Read 4 Reviews

• grade A

• 711 Students
• 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Copper Ridge Elementary School

• Vail Unified School District, AZ
• PK, K-5
• Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Outstanding administrators and teachers. Parent involvement is great, well balanced. School has excellent programs and resources for students on both sides of the academic achievement / needs spectrum. The community is relatively small and CRE is pretty much the focal point. The school has plenty of clubs and school events without over doing it. When we bought our next home, we only searched within the CRE school zone boundaries...our experience there has been that good...Read 1 Review

• grade A

• 387 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Sycamore Elementary School

• Vail Unified School District, AZ
• K-5
• Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

• grade A

• 668 Students
• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Ventana Vista Elementary School

• Catalina Foothills Unified School District, AZ
• K-5
• Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Sophomore: Excellent school! I went there for a long time. I love the campus and the teachers as well as all the activities we were able to do after school. I loved all the language programs they have there and I love how clean the campus is. I think it is a good school for anyone. This is the place where I learned how to read my first year of going to Ventana. In first grade I was in a sixth grade reading level. I was able to do that because of the teachers always willing to help me. Now I am in tenth grade and going strong because of the teachers in this school. I was also held responsible for my actions. I am so grateful for my experience throughout all the grades they have there. Thank you...Read 3 Reviews

• grade A

• 546 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Desert Willow Elementary School

• Vail Unified School District, AZ
• K-5
• Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: My kids have had a great education at Desert Willow. The teachers are caring and put in a lot of effort to making sure their classrooms are places where learning can happen for all the kids. I have spent a lot of time in classes as a volunteer and the positive reinforcement and extra help for kids who need it really help all the kids feel successful and make progress. Vail School District's philosophy of "Partners in Education" really is evident here and as a parent I feel like the teachers reach out to me to work together for the success of my kids. ...There are many after school clubs that let my kids explore their various interests, as well, which is really nice. I love that my kid can stay after for mileage club one day and soccer club another day and get some exercise in, while another kid enjoys singing in choir and math club. There's something for everyone...Read 2 Reviews

• grade A

• 817 Students
• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Cottonwood Elementary School

• Vail Unified School District, AZ
• K-6
• Rating 4.75 out of 5  12 reviews

Works Here: Cottonwood Elementary has been my home ever since I was a baby student teacher. I am SO incredibly fortunate that my path led me to this school as my home! I have grown tremendously as an educator because of the amazing supportive staff that we have been blessed with as well as the professional development consistently offered to help teachers as much as they possibly can. Cottonwood has a beautiful campus with teachers that genuinely love, support, and believe in their students to set high expectations that develop perseverance with confidence...Read 12 Reviews

• grade A

• 589 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Presidio School

• Public School
• TUCSON, AZ
• K-12
• Rating 3.92 out of 5  13 reviews

Parent: Excellent and one of the best charter school in tucson, i have two student studying in presidio and so far we are very happy for the progress of our 2 child thanks to all the teachers...Read 13 Reviews

• grade A

• 431 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Vail Academy and High School

• Vail Unified School District, AZ
• K-12
• Rating 4 out of 5  41 reviews

Alum: Vail Academy and High School is a very academic oriented school. There are no sports for high schoolers in Vail Academy but you can participate in the sports of neighboring schools such as Empire high school. Vail Academy has a wonderful staff and because it is small, special attention can be given to students if it is needed. Although there are no sports, there are many other extracurricular activities offered at Vail Academy such as participation in FBLA, Skills USA, and Robotics Club. Overall, I spent my entire high school career at Vail Academy and although it was most certainly not a normal high school experience, it was memorable and I was able to make great connections with my teachers and peers...Read 41 Reviews

• grade A

• 463 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Canyon Del Oro High School

• Amphitheater Unified School District, AZ
• PK, 9-12
• Rating 4.06 out of 5  502 reviews

Alum: My overall experience at CDO was a challenging from start to finish, and yet rewarding upon the completion of becoming a CDO graduate. CDO provides many educational opportunities that include the IB and JTED programs. I highly recommend CDO High School, for any student who is seeking these opportunities!...Read 502 Reviews

• grade A minus

• 1,580 Students
• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Acacia Elementary School

• Vail Unified School District, AZ
• K-5

• grade A minus

• 742 Students
• 452:1 Student-Teacher Ratio