For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public charter schools serving 263 students in Santa Cruz County, AZ.
The top-ranked public charter schools in Santa Cruz County, AZ are Mexicayotl Charter School, Patagonia Montessori School and Montessori De Santa Cruz Charter School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Santa Cruz County, AZ public charter schools have an average math proficiency score of 49% (versus the Arizona public charter school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 63% (versus the 47% statewide average). Charter schools in Santa Cruz County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of Arizona public charter schools.
Minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arizona public charter school average of 64% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Charter Schools in Santa Cruz County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Mexicayotl Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2059 N Grand Ave
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 624-4018
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 624-4018
Gr: K-8 | 165 students
Rank: #22.
Patagonia Montessori School
Charter School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
500 N 3rd Ave
Patagonia, AZ 85624
(520) 394-9530
Patagonia, AZ 85624
(520) 394-9530
Gr: K-8 | 26 students Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #33.
Montessori De Santa Cruz Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2875 E Frontage Rd
Tubac, AZ 85646
(520) 398-0536
Tubac, AZ 85646
(520) 398-0536
Gr: K-8 | 72 students Minority enrollment: 65%
Santa Cruz County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Aoc-santa Cruz County Juvenile Detention Center (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
1260 N Hohokam Dr
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 375-8193
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 375-8193
Gr: 3-12
Jail-santa Cruz County Sheriffs Office Elementary School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
1250 N Hohokam Dr
Nogales, AZ 85628
(520) 761-7869
Nogales, AZ 85628
(520) 761-7869
Gr: 9-12
Nogales Special Programs (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
310 W Plum St
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 287-0800
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 287-0800
Gr: Inquire with school | 58 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
P.o. Box 254
Patagonia, AZ 85624
(520) 394-3000
Patagonia, AZ 85624
(520) 394-3000
Gr: 6-8 | 45 students Minority enrollment: 64%
131 Camino Maricopa
Rio Rico, AZ 85648
(520) 281-8282
Rio Rico, AZ 85648
(520) 281-8282
Gr: PK-5
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public charter schools in Santa Cruz County, AZ?
The top-ranked public charter schools in Santa Cruz County, AZ include Mexicayotl Charter School, Patagonia Montessori School and Montessori De Santa Cruz Charter School.
How many public charter schools are located in Santa Cruz County?
3 public charter schools are located in Santa Cruz County.
What is the racial composition of students in Santa Cruz County?
Santa Cruz County public charter schools minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arizona public charter schools average of 64% (majority Hispanic).
Which public charter schools in Santa Cruz County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public charter schools in Santa Cruz County include: Montessori De Santa Cruz Charter School vs. Patagonia Montessori School, Patagonia Montessori School vs. Montessori De Santa Cruz Charter School
Recent Articles
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Key Questions
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Questions Every Parent Should Ask to support academic growth, social development, and 2026 classroom goals.
Prepare for Spring Tests Without Anxiety
Learn how to prepare for spring standardized tests without increasing anxiety using proven strategies for families and schools.
Why Public Schools Are Launching Marketing Campaigns in 2026
Discover why public schools are launching marketing campaigns in 2026 and how enrollment shifts, school choice, and funding pressures are driving change.