- Winters Well Elementary School — Grades PK–5 · 663 students
- Desert Sunset Elementary School — Grades PK–5 · 648 students
- Tonopah Valley High School — Grades 7–12 · 869 students
- Ruth Fisher Middle School — Grades PK–12 · 745 students
- Tartesso Elementary School — Grades PK–8 · 340 students
- Saddle Mountain Online Academy — Grades K–12
| Metric | Saddle Mountain Unified School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 3,146 | 3,700 | ≈ Near average |
| Number of Schools | 6 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $10,800/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | — | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 4/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saddle Mountain Unified School District (this district) | 4/10 | 31st | 3,146 |
| Agua Fria Union High School District | 6/10 | 51st | 9,632 |
| Tolleson Union High School District | 3/10 | 27th | 13,741 |
| Wickenburg Unified District | 4/10 | 32nd | 1,298 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 492 rated districts in AZ → 31st percentile → 4/10.
Source: Arizona Dept. of Education AASA/ACT/MSAA combined assessments, Percent Passing, 2025. Full methodology →
About Saddle Mountain Unified School District
Saddle Mountain Unified School District is the public school district assigned to zip code 85396 in Saddle Mountain, Arizona. Serving students from Pre-K–12th, this district is the primary public education system for families living in and around zip code 85396. The sections below cover the district’s resources, scale, rating, and everything families need to know about enrollment and school assignment.
Understanding the 4/10 Rating
SchoolDistrictFinder rates Saddle Mountain Unified School District 4 out of 10 — below average among Arizona public school districts. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Arizona’s AASA/ACT/MSAA combined assessments (2025 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Arizona is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Saddle Mountain Unified School District carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Arizona benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 85396
Children in zip code 85396 are assigned to Saddle Mountain Unified School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K–12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 85396, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Saddle Mountain Unified School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include a signed lease or mortgage statement, birth certificate, state-required immunization documentation, and recent report cards or transcripts. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Arizona districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Buckeye
Research consistently shows that district assignment affects residential property values. Because Saddle Mountain Unified School District serves zip code 85396, district assignment still factors into home-pricing comparisons between zip code 85396 and neighboring areas. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Arizona, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Saddle Mountain Unified School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 85396.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Saddle Mountain Unified School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 85396 data.