- Duncan High School — Grades 9–12 · 113 students
- Duncan Elementary — Grades PK–8 · 256 students
with district
with district
with district
| Metric | Duncan Unified District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | — | 3,700 | Data not available |
| Number of Schools | 3 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $10,800/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | Not rated | — | Near average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duncan Unified District (this district) | NR | — | — |
| Miami Unified District | 1/10 | 4th | 933 |
| Payson Unified District | 5/10 | 41st | 2,318 |
| Fort Thomas Unified District | 1/10 | 7th | 620 |
About Duncan Unified District
Duncan Unified District is the public school district assigned to zip code 85540 in Duncan, Arizona. Serving students from Pre-K – 12th, this district is the primary public education system for families living in and around zip code 85540. 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 Duncan Unified 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.
Duncan Unified 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 85540
Children in zip code 85540 are assigned to Duncan Unified 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 85540, 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 Duncan Unified District at (928)359-2472. 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 Morenci
Research consistently shows that district assignment affects residential property values. Because Duncan Unified District serves zip code 85540, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 85540. 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 Duncan Unified 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 85540.
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 Duncan Unified District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 85540 data.