- Julia Randall Elementary School — Grades 2–5 · 503 students
- Payson Elementary School — Grades K–2 · 430 students
- Rim Country Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 478 students
- Payson High School — Grades 9–12 · 733 students
- Payson Center for Success - Online — Grades 7–12
- Payson Center for Success High School
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| Metric | Payson Unified District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 2,318 | 3,700 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 5 | 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 | 5/10 — Average | — | Near average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payson Unified District (this district) | 5/10 | 41st | 2,318 |
| Duncan Unified District | 4/10 | 35th | — |
| Fort Thomas Unified District | 1/10 | 7th | 620 |
| Miami Unified District | 1/10 | 4th | 933 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 492 rated districts in AZ → 41st percentile → 5/10.
Source: Arizona Dept. of Education AASA/ACT/MSAA combined assessments, Percent Passing, 2025. Full methodology →
About Payson Unified District
Zip code 85541 in Payson, Arizona is served by Payson Unified District for public school enrollment. The district covers grades Pre-K – 12th. This page provides a data-driven overview of Payson Unified District’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Understanding the 5/10 Rating
With a rating of 5/10 (average), Payson Unified District ranks among Arizona’s average-rated school systems. 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.
Payson Unified District falls near the middle of Arizona on state assessment results, with reading and math proficiency close to the state median. Average-rated districts provide foundational public education, and many families find they deliver solid day-to-day learning — particularly when parents stay engaged. If you're considering this area, look beyond the overall rating: visit schools, talk to current parents, and research the specific school your child would attend. Average districts often have individual schools that significantly outperform the district mean.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 85541
Children in zip code 85541 are assigned to Payson 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 85541, 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 Payson Unified District at (928)474-2070 or visit www.pusd10.org. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. 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 Payson
For families considering a purchase in the Payson area, district assignment matters financially. Because Payson Unified District serves zip code 85541, district assignment still factors into home-pricing comparisons between zip code 85541 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 Payson 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 85541.
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 Payson Unified District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 85541 data.