BASIS Charter Schools have once again been named the best in the nation. In the newly released 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings, BASIS Tucson North claimed the #1 spot, marking the second year in a row a BASIS school has led the list.
BASIS Peoria earned the distinction in 2024.
In all, 11 BASIS campuses placed in the Top 100 nationwide—more than any other school network. Two ranked among the Top 20 (#1 BASIS Tucson North and #17 BASIS Phoenix), and nine were recognized among the Top 100 STEM high schools. All of Arizona’s Top 10 high schools are BASIS campuses.
“This achievement reaffirms what families in each of our school communities already know—a BASIS education is unmatched,” said Peter Bezanson, co-chairman of BASIS Educational Ventures. “At BASIS, our students don’t just meet expectations; they exceed them, thanks to the relentless dedication of our teachers, students, and families.”
A proven model of success
The U.S. News rankings evaluate schools on six factors: college readiness, college curriculum breadth, state assessment proficiency and performance, underserved student performance, and graduation rate. Nearly 18,000 schools were reviewed nationwide using 2022–23 academic year data.
BASIS leaders point to a rigorous curriculum that begins in primary grades and builds toward Advanced Placement and STEM-focused coursework in high school.
“Every BASIS campus shares in this honor,” Bezanson said. “Whether you teach engineering in kindergarten or AP Physics in high school, your work directly impacts our students’ national-level success.”
Driving Arizona’s competitiveness
Education leaders and business advocates alike say Arizona’s strong performance in national school rankings underscores the state’s commitment to school choice and educational excellence. High-performing schools not only benefit families but also help strengthen Arizona’s competitiveness in attracting companies and top talent.
“Arizona’s reputation for educational choice and excellence is a key part of our economic development strategy,” said Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “When employers see that our state offers families access to some of the best public schools in the country, it makes Arizona an even more attractive place to invest, expand, and create jobs.”
Jake Logan, president and CEO of the Arizona Charter Schools Association, noted that Arizona’s charter system is a model for the nation.
“These rankings highlight how charter schools empower families and drive innovation,” Logan said. “Arizona charter schools like BASIS are proving that every student, regardless of background, can achieve at the very highest levels.”
Rankings by the numbers
- National: 11 BASIS schools in the Top 100, led by #1 BASIS Tucson North
- STEM: Nine BASIS schools in the Top 100, including #2 BASIS Chandler and #3 BASIS Peoria
- Charter: 12 BASIS schools in the Top 40 nationwide
- Arizona: All Top 10 high schools in the state are BASIS campuses
- Texas & D.C.: BASIS San Antonio Shavano ranked #7 in Texas and #1 in San Antonio; BASIS DC ranked #2 in Washington, D.C., and is the city’s top-ranked open-enrollment high school
Preparing students for the future
Since opening BASIS Tucson North in 1998, the network has grown to more than 40 campuses in Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, and Washington, D.C. The schools offer a STEM-infused liberal arts curriculum designed to prepare students for college, career, and leadership in a global economy. Applications for the 2026–27 school year open November 4, 2025. More information is available through the BASIS Charter Schools enrollment guide.
