Thunderbird High School

Thunderbird High School

Public High School | Grade 9-12
1750 W Thunderbird Rd,  Phoenix, AZ
Glendale Union High School District
3.9
3.5
1,547 Students
A-
Niche Grade

School Details

Head of School
Principal Jeannie Paparella
Student Teacher Ratio
24:1
Average SAT Score
1170
Average ACT Score
24
Math Proficiency
42%
Reading Proficiency
54%
Average GPA
3.49
Graduation Rate
90%

Niche Grade

B+
Academics
B+
Teachers
B+
College Prep
B-
Administration
B-
Resources/Facilities
B
Clubs and Activities
A-
Sports
C+
Food
Source: Niche
Niche Grades

Niche grades and rankings are calculated using dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews. Niche data scientists and user researchers rigorously analyze data and user opinions to assess the key aspects of K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Places to Live. Every month, millions of students and families use the Niche grades and report cards to find the right school or neighborhood.

Niche Grade Details

Academics
Average GPA
3.49
Reading Proficiency
54%
Math Proficiency
42%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
24:1
Teachers
67
Full Time Teachers
67
Teachers in First or Second Year
4.2%
College Prep
Average SAT
1170
Math
580
Verbal
590
Average ACT
24
Math
24
English
24
Reading
25
Science
24
Number of AP Courses
17
AP Pass Rate
78%
AP Math Enrollment
Average
AP Science Enrollment
Low
Other AP Enrollment
Very Low
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Average
Boys Athletic Participation
High

GreatSchools Rating

Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

GreatSchools Rating Details

Test Scores

Science
22%
State Average
31%
Math
24%
State Average
44%
GreatSchools Test Scores Rating
GreatSchools
The Test Score Rating reflects annual state test results for this school compared with scores statewide.

Teachers and Staff

Students Per Counselor
422:1

Student Diversity

Male
51.2%
Female
48.8%
Economically disadvantaged
52.6%
Male
51.2%
Female
48.8%
Hispanic
46.8%
White
36.5%
Black
7.9%
Limited English proficient
7.3%
Two or more races
4%
Native American
2.6%

Specialty School Programs

AP Programs Offered
IB Programs Offered
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
Athletics Program

Colleges Students are Considering

Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
Arizona State University 442 Students
Northern Arizona University 436 Students
University of Arizona 261 Students
Grand Canyon University 258 Students
Arizona State University - West Campus 121 Students
University of California - Los Angeles 105 Students
University of San Diego 79 Students
Glendale Community College - Arizona 79 Students
Paradise Valley Community College 78 Students
Phoenix College 69 Students

What Students Want to Study

Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Psychology 92 Students
Business 91 Students
Biology 72 Students
Nursing 66 Students
Pre-Medicine Studies 41 Students
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration 30 Students
Criminology 30 Students
Pre-Law Studies 27 Students
Kinesiology and Exercise Science 21 Students
Film and Video Studies 21 Students

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.9 379 Reviews
5.0 Senior
10/29/2025
My overall experience with my high school is a great one. I like that it is very diverse and open to any student wanting to join the school. I also like that there has been no violence with guns or weapons that have happened in my school, and there have never been any real drills. Not only is it very diverse, but it also gets you ready for your future, with your counselors being very available and flexible to talk about any future concerns. The counselors also have some days where they come into our class or vice versa and talk about college, work, etc. I don't like that my school doesn't have other dual enrollment options except college math or college algebra. I think if there were more options, more students would like to have that opportunity for future college plans. I also like that my school includes students with disabilities, having a separate area/classrooms for them, different timed activities just for them, and supporting them all the way, like you would any other student.
3.0 Senior
10/12/2025
I like it, but I also don't like it if you want to go, go if you don't, don't go. but they also need more appreciation for Hispanics.
4.0 Senior
4/14/2025
I enjoyed going to school at Thunderbird. I made a lot of life long friends and received the opportunity to play college football. I wish the Arts programs were better, because I enjoyed playing in the orchestra in Middle School. I wish that our facilities were better taken care of, because our school is pretty old so there are a lot of things that are falling apart. I'm glad I was able to attend Thunderbird, I learned a lot.
GreatSchools Reviews
3.5 11 Reviews
1.0 parent
9/5/2025
This school allows racism. Be aware that the teachers and principal support racist behavior. This has been ongoing behavior since the MAGA movement started.
5.0 parent
12/5/2022
High School is challenging no matter what school your student attends. We love that Thunderbird High School has a leadership culture where Juniors and Seniors are strongly encouraged to welcome and support the underclass students. In programs like Band and the NJROTC our experience is that Juniors a...
4.0 parent
11/14/2021
Our son is an honors student at Thunderbird currently. He has a 504 Plan, which his counselor does a good job helping communicate and coordinate with his teachers. In our experience, the district strives to give equal opportunities to all students. Arizona demands a lot of its educators, yet pays no...
5.0 parent
8/9/2019
Child is a recent graduate and had great teachers all 4 years. my only complaint with the school is that their "career center" is very mediocre and does little to help kids research post high school things. Very hard for kids to get one on one help, encouragement, advise on continuing their educatio...

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Thunderbird High School is a public school for students in grades 9-12 in Phoenix, AZ and is served by the Glendale Union High School District in Arizona. Annual tuition is $0. The school has a total enrollment of 1,547 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 24:1. Academic records show that 42% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 54% are proficient in reading. Thunderbird High School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of A- and a GreatSchools Rating of 9 out of 10. The average GPA is 3.49, the graduation rate is 90%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1170 and an ACT score of 24. The average home value in this area is $418,767. Discover additional schools in the area, like West-Mec - Thunderbird High School, Moon Valley High School, West-Mec - Moon Valley High School, and more. Learn more about what Phoenix has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Thunderbird High School.

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