Catalina High School

Catalina High School

Public High School | Grade 8-12
3645 E Pima St,  Tucson, AZ
Palo Verde Neighborhood
Tucson Unified School District
3.4
2.2
567 Students
C
Niche Grade
Opened in 1957, Catalina High is a public school serving more than 550 students in ninth through twelfth grades as part of the Tucson Unified School District. At Catalina, the teachers follow an Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) approach to learning. Here, the curriculum immerses students in writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization and reading in all subjects to prepare them to be global citizens. In addition to traditional subjects, the school offers a robust career and technical education program where students can earn school credit in key trade disciplines. Students can learn global cuisine, restaurant management, nutrition and other food industry skills in the renowned Catalina Culinary Program. Students interested in the construction industry can take hands-on courses in plumbing, electrical, sheet metal, carpentry and can earn OSHA certification in the process as they learn from industry professionals. Outside of the classroom, students can also participate in music, visual arts and performing arts, including engaging in performances themselves at local venues. The more athletic set can take advantage of Catalina’s extensive athletics program which includes football, softball, soccer, track and field, cross country, swimming, spirit line and many more. By fostering a wide range of interests, Catalina High School prepares students for the real world.

School Details

Student Teacher Ratio
11:1
Average SAT Score
1150
Average ACT Score
18
Math Proficiency
12%
Reading Proficiency
12%
Average GPA
3.22
Graduation Rate
67%

Niche Grade

C-
Academics
C
Teachers
B-
College Prep
C-
Administration
B-
Resources/Facilities
C+
Clubs and Activities
B
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
3.22
Reading Proficiency
12%
Math Proficiency
12%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
11:1
Teachers
56
Full Time Teachers
56
Teachers in First or Second Year
1.9%
College Prep
Average SAT
1150
Math
570
Verbal
580
Average ACT
18
Math
18
English
17
Reading
18
Science
17
Number of AP Courses
10
AP Pass Rate
0%
AP Math Enrollment
Very Low
AP Science Enrollment
Low
Other AP Enrollment
Low
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Average
Boys Athletic Participation
Low

GreatSchools Rating

3
Equity
2
College Readiness
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

Math
9%
State Average
44%
Science
4%
State Average
31%
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
288:1

Student Diversity

Male
53.8%
Female
46.2%
Economically disadvantaged
86.9%
Male
53.8%
Female
46.2%
Hispanic
45.7%
Limited English proficient
31.1%
Black
25.4%
White
13.1%
Asian
5.2%
Two or more races
4.2%
Native American
3.5%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
2.9%

School Rankings

#8 Most Diverse Public HS in Arizona
Source: Niche

Specialty School Programs

AP Programs Offered
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
Athletics Program

Colleges Students are Considering

Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
University of Arizona 144 Students
Pima Community College 77 Students
Northern Arizona University 71 Students
Arizona State University 56 Students
Grand Canyon University 36 Students
Arizona State University - West Campus 21 Students
Phoenix College 19 Students
University of New Mexico 18 Students
University of California - Los Angeles 17 Students
New Mexico State University 17 Students

What Students Want to Study

Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Business 22 Students
Nursing 17 Students
Psychology 16 Students
Pre-Medicine Studies 15 Students
Computer Science 8 Students
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration 8 Students
Cosmetology 8 Students
International Business 8 Students
Small Business Management 7 Students
Graphic Design 7 Students

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.4 85 Reviews
4.0 Junior
6/11/2025
I have been to a lot of schools and the teachers at Catalina seem to care a lot more than teachers at other schools.
5.0 Senior
12/13/2019
Dear parents and students, I am excited to tell you that I have experience the best time during my academic year at catalina high school. Catalina high is one of the top ranked school for academic innovations and and creativity. in fact it was the first school with the idea of conference Period, which has boosted academic performance that place the school at the second place on azmerit test in 2017-2018. Not forgetting about the staff and administration. catalina high school's teachers and staffs are very welcoming and supportive. I like the moment when the teacher or counselor calls you out and tells ask how he/she could help on an issue. catalina high school has a high diversity of students. student of every culture, race, and originality are found at this school. as for now, there are students from more than 20 different countries, speaking more than 30 different languages. what's amazing about this is that many of these talented students are involved in sport and other activities
5.0 Junior
9/10/2019
Catalina is a high performance school with many available resources and opportunities to any one there. The staff at Catalina high is very welcoming and helpful they make sure your doing good in every single class.
See All Niche Reviews
GreatSchools Reviews
2.2 4 Reviews
1.0 student
4/15/2020
The worst experience of my entire life. I developed PTSD and anger issues from how often I would have to fight people because the staff didn’t get involved in conflict, so that would be the only resolution.
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1.0 student
3/19/2015
This school was just terrible! I attended Catalina, up to my Senior year. Not only do most teachers not communicate with the students about missing homework, but most don't take their jobs as serious as they should. During my sophomore year, my math teacher gave us notes and work from a book, then w...
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2.0 parent
12/10/2012
This school has been a failing school under No Child Left Behind for several years, and a review of the schools scores shows that the scores are dropping every year. In addition, while many of the teachers do a very good job, I have found several to be unwilling to communicate with me regarding the...
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5.0 student
8/15/2011
Catalina is a great school! It's the largest (size) high school in Arizona, the second biggest (1,500 students) and the 2nd oldest (built 1957) high school in Tucson. The school has many great magnet programs such as an Aviation program if you want to be a pilot, Allied Health if you want to be a do...
Read Full Review
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Arizona Pima County Tucson 85716 Palo Verde
Catalina High School

Catalina High School is a public school for students in grades 8-12 in Tucson, AZ and is served by the Tucson Unified School District in Arizona. Annual tuition is $0. The school has a total enrollment of 567 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 11:1. Academic records show that 12% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 12% are proficient in reading. Catalina High School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of C and a GreatSchools Rating of 2 out of 10. The average GPA is 3.22, the graduation rate is 67%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1150 and an ACT score of 18. The average home value in this area is $332,029. Discover additional schools in the area, like Rincon High School, Pcjted - Rincon High School, University High School - Tucson Unified School District, and more. Learn more about what Tucson has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Catalina High School.

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