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A group photo of the Payne Junior High girls soccer team and their coach standing with their trophy on the field. There are brown mountains in the background.
Congrats, Panthers!

Your Panthers won the 2026 8th Grade Girls Soccer East Valley Conference (EVC) Championship 3-0. Great job on an amazing game!

Junior high students play the cello and violin on stage with others.
Find your Passions

At Payne Junior High, students can find and explore their passions in fine arts, athletics, and more. 

A group of young athletes in sports uniforms celebrating and raising a trophy together in a classroom setting with various posters and displays on the walls.
Your EVC Champs!

Our 8th Grade Girls Volleyball team won the 2025-2026 East Valley Conference (EVC) Championship in September!

A student plays the flute during CUSD Secondary Band Festival.
Fine Arts

Payne has many fine arts opportunities for students.

Welcome To Payne Junior High School, An Arizona Department Of Education 'A' Rated School!

What Makes Payne So Special?

Payne Junior High School specializes in guiding students through their vital formative years by creating a community where they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We offer a comprehensive curriculum that pairs core academic essentials with a diverse range of electives designed to spark curiosity and independent thinking. What makes Payne special is our focus on the whole child—by blending high academic standards with strong character development and a vibrant campus life filled with sports, clubs, and leadership opportunities, we ensure our students are fully prepared for the challenges of high school and beyond.

A conductor directs a large orchestra of young musicians seated on a stage in front of a dark curtain.

Activities & Extracurriculars

Finding Connection Activities & Extracurriculars

At Payne Jr. High, students can explore their interests, build lasting friendships, and grow beyond the classroom through a large number clubs, and engaging extracurricular activities.

Payne Junior High School student observes a specimen under a microscope

Payne's Gifted
Program

Cultivating Gifted Minds

The Payne Gifted Program challenges advanced learners through an accelerated, multi-dimensional curriculum, developing critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and a lifelong responsibility to the school and community.

A group of young athletes in sports uniforms celebrating and raising a trophy together in a classroom setting with various posters and displays on the walls.

Championship
Athletics

Finding Connection Through
Top-Tier Athletics

Beyond the classroom, Payne Jr. High School fosters a tradition of excellence through elite, championship-winning athletic programs that develop the next generation of competitors and leaders.

Payne At A Glance

#PaynePantherPride

Top 13%

Of All AZ Schools On State Assessments

16.1 yrs

Average Certified Teaching Experience

15

Different Home Languages Spoken

Ready to start your journey?

Enroll Today

Need a bit more information?

Contact Us

What Our Community Members Are Saying

PJHS Testimonial 2

"The people here are just fun! The staff here are always friendly and the teachers are amazing! I love all of my teachers! Payne does a great job of getting me prepared for high school and even college."

Hanna (Student)

PJHS Testimonial 1

"They bring everybody into the whole school together as a community."

Shannon M. (Parent)

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