Blue Ridge Unified School District is a rural district located in the east-central part of the state.  The community sits around 7000 feet of elevation perched atop the Mogollon Rim.  In 2012, the population was approximated at 4272 people.  That population tends to spike during the summer months to an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 people.  The community borders the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation, which lies to the south.  The District community demographics reflect the current regional trend of increasing cultural diversity in the Southwestern region of the United States.  The District currently has approximately 2165 students enrolled.  Caucasians comprise 78% of the enrolled student population.  Hispanics make up 11% of the population.  Native American heritage is reflected in 10% of the population.  African Americans and Asian students comprise slightly less than 1% of the demographic breakdown respectively. 

Tourism is the cornerstone of the economic foundation of the Pinetop-Lakeside community.   The District consists of three schools; Blue Ridge Elementary School (K-6), Blue Ridge Junior High (7-8), and Blue Ridge High School (9-12).