Serving 423 students in grades 6-8, Desert Canyon Middle School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 59% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 56% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is lower than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 423 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 30%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 59% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 56% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: Desert Canyon Middle School serves the northeast part of Scottsdale, AZ, covering an area of approximately 11.4 square miles. Most students typically live within a 5-10 minute drive from the school, with an average distance of 2.1 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 3.6 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Desert Canyon Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Desert Canyon Middle School's student population of 423 students has grown by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 28 teachers has grown by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
423 students
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
School Rankings
Desert Canyon Middle School ranks within the top 20% of all 1,921 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desert Canyon Middle School is 0.49, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#280 out of 1921 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
59%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
56%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
5%
Asian
8%
3%
Hispanic
12%
49%
Black
5%
6%
White
70%
33%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)28.4%
41.2%
Eligible for Free Lunch
14%
41%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Wolves
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Canyon Middle School's ranking?
Desert Canyon Middle School is ranked #280 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Desert Canyon Middle School often compared to?
Desert Canyon Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Mountainside Middle School, Cheyenne Traditional School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 56% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
How many students attend Desert Canyon Middle School?
423 students attend Desert Canyon Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
70% of Desert Canyon Middle School students are White, 12% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Asian, 5% of students are Black, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desert Canyon Middle School?
Desert Canyon Middle School has a student ration of 15:1, which is lower than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Desert Canyon Middle School offer ?
Desert Canyon Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Desert Canyon Middle School part of?
Desert Canyon Middle School is part of Scottsdale Unified District (4240).
In what neighborhood is Desert Canyon Middle School located?
Desert Canyon Middle School is located in the North Scottsdale neighborhood of Scottsdale, AZ. There are 3 other public schools located in North Scottsdale.
School Reviews
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