Serving 906 students in grades 6-8, Desert Hills Middle School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Washington for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 47% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 65% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 53%).
The student-teacher ratio of 23:1 is higher than the Washington state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Washington state average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 906 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Minority Enrollment: 26%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in WA
- Math Proficiency: 47% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 47% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Desert Hills Middle School serves the northern part of Kennewick, WA, covering an attendance area of approximately 26.9 square miles. Families can typically expect a drive of 10-12 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 8.4 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Desert Hills Middle School's student population of 906 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 40 teachers has declined by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
906 students
Total Classroom Teachers
40 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Desert Hills Middle School ranks within the top 30% of all 2,088 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desert Hills Middle School is 0.42, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#586 out of 2088 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65%
53%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
49%
Student-Teacher Ratio
23:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
2%
9%
Hispanic
17%
27%
Black
1%
5%
White
74%
47%
Hawaiian
n/a
2%
Two or more races
6%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)23.1%
34.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
18%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Hills Middle School's ranking?
Desert Hills Middle School is ranked #586 out of 2,088 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Desert Hills Middle School often compared to?
Desert Hills Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Highlands Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
47% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% WA state average), while 65% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
How many students attend Desert Hills Middle School?
906 students attend Desert Hills Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
74% of Desert Hills Middle School students are White, 17% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desert Hills Middle School?
Desert Hills Middle School has a student ration of 23:1, which is higher than the Washington state average of 17:1.
What grades does Desert Hills Middle School offer ?
Desert Hills Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Desert Hills Middle School part of?
Desert Hills Middle School is part of Kennewick School District.
School Reviews
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