Serving 690 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Desert Horizon Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 10% (which is lower than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 17% (which is lower than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Arizona state average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 690 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 95%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 10% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 17% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Desert Horizon Elementary School serves the southeast part of Phoenix, AZ, covering an area of approximately 0.7 square miles. Families typically have a 5-10 minute drive to the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 0.6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Desert Horizon Elementary School's student population of 690 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 39 teachers has declined by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
690 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
39 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
2000
School Calendar
School Motto
Inspiring and growing tomorrow’s leaders, today
School Rankings
Desert Horizon Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,921 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desert Horizon Elementary School is 0.27, 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
#1722 out of 1921 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10%
34%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
17%
40%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
17:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
3%
Showing 2013–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
85%
49%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
7%
6%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
5%
33%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
1%
4%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)52%
41.2%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
41%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
10%
7%
Showing 2010–2023. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Horizon Elementary School's ranking?
Desert Horizon Elementary School is ranked #1722 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Desert Horizon Elementary School often compared to?
Desert Horizon Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Pendergast Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
10% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 17% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
How many students attend Desert Horizon Elementary School?
690 students attend Desert Horizon Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
85% of Desert Horizon Elementary School students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Black, 5% of students are White, 1% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desert Horizon Elementary School?
Desert Horizon Elementary School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Desert Horizon Elementary School offer ?
Desert Horizon Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Desert Horizon Elementary School part of?
Desert Horizon Elementary School is part of Pendergast Elementary District (4283).
In what neighborhood is Desert Horizon Elementary School located?
Desert Horizon Elementary School is located in the Contempo Del Este neighborhood of Phoenix, AZ.
School Reviews
Review Desert Horizon Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Can Your Child Get Into School Clubs and Activities?
Discover whether your child can access advertised school clubs and activities, including enrollment limits, tryouts, fees, transportation, scheduling conflicts, and essential questions parents should ask before choosing schools today.
Who Supervises Students When Their Teacher Is Out?
Discover who supervises students when regular teachers are absent, how schools arrange classroom coverage, what qualifications substitutes need, and which questions parents should ask about safety and learning continuity.
When the School Nurse Isn't There: Parent Guide
Learn what happens when school nurses are absent, how public schools handle medications and emergencies, and which essential questions parents should ask to protect their children's health and safety daily.
