Serving 729 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 21:1 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 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 729 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- 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%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Desert Horizon Elementary School's student population of 729 students has declined by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 34 teachers has declined by 32% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
729 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
34 teachers
Year Founded
2000
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
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 0.30, 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%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
17%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
24%
Student : Teacher Ratio
21:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
5%
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
83%
48%
Black
8%
6%
White
5%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
40%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
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?
729 students attend Desert Horizon Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
83% of Desert Horizon Elementary School students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Black, 5% of students are White, 2% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Desert Horizon Elementary School?
Desert Horizon Elementary School has a student ration of 21:1, 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) School District.
In what neighborhood is Desert Horizon Elementary School located?
Desert Horizon Elementary School is located in the Contempo Del Este neighborhood of Phoenix, AZ.
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