Desert Ridge High School was founded in 2002 in Mesa, Arizona, and is part of Gilbert Public Schools.
Serving 2,222 students in grades 8-12, Desert Ridge High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 37% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 54% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student:teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 42% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 8-12
- Enrollment: 2,222 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 42%
- Graduation Rate: 89% (Top 50% in AZ)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 37% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 54% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 14% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Desert Ridge High School's student population of 2,222 students has declined by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 111 teachers has declined by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 8-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,222 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
111 teachers
Year Founded
2002
Colors
Black, Red
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Fri. May 22, 2026
School Motto
Inspiring Excellence in Every Learner
School Rankings
Desert Ridge High School ranks within the top 30% of all 1,921 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desert Ridge High School is 0.57, 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
#526 out of 1921 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
54%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
14%
24%
Student : Teacher Ratio
20:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
5%
Asian
2%
3%
Hispanic
30%
48%
Black
3%
6%
White
58%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
89%
77%
Eligible for Free Lunch
23%
40%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Jaguar
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Ridge High School's ranking?
Desert Ridge High School is ranked #526 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Desert Ridge High School often compared to?
Desert Ridge High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Highland High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
37% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
What is the graduation rate of Desert Ridge High School?
The graduation rate of Desert Ridge High School is 89%, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 77%.
How many students attend Desert Ridge High School?
2,222 students attend Desert Ridge High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
58% of Desert Ridge High School students are White, 30% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Black, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Desert Ridge High School?
Desert Ridge High School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Desert Ridge High School offer ?
Desert Ridge High School offers enrollment in grades 8-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Desert Ridge High School part of?
Desert Ridge High School is part of Gilbert Unified District (4239) School District.
School Reviews
5 11/11/2013
We are writing to say as a former teachers,now retired and the grandparents of kyle Scalzo we couldn't be more proud of the education our grandson has received the past four years! He has been afforded so many wonderful opportunities at your school! All of his teachers have afforded him so many opportunities,especially his marketing teachers,band,calculus and others! Thanks so much for a wonderful education the past four years for our grandson!
Review Desert Ridge High 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
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children’s wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we’ll take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
