Desert Ridge High School was founded in 2002 in Mesa, Arizona, and is part of Gilbert Public Schools.
Serving 2,103 students in grades 9-12, 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 43% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,103 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 43%
- 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%)
- Attendance Zone: Desert Ridge High serves the eastern part of Mesa, AZ, covering an area of approximately 17.9 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with an average distance of 2.4 miles to the school's edge and the furthest point being 4.7 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School News
- In The News: DRHS's 3rd Annual 9/11 Day of Service on Fox10 - 09/23/2026Desert Ridge High School's 3rd Annual 9/11 Day of Service made the News on Fox10.
- The Jaguar’s Back-to-School Guide for Desert Ridge High - 07/21/2026The first day of school is Tuesday, July 28. Start the school year strong with the Jaguar's BacktoSchool Guide, which includes important tools and resources that will help you make ...moreit the best year yet. hide
School Overview
Desert Ridge High School's student population of 2,103 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 107 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,103 students
Total Classroom Teachers
107 teachers
Year Founded
2002
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Thu. May 27, 2027
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 0.59, 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
3%
3%
Hispanic
29%
49%
Black
4%
6%
White
57%
33%
Two or more races
6%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
89%
77.8%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)39%
41.2%
Eligible for Free Lunch
24%
41%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Red and Black
School Mascot
Jaguar
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Notes
- Desert Ridge High School's mission is to foster responsible and productive citizens by promoting academic excellence and inspiring an attitude of inquiry and enthusiasm for lifelong learning while meeting the ever-changing needs of our diverse population.
- We are a campus community that is accepting of all students and offers unique and challenging opportunities to prepare students for the next steps in life.
- Desert Ridge students are encouraged to explore all our campus has to offer, both during and after the school day, as our students and community involvement truly sets Desert Ridge apart. Staff at Desert Ridge recognize the importance of supporting well-rounded, academically minded students in their journey through high school and beyond.
- We have 21 dual enrollment classes and 22 AP courses to prepare our College/University-bound students. Our career-bound students have access to a variety of Career and Technical Education programs, both on our campus and in our partnership with East Valley Institute of Technology.
- Discover the beauty of our open courtyard campus with abundant outdoor seating as well as our full-service cafeteria with plenty of indoor seating and a stage for lunchtime activities.
- Our students thrive becauseof their dedication and the commitment of our staff.
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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 77.8%.
How many students attend Desert Ridge High School?
2,103 students attend Desert Ridge High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
57% of Desert Ridge High School students are White, 29% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Black, 3% 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 9-12 (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 Reviews
5 10/10/2025
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!
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