Serving 925 students in grades 7-8, Desert Ridge Jr. High School ranks in the top 50% 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 41% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 19:1 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: 7-8
- Enrollment: 925 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 43%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 41% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 26% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Desert Ridge Jr. High serves the eastern part of Mesa, AZ, covering an area of approximately 16.4 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the average distance from the school to the edge of the attendance zone being 2.2 miles and the furthest edge located 4.9 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School News
- The Rattler’s Back-to-School Guide for Desert Ridge Junior High - 06/21/2026The first day of school is Tuesday, July 28. Start the school year strong with the Rattler's BacktoSchool Guide, which includes important tools and resources that will help you make ...moreit the best year yet. hide
- Desert Ridge Junior High's Yearbook Adviser, Jeanette Lockwood, Earn National Honors - 03/02/2026Desert Ridge Junior High's Yearbook teacher, Jeanette Lockwood, has been nationally recognized for excellence in scholastic journalism and advising.
School Overview
Desert Ridge Jr. High School's student population of 925 students has grown by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 48 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
925 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
48 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
2001
School Calendar
School Motto
Rattlers Reign
School Rankings
Desert Ridge Jr. High School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,921 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desert Ridge Jr. 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
#617 out of 1921 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
34%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
40%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
17:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
2%
3%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
30%
49%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Black
4%
6%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
White
57%
33%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
6%
4%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)34.2%
41.2%
Eligible for Free Lunch
27%
41%
Showing 2013–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
10%
Showing 2011–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Black, Green, Purple
School Mascot
Rattler
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Notes
- Our mission is to create academic growth, inspire a growth mindset, and develop self-esteem through relationships and expectations.
- We encourage our students to work together to solve problems and to help each other be successful. Our administration and staff ensure students know they are going to be safe and respected at our school and encourage students to be involved in all aspects of our school. Our athletic teams are successful and also well respected, winning championships and sportsmanship awards.
- Desert Ridge Junior is an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) school. This is a program for students who, with support, could be the first-generation college-bound in their families. We partner with students and their families reviewing the student's scores and working together on how to raise them.
- Once you tour our school, see our beautiful campus, and talk to our staff you will know you have found the school for your child.
- As one of our teachers recently stated, "Perhaps the the greatest draw of DRJHS is the amazing culture that has been built and continues to grow. The administration has worked hard to create a culture that the faculty, staff, and students have embraced. It is a culture of safety, security, and acceptance. It is a culture of academic growth. A culture of athletic pride and excellence. A culture of high-quality performing arts. A culture of diversified clubs, social events, and fun activities that happen during and after school. Desert Ridge Junior High School is a place where teachers and staff enjoy being, which has a positive effect on students."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Ridge Jr. High School's ranking?
Desert Ridge Jr. High School is ranked #617 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Desert Ridge Jr. High School often compared to?
Desert Ridge Jr. High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Highland Jr High School, Smith Junior High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
41% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 45% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
How many students attend Desert Ridge Jr. High School?
925 students attend Desert Ridge Jr. High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
57% of Desert Ridge Jr. High School students are White, 30% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Black, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desert Ridge Jr. High School?
Desert Ridge Jr. High School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Desert Ridge Jr. High School offer ?
Desert Ridge Jr. High School offers enrollment in grades 7-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Desert Ridge Jr. High School part of?
Desert Ridge Jr. High School is part of Gilbert Unified District (4239).
School Reviews
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