Serving 518 students in grades 6-8, Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism 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 9% (which is lower than the Arizona state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 19% (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 98% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Arizona state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 518 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 7% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism's student population of 518 students has declined by 43% over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has declined by 44% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
518 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,956 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism 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
#1761 out of 1956 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
9%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
7%
24%
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
17:1
American Indian
2%
5%
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
85%
48%
Black
8%
6%
White
2%
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 Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism's ranking?
Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism is ranked #1761 out of 1,956 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Arizona.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
9% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% AZ state average), while 19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
How many students attend Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism?
518 students attend Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
85% of Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Black, 2% of students are American Indian, 2% of students are White, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism?
Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism offer ?
Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism part of?
Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism is part of Cartwright Elementary District (4282) School District.
In what neighborhood is Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism located?
Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism is located in the Maryvale Village neighborhood of Phoenix, AZ. There are 65 other public schools located in Maryvale Village.
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