Serving 510 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 34%). 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 97% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Arizona state average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 510 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 7% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Desert Sands Middle School serves the northern part of Phoenix, AZ, covering an area of approximately 2.9 square miles. The typical drive to the school takes about 5 to 10 minutes, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 1.6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism's student population of 510 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 28 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
510 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Motto
Growing leaders and learners - every child, every classroom, every day!
School Rankings
Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism 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 Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism is 0.26, 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
#1737 out of 1921 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
9%
34%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
40%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
7%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
17:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
2%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
3%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
86%
49%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
8%
6%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
3%
33%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)62.6%
41.2%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
41%
Showing 2013–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
10%
7%
Showing 2008–2023. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism's ranking?
Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism is ranked #1737 out of 1,921 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 34% 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?
510 students attend Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
86% of Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Black, 3% of students are White, 2% of students are American Indian, 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).
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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