Serving 441 students in grades 6-8, Desert Sands Middle School 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 95% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Arizona state average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 441 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 95%
- 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 Middle School's student population of 441 students has declined by 52% over five school years.
The teacher population of 25 teachers has declined by 51% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
Total Students
441 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
Students by Grade
School Calendar
School Rankings
Desert Sands Middle School 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 Middle School is 0.26, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.65. 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
1%
5%
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
86%
47%
Black
6%
6%
White
5%
35%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
34%
29%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (19-20)
8%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Sands Middle School's ranking?
Desert Sands Middle School 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 Middle School?
441 students attend Desert Sands Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
86% of Desert Sands Middle School students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Black, 5% of students are White, 1% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Desert Sands Middle School?
Desert Sands Middle School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Desert Sands Middle School offer ?
Desert Sands Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8
What school district is Desert Sands Middle School part of?
Desert Sands Middle School is part of Cartwright Elementary District (4282) School District.
In what neighborhood is Desert Sands Middle School located?
Desert Sands Middle School is located in the Maryvale Village neighborhood of Phoenix, AZ. There are 65 other public schools located in Maryvale Village.
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