Desert Shadows Middle School

340 Blvd. Del Rey David
Nogales, AZ 85621
(School attendance zone shown in map)
6/
10
Top 50%
Serving 765 students in grades 6-8, Desert Shadows Middle School ranks in the top 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 28% (which is lower than the Arizona state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 39% (which is lower than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student:teacher ratio of 23:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 765 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 23:1
  • : Top 50% in AZ
  • : 28% (Btm 50%)
  • : 39% (Top 50%)
  • : 17% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Desert Shadows Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona for:

Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools

School Overview

Desert Shadows Middle School's student population of 765 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 34 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
765 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
34 teachers

School Rankings

Desert Shadows Middle School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,956 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desert Shadows Middle School is 0.02, 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.
This School
State Level (AZ)
#929 out of 1956 schools
(Top 50%)
28%
35%
39%
40%
17%
24%
Student : Teacher Ratio
23:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
5%
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
99%
48%
Black
n/a
6%
White
n/a
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
0.02
Eligible for Free Lunch
63%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
91%
10%
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Desert Shadows Middle School's ranking?
Desert Shadows Middle School is ranked #929 out of 1,956 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Arizona.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
28% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% AZ state average), while 39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
How many students attend Desert Shadows Middle School?
765 students attend Desert Shadows Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
99% of Desert Shadows Middle School students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Desert Shadows Middle School?
Desert Shadows Middle School has a student ration of 23:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Desert Shadows Middle School offer ?
Desert Shadows Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Desert Shadows Middle School part of?
Desert Shadows Middle School is part of Nogales Unified District (4457) School District.

School Reviews

Review Desert Shadows Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.
Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.
Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 765 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 23:1
  • : Top 50%
  • : 28% (Btm 50%)
  • : 39% (Top 50%)
  • : 17% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education

Quick Links