Serving 191 students in grades Prekindergarten-6, Desert Sun Academy ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 45-49% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 27% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 191 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 27%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-39% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Desert Sun Academy serves the southeast part of the Cave Creek, AZ, school district, covering an area of approximately 108.1 square miles. Families can expect a typical drive of 20-30 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 16.3 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Desert Sun Academy's student population of 191 students has declined by 43% over five school years.
The teacher population of 14 teachers has declined by 36% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
191 students
Total Classroom Teachers
14 teachers
School Rankings
Desert Sun Academy ranks within the top 30% of all 1,921 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desert Sun Academy is 0.43, 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
#453 out of 1921 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
5%
Asian
n/a
3%
Hispanic
20%
49%
Black
2%
6%
White
73%
33%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)49.2%
41.2%
Eligible for Free Lunch
24%
41%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Sun Academy's ranking?
Desert Sun Academy is ranked #453 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Desert Sun Academy often compared to?
Desert Sun Academyis often viewed alongside schools like Horseshoe Trails Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
How many students attend Desert Sun Academy?
191 students attend Desert Sun Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
73% of Desert Sun Academy students are White, 20% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desert Sun Academy?
Desert Sun Academy has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Desert Sun Academy offer ?
Desert Sun Academy offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Desert Sun Academy part of?
Desert Sun Academy is part of Cave Creek Unified District (4244).
School Calendar
View the Desert Sun Academy yearly calendar below.
School Reviews
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