Serving 928 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Desert Thunder ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 30% (which is lower than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 46% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 25:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Arizona state average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 928 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1
- Minority Enrollment: 82%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 30% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 46% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 32% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Desert Thunder serves the northwest part of Goodyear, AZ, encompassing an attendance area of approximately 3.5 square miles. Families can typically expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to the school, with most residents living about 1.1 miles from the school and the furthest edge of the zone located 1.7 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Desert Thunder's student population of 928 students has grown by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 37 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
928 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
37 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
2004
School Calendar
School Rankings
Desert Thunder ranks within the top 50% of all 1,921 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desert Thunder is 0.57, 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
#744 out of 1921 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
34%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
40%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
25:1
17:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
3%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
62%
49%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Black
15%
6%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
White
18%
33%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
2%
4%
Showing 2013–2025. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)44.3%
41.2%
Eligible for Free Lunch
7%
41%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
10%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Navy blue and silver
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Thunder's ranking?
Desert Thunder is ranked #744 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Desert Thunder often compared to?
Desert Thunderis often viewed alongside schools like Copper Trails by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 46% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
How many students attend Desert Thunder?
928 students attend Desert Thunder.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of Desert Thunder students are Hispanic, 18% of students are White, 15% of students are Black, 2% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desert Thunder?
Desert Thunder has a student ration of 25:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Desert Thunder offer ?
Desert Thunder offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Desert Thunder part of?
Desert Thunder is part of Avondale Elementary District (4272).
In what neighborhood is Desert Thunder located?
Desert Thunder is located in the Canyon Trails neighborhood of Goodyear, AZ. There are 1 other public schools located in Canyon Trails.
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