Serving 898 students in grades 6-8, Desert Wind 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 12% (which is lower than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 31% (which is lower than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Arizona state average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 898 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 78%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 12% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 31% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Desert Wind Middle School serves the eastern part of Maricopa, AZ, covering an approximate area of 33.7 square miles. Families within this zone can expect a typical drive of 10 to 12 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge located about 7.3 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Desert Wind Middle School's student population of 898 students has grown by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 43 teachers has grown by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
898 students
Total Classroom Teachers
43 teachers
Year Founded
1912
Average Class Size
20 students
School Rankings
Desert Wind Middle School 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 Wind Middle School is 0.71, which is more 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
#1372 out of 1921 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
12%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
17:1
American Indian
3%
5%
Asian
2%
3%
Hispanic
45%
49%
Black
19%
6%
White
22%
33%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
8%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)18%
41.2%
Eligible for Free Lunch
26%
41%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Wind Middle School's ranking?
Desert Wind Middle School is ranked #1372 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Desert Wind Middle School often compared to?
Desert Wind Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Maricopa Wells Middle School, Maricopa High School, Santa Cruz Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
12% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 31% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
How many students attend Desert Wind Middle School?
898 students attend Desert Wind Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of Desert Wind Middle School students are Hispanic, 22% of students are White, 19% of students are Black, 8% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are American Indian, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desert Wind Middle School?
Desert Wind Middle School has a student ration of 21:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Desert Wind Middle School offer ?
Desert Wind Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Desert Wind Middle School part of?
Desert Wind Middle School is part of Maricopa Unified School District (4441).
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