Desiderata High School in Phoenix, AZ has an enrollment of 73 students across grades 9 through 12, with a student–teacher ratio reported as 0:1 in recent years due to no assigned teachers.
The school's graduation rate is 50%, which is lower than the Arizona state average of 77% and the Phoenix Union High School District rate of 73%, a trend that has remained stable from 2013 to 2023.
Math proficiency at Desiderata was 29% in 2023, below the state average of 34% but higher than the district average of 13%, showing a decline from a high of 66% in 2013.
Reading proficiency is 39%, which is approximately equal to the state average of 40% and notably above the district average of 20% in 2022, though this represents a decline from over 80% proficiency in 2012.
Hispanic students make up nearly 45% of the student body, followed by Black (29%) and White (22%) students, with free lunch eligibility steady at about 5%, indicating stable socioeconomic composition.
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Special education school
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 67 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
- Minority Enrollment: 78%
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Desiderata Program's student population of 67 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 9 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
67 students
Total Classroom Teachers
9 teachers
School Rankings
The diversity score of Desiderata Program is 0.65, 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.
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
17:1
American Indian
2%
5%
Asian
n/a
3%
Hispanic
49%
49%
Black
25%
6%
White
22%
33%
Hawaiian
2%
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
6%
41%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (03-04)
11%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
How many students attend Desiderata Program?
67 students attend Desiderata Program.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of Desiderata Program students are Hispanic, 25% of students are Black, 22% of students are White, 2% of students are American Indian, and 2% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desiderata Program?
Desiderata Program has a student ration of 7:1, which is lower than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Desiderata Program offer ?
Desiderata Program offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Desiderata Program part of?
Desiderata Program is part of Phoenix Union High School District (4286).
School Reviews
Review Desiderata Program. 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
Recent Articles
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.
