Shepherd Junior High School serves 632 students in grades 4-8.
Shepherd Junior High School placed in the top 50% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%) for the 2020-21 school year.
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 27% (which is lower than the Arizona state average of 32%) for the 2020-21 school year. The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 37% (which is lower than the Arizona state average of 39%) for the 2020-21 school year.
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2023-24)
- Grades: 4-8
- Enrollment: 632 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 40%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 27% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 37% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Shepherd Junior High School's student population of 632 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has grown by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 4-8
Total Students
632 students

Gender %

Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers

Students by Grade

School Rankings
Shepherd Junior High School is ranked within the top 50% of all 1,854 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2020-21 school year.
The diversity score of Shepherd Junior High School is 0.55, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.65. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#800 out of 1854 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)

Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
32%

Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
39%

Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
17:1

American Indian
1%
5%

Asian
1%
3%

Hispanic
30%
47%

Black
3%
6%

White
60%
35%

Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%

All Ethnic Groups



Eligible for Free Lunch
15%
29%

Eligible for Reduced Lunch (20-21)
7%
9%

School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: 2021-2022 (latest school year available) National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shepherd Junior High School's ranking?
Shepherd Junior High School is ranked #800 out of 1,854 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Shepherd Junior High School often compared to?
Shepherd Junior High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Fremont Junior High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
27% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 32% AZ state average), while 37% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 39% AZ state average).
How many students attend Shepherd Junior High School?
632 students attend Shepherd Junior High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
60% of Shepherd Junior High School students are White, 30% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Black, 1% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Shepherd Junior High School?
Shepherd Junior High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Shepherd Junior High School offer ?
Shepherd Junior High School offers enrollment in grades 4-8
What school district is Shepherd Junior High School part of?
Shepherd Junior High School is part of Mesa Unified District (4235) School District.
School Reviews
5 3/30/2009
I love going to Shepherd Jr. High. There's so many things to do and I actually learn something. The teachers are absolutely amazing and I would never want to transfer. Shepherd is amazing! Go band geeks, NAL Nerds, and etc.
5 7/1/2007
Overall I would say the quality of the academics are good. There is a small range of level however; it is pretty much advanced or normal. You choose one path and stay on it for the rest of your three years at the school. Everyone has a chance to be on either a sport, involved in the performing arts, extra electives, or all three. There is not awide range of extra curriculars. Most students are either on a sport of performing art field. If neither than its probably student council or the school's National Junior Honor Society. Every year 9th graders are always awarded with awards in all academic subjects, sports, and music. Some 8th graders are also involved.I would let everyone know that this school is pretty well rounded except they are extremely strict! When I was a student landyards had to be worn at all times and consequences such as detention followed if you didn't have it with you. Security is tight and there is not much room to roam around the school. I have heard that every year the school gets more and more controlling.
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