Shepherd Junior High School in Mesa, AZ serves grades 4–8 with a current enrollment of 667 students and a student–teacher ratio of 20:1, which is higher than the state average ratio of 18:1.
Math proficiency is 33%, approximately equal to the Mesa Unified District average of 33% but slightly lower than the Arizona state average of 34%.
Reading proficiency stands at 36%, which is lower than the state average of 40% and the district average of 38%.
Science proficiency is 23%, approximately equal to the district average of 22% and marginally lower than the state average of 24%.
The school's overall ranking declined from #332 in 2013 to #838 in 2023, indicating a downward trend in comparative performance.
Minority enrollment accounts for 44% of the student body, and free or reduced–price lunch eligibility increased to 35% in 2023 from 15% in 2022, reflecting a notable rise in low–income student population.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 4-8
- Enrollment: 581 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 38%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 33% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 36% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 23% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Shepherd Junior High School serves the northeast part of Mesa, AZ, covering an area of approximately 19.9 square miles. Families in the attendance zone can expect a typical drive of 10 to 12 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge being about 5.9 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Shepherd Junior High School's student population of 581 students has declined by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 28 teachers has declined by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 4-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
581 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
Shepherd Junior High School 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 Shepherd Junior High School is 0.54, 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
#838 out of 1921 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
34%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
36%
40%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
23%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
17:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
2%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
3%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
28%
49%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Black
3%
6%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
White
62%
33%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
4%
4%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)38.7%
41.2%
Eligible for Free Lunch
38%
41%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
10%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: 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 #838 out of 1,921 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?
33% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 36% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
How many students attend Shepherd Junior High School?
581 students attend Shepherd Junior High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of Shepherd Junior High School students are White, 28% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Black, 2% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Shepherd Junior High School?
Shepherd Junior High School has a student ration of 21:1, 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 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Shepherd Junior High School part of?
Shepherd Junior High School is part of Mesa Unified District (4235).
In what neighborhood is Shepherd Junior High School located?
Shepherd Junior High School is located in the Alta Mesa Community Association neighborhood of Mesa, AZ. There are 1 other public schools located in Alta Mesa Community Association.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
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.
5 10/10/2025
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.
Review Shepherd Junior High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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