Shepherd Junior High School

1407 N Alta Mesa Dr
Mesa, AZ 85205
(School attendance zone shown in map)
5/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 603 students in grades 4-8, Shepherd Junior High 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 22% (which is lower than the Arizona state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 36% (which is lower than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 42% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 65% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • School Type: Magnet School
  • Grades: 4-8
  • Enrollment: 603 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 18:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 42%
  • : Bottom 50% in AZ
  • : 22% (Btm 50%)
  • : 36% (Top 50%)
  • : 23% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education

School Overview

Shepherd Junior High School's student population of 603 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 34 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 4-8
Total Students
603 students
This chart displays total students of Shepherd Junior High School by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
Gender %
This chart displays gender of Shepherd Junior High School
Total Classroom Teachers
34 teachers
This chart displays the total teachers of Shepherd Junior High School by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
Students by Grade
This chart displays the students of Shepherd Junior High School by grade.

School Rankings

Shepherd Junior High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,956 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Shepherd Junior High School 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.
This School
State Level (AZ)
#1096 out of 1956 schools
(Bottom 50%)
This chart displays the overall school rank of Shepherd Junior High School, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
22%
35%
This chart displays the percentage of students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Math of Shepherd Junior High School and the percentage of public school students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Math of public schools in Arizona by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
36%
40%
This chart displays the percentage of students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Reading/Language Arts of Shepherd Junior High School and the percentage of public school students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Reading/Language Arts of Arizona by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
23%
24%
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
17:1
This chart displays the student teacher ratio of Shepherd Junior High School and the public school average student teacher ratio of Arizona by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
American Indian
1%
5%
This chart displays the percentage of American Indian students in Shepherd Junior High School and percentage of American Indian public school students in Arizona by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
Asian
2%
3%
This chart displays the percentage of Asian students in Shepherd Junior High School and the percentage of Asian public school students in Arizona by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
Hispanic
31%
47%
This chart displays the percentage of Hispanic students in Shepherd Junior High School and the percentage of Hispanic public school students in Arizona by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
Black
2%
6%
This chart displays the percentage of Black students in Shepherd Junior High School and the percentage of Black public school students in Arizona by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
White
58%
35%
This chart displays the percentage of White students in Shepherd Junior High School and the percentage of White public school students in Arizona by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
5%
4%
This chart displays the percentage of students of two or more races in Shepherd Junior High School and the percentage of public school students of two or more races in Arizona by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
All Ethnic Groups
This chart displays the percentage breakdown of students of all ethnic groups in Shepherd Junior High School.
This chart displays the percentage breakdown of public school students of all ethnic groups in Arizona.
0.57
This chart displays the diversity score of Shepherd Junior High School and the public school average diversity score of Arizona by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
Eligible for Free Lunch
25%
39%
This chart displays the percentage of students who is eligible for free lunch in Shepherd Junior High School and the percentage of public school students who is eligible for free lunch in Arizona by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
7%
This chart displays the percentage of students who is eligible for reduced lunch in Shepherd Junior High School and the percentage of public school students who is eligible for reduced lunch in Arizona by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
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 #1096 out of 1,956 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 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?
22% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% 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?
603 students attend Shepherd Junior High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
58% of Shepherd Junior High School students are White, 31% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, 2% of students are Black, 1% of students are American Indian, 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.
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   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.
- Posted by Student/Alumni - kuege
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.
- Posted by Student/Alumni - violi

Review Shepherd Junior High School. 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
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

How Does Bullying Affect a Student’s Academic Performance?
How Does Bullying Affect a Student’s Academic Performance?
We explore the significant impact of bullying on students' academic performance, discussing statistics, research findings, and long-term effects. It provides valuable insights for educators and parents on recognizing bullying behaviors and implementing effective prevention strategies to create a safe learning environment.
Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?
Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?
This comprehensive guide explores the increasing trend of legal prosecution for school fights, discussing recent incidents, age considerations, and the shift from traditional school punishments to law enforcement involvement. It provides valuable insights for parents, educators, and students about the evolving landscape of school discipline and safety measures.
Understanding Rubrics
Understanding Rubrics
This article explores the fundamental principles of rubrics in education, focusing on their role as assessment tools. It breaks down the key components of rubrics, including criteria, performance levels, and descriptors. The piece also delves into the two main types of rubrics - holistic and analytic - providing authoritative definitions and explaining their unique applications in educational settings.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • School Type: Magnet School
  • Grades: 4-8
  • Enrollment: 603 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 18:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 42%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 22% (Btm 50%)
  • : 36% (Top 50%)
  • : 23% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education

Related School Videos

Quick Links