Desert Shadows Elementary School

5902 E Sweetwater Ave
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(School attendance zone shown in map)
10/
10
Top 10%
Serving 554 students in grades Prekindergarten-6, Desert Shadows Elementary School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 63% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 68% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 32% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 67% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-6
  • Enrollment: 554 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 32%
  • : Top 10% in AZ
  • : 63% (Top 10%)
  • : 68% (Top 10%)
  • : 40-49% (Top 20%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Desert Shadows Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona for:

Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency

School Overview

Desert Shadows Elementary School's student population of 554 students has grown by 22% over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
554 students
Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
School Motto
A Journey of Excellence

School Rankings

Desert Shadows Elementary School ranks within the top 10% of all 1,921 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desert Shadows Elementary School is 0.50, 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)
#131 out of 1921 schools
(Top 10%)
63%
34%
68%
40%
40-49%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
5%
Asian
3%
3%
Hispanic
19%
49%
Black
2%
6%
White
68%
33%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
0.50
Eligible for Free Lunch
10%
41%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Paradise Valley Unified District (4241)
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Desert Shadows Elementary School's ranking?
Desert Shadows Elementary School is ranked #131 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Desert Shadows Elementary School often compared to?
Desert Shadows Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Liberty Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
63% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 68% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
How many students attend Desert Shadows Elementary School?
554 students attend Desert Shadows Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
68% of Desert Shadows Elementary School students are White, 19% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desert Shadows Elementary School?
Desert Shadows Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Desert Shadows Elementary School offer ?
Desert Shadows Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Desert Shadows Elementary School part of?
Desert Shadows Elementary School is part of Paradise Valley Unified District (4241).
In what neighborhood is Desert Shadows Elementary School located?
Desert Shadows Elementary School is located in the Paradise Valley Village neighborhood of Scottsdale, AZ. There are 6 other public schools located in Paradise Valley Village.

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Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-6
  • Enrollment: 554 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 32%
  • : Top 10%
  • : 63% (Top 10%)
  • : 68% (Top 10%)
  • : 40-49% (Top 20%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education

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