Serving 791 students in grades 5-8, Desert Shadows Middle School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 51% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 63% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 5-8
- Enrollment: 791 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 31%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 51% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 63% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 37% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Desert Shadows Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Desert Shadows Middle School's student population of 791 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 39 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
791 students
Total Classroom Teachers
39 teachers
Year Founded
1981
School Rankings
Desert Shadows Middle School ranks within the top 20% of all 1,921 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desert Shadows Middle School is 0.49, 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
#284 out of 1921 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
63%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
17:1
American Indian
2%
5%
Asian
3%
3%
Hispanic
18%
49%
Black
2%
6%
White
69%
33%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
9%
41%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Paradise Valley Unified District (4241)
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wildcat
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Shadows Middle School's ranking?
Desert Shadows Middle School is ranked #284 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Desert Shadows Middle School often compared to?
Desert Shadows Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Sunrise Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
51% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 63% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
How many students attend Desert Shadows Middle School?
791 students attend Desert Shadows Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of Desert Shadows Middle School students are White, 18% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, 2% of students are American Indian, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desert Shadows Middle School?
Desert Shadows Middle School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Desert Shadows Middle School offer ?
Desert Shadows Middle School offers enrollment in grades 5-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Desert Shadows Middle School part of?
Desert Shadows Middle School is part of Paradise Valley Unified District (4241).
In what neighborhood is Desert Shadows Middle School located?
Desert Shadows Middle 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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