Excellent
#268 of 2,006 schools in AZ
Top 13% in state
Desert Canyon Middle School
Middle School · Scottsdale Unified District (4240)
10203 E MCDOWELL MTN RANCH RD, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Enrollment
428
Student-Teacher
17.1:1
Score
8.3
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
428
Student-Teacher
17.1:1
Score
8.3
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Arizona schools
#268 of 2,006
In Scottsdale
#16 of 46
public schools
In district
#13 of 30
Scottsdale Unified District (4240)
Academic performance
8.6 / 10
Excellent
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Desert Canyon Middle School
Middle School in Scottsdale · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Desert Canyon Elementary
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Notre Dame Preparatory
1.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Desert Canyon Middle School
Desert Canyon Middle School is a public middle school in Scottsdale, AZ, part of Scottsdale Unified District (4240). Desert Canyon Middle School serves approximately 428 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 17.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Desert Canyon Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.3 out of 10 and ranks #268 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
Structured state assessment records for Desert Canyon Middle School show 65% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 69% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 8.3 · Excellent
- District avg 8.0
- AZ avg 5.6
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Desert Canyon Middle School — Students at Desert Canyon Middle School score 56% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 48%).
Test Scores AZ EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 28 test records from AZ state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 8.1/10.
How Desert Canyon Middle School Compares
See how Desert Canyon Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
10203 E MCDOWELL MTN RANCH RD, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Desert Canyon Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Desert Canyon Elementary (rated 9.4/10, 0.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Redfield Elementary School (rated 9.4/10, 1.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Cheyenne Traditional School (rated 9.1/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Scottsdale, see our Scottsdale schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.6 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 85255 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$143,567
Median Home Value
$975,300
Median Rent
$2,401/mo
Population
45,136
College Educated
67.8%
Homeownership
73.1%
Avg Commute
23.4 min
Poverty Rate
6.4%
Median Age
51.4
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Wakefield Middle School Tucson, AZ | 8.2 |
| St Johns Middle School Saint Johns, AZ | 8.5 |
| Fairbanks Middle School Morenci, AZ | 8.0 |
| Franklin Junior High School Mesa, AZ | 7.9 |
| ASU Preparatory Academy-Polytechnic Middle School Mesa, AZ | 8.9 |
| Mountainside Middle School Scottsdale, AZ | 7.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Desert Canyon Middle School
What grades does Desert Canyon Middle School serve?
Desert Canyon Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Desert Canyon Middle School?
Desert Canyon Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 428 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Desert Canyon Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Desert Canyon Middle School is 17.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Desert Canyon Middle School rank in AZ?
Desert Canyon Middle School ranks #268 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
What is Desert Canyon Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Desert Canyon Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.3 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Desert Canyon Middle School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Desert Canyon Middle School has 65% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 69% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Desert Canyon Middle School a charter school?
No, Desert Canyon Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Desert Canyon Middle School a Title I school?
No, Desert Canyon Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 428
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 25
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Maricopa County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 28.0%
- Phone
- (480) 484-4600
Resources & Links
District
Scottsdale Unified District (4240)- District Enrollment
- 20,940
- Schools in District
- 30
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,306
- District Rank
- #13 of 30
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