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#1603 of 2,000 schools in AZ

Desert Garden Elementary School

Elementary School · Glendale Elementary District (4271)

7020 W OCOTILLO RD, Glendale, AZ 85303

Enrollment

225

Student-Teacher

18.8:1

Score

5.0

Grades

Pre-K – 6th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Glendale

#59 of 76

public schools

Arizona elementary schools

#943 of 1,216

In district

#7 of 14

Glendale Elementary District (4271)

About Desert Garden Elementary School

Desert Garden Elementary School is a public elementary school nestled in the heart of Glendale, Arizona. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, Desert Garden offers a warm and nurturing environment with an enrollment of 225 students. The student-to-teacher ratio stands at 18.8:1, ensuring that each child receives individual attention and support.

While Desert Garden Elementary is ranked in the lower tier among Arizona schools, it focuses on providing a supportive educational experience for its diverse community of learners. With an academic score of 3.2/10 and proficiency rates of 19% in ELA and 27% in math, there is room for improvement but also significant potential for growth. The school's location within a large suburban area provides students with access to nearby parks, libraries, and community centers, fostering an engaging and enriching environment beyond the classroom.

Desert Garden Elementary School stands as a pillar of education in its neighborhood, dedicated to nurturing young minds and preparing them for future academic challenges.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress4.5Below Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-4.46 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics5.0Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency22%
Reading/ELA Proficiency17%
Overall Proficiency20%
Expected (poverty-adj.)26%
vs. Expected-6.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile32th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment6.2Above Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$9,522

Desert Garden Elementary School — Students at Desert Garden Elementary School score 20% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 26%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

0.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores AZ EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 27.0%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 18.7%
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from AZ state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
42%
ELA
22%
2021*
Math
17%
ELA
17%
2022
Math
22%
ELA
17%

* 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: 4.5/10.

How Desert Garden Elementary School Compares

See how Desert Garden Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.0/10
20th percentile in AZ
Academic
5.0/10
5.0/10
Growth
4.5/10
Below average
Environment
6.2/10
Above average

Location

7020 W OCOTILLO RD, Glendale, AZ 85303

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Desert Garden Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Glendale Elementary Online (G.E.O.) Learning (rated 7.8/10, 1.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Don Mensendick School (rated 6.4/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, William C Jack School (rated 6.3/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Glendale, see our Glendale schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Challenger Middle School Glendale 0.4 mi 5.4
Desert Spirit Glendale 0.7 mi 3.5
Independence High School Glendale 0.7 mi 5.4
West-MEC - Independence High School Glendale 0.7 mi
Harold W Smith School Glendale 0.9 mi 4.4
West-MEC - Glendale High School Glendale 1.0 mi
Glendale High School Glendale 1.0 mi 5.4
Sunset Vista Glendale 1.1 mi 6.0
Discovery School Glendale 1.1 mi 4.0
Don Mensendick School Glendale 1.3 mi 6.4
William C Jack School Glendale 1.4 mi 6.3
Bicentennial South School Glendale 1.6 mi 3.9
Crown Point High School Glendale 1.5 mi 5.9
Academy of Math and Science Camelback Phoenix 1.9 mi 3.3
Glendale Landmark School Glendale 1.6 mi 3.7
Glendale Elementary Online (G.E.O.) Learning Glendale 1.7 mi 7.8
Camelback Academy Glendale 2.0 mi 4.3
GRACE LUTHERAN SCHOOL Glendale 1.8 mi 5.4
OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP CATHOLIC SCHOOL Glendale 1.9 mi 5.7
Desert Mirage Elementary School Glendale 2.0 mi 6.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 85303 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$75,077

Median Home Value

$286,800

Median Rent

$1,476/mo

Population

34,769

College Educated

13.6%

Homeownership

62.2%

Avg Commute

31.2 min

Poverty Rate

14.1%

Median Age

30.1

Community Profile

The community surrounding Desert Garden Elementary School has a median household income of $75,077. It is a community where 14% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $286,800, with a median rent of $1,476/month. The area has a poverty rate of 14.1%. The average commute for residents is 31 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
A J Mitchell Elementary School Nogales, AZ 5.0
Joseph City Elementary School Joseph City, AZ 5.0
Montessori Education Centre Charter School - Mesa Mesa, AZ 5.0
Telesis Preparatory Lake Havasu City, AZ 5.0
Frances Owen Holaway Elementary School Tucson, AZ 5.1
Freedom Academy Phoenix, AZ 4.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Desert Garden Elementary School

What grades does Desert Garden Elementary School serve?

Desert Garden Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.

How many students attend Desert Garden Elementary School?

Desert Garden Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 225 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Desert Garden Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Desert Garden Elementary School is 18.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Desert Garden Elementary School rank in AZ?

Desert Garden Elementary School is ranked #1603 out of 2,000 schools in AZ.

What is Desert Garden Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Desert Garden Elementary School has a composite rating of 5.0 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Desert Garden Elementary School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Desert Garden Elementary School has 27.0% math proficiency and 18.7% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Desert Garden Elementary School a charter school?

No, Desert Garden Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Desert Garden Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Desert Garden Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
High (3,171/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Glendale). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
225
Student-Teacher Ratio
18.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
12
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Maricopa County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Glendale Elementary District (4271)
District Enrollment
8,858
Schools in District
14
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,795
District Rank
#7 of 14

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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