Excellent
#1 of 225 private schools in AZ
Top 1% of private schools
Desert Garden Montessori
School
5130 E WARNER RD, Phoenix, AZ 85044
Estimated academic score. This school does not have standardized test data. Based on 23 schools in Phoenix. Learn more
Enrollment
178
Student-Teacher
4.1:1
Score
9.3
Grades
Pre-K – 12th
Enrollment
178
Student-Teacher
4.1:1
Score
9.3
Grades
Pre-K – 12th
Updated
2021-22
Updated 2021-22
How this school compares
In Phoenix
#1 of 44
public schools
Arizona schools
#1 of 67
About Desert Garden Montessori
Desert Garden Montessori serves 178 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade in Phoenix, offering a unique public Montessori education across all grade levels. With an exceptionally low student-teacher ratio of 4.1:1 and 43 full-time equivalent teachers, the school provides individualized attention that's rare in public education settings. The school has earned impressive recognition, ranking #26 out of 225 schools statewide and achieving a 9.4 out of 10 MySchoolScout rating, placing it in the 89th percentile among Arizona schools.
This outstanding performance reflects the school's commitment to the Montessori philosophy, which emphasizes self-directed learning, hands-on activities, and collaborative play. Desert Garden Montessori's small size creates an intimate learning environment where students can develop at their own pace while building strong relationships with teachers and peers. The Montessori approach, typically found in elementary settings, extends here through high school, offering families a consistent educational philosophy throughout their children's academic journey.
The school is situated in an established Phoenix neighborhood where families value education, with 51% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher and a median household income of $92,041. This supportive community environment complements the school's innovative approach to learning in Arizona's dynamic educational landscape.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 178 students, Desert Garden Montessori is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.
With a student-teacher ratio of 4.1:1, Desert Garden Montessori offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.
As a private school, Desert Garden Montessori operates independently from the local public school district. Families considering this school should inquire about tuition costs, financial aid availability, and the admissions process. Private schools are not required to follow the same curriculum standards as public schools, which can be either an advantage or a consideration depending on your priorities.
Financial Overview
Source: IRS Form 990 (2023 filing)
- Per-Pupil Spending
- Total expenses ÷ enrollment
- $27,723
- Per-Pupil Revenue
- Total revenue ÷ enrollment
- $30,342
- Financial Health
- Revenue-to-expense ratio (>1.0 = surplus)
- 1.09x — Stable
- Tuition Dependency
- Share of revenue from program services (tuition, fees)
- 81%
- Total Assets
- End-of-year total assets from IRS filing
- $7.4M
Financial data from IRS Form 990 filings via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Per-pupil figures based on current enrollment of 178 students. Not all private schools file Form 990.
Compare to Public Schools
BetaHow Desert Garden Montessori compares to 449 public schools serving similar grades in Phoenix, AZ
Student Demographics
Nearby Other Schools
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Desert Garden Montessori (this school) | 9.3 |
| Mountain Pointe High School | 5.9 |
| Kyrene de las Lomas School | 8.4 |
| BASIS Ahwatukee | 7.7 |
| Kyrene de la Esperanza School | 4.9 |
| Kyrene de la Colina School | 5.9 |
| Kyrene Centennial Middle School | 5.5 |
| Horizon Honors Secondary School | 6.1 |
| Horizon Honors Elementary School | 4.9 |
| Kyrene del Milenio | 5.7 |
| South Valley Prep and Arts School | 4.8 |
| South Phoenix Prep and Arts Academy | 3.9 |
| Kyrene Monte Vista School | 7.8 |
| Kyrene De Los Lagos School | 6.8 |
| Desert Vista High School | 6.9 |
| Nevitt Elementary School | 4.7 |
| Cloves C Campbell Sr Elementary School | 6.6 |
| Kyrene Akimel A-Al Middle School | 6.7 |
| Kyrene de la Estrella Elementary School | 5.1 |
| Desert Marigold School | 5.9 |
| AAEC - SMCC Campus | 4.6 |
Showing 20 of 449 schools. View all schools in Phoenix
Demographics sourced from NCES Private School Survey (PSS) and Common Core of Data (CCD). Comparisons are based on enrollment-weighted averages.
Score Breakdown
What This Rating Measures
This rating reflects classroom size, instructional time, student diversity, community resources, and school characteristics. Private schools are ranked against other private schools in AZ.
Data Unavailable
View data sources
Score basis: Private school model
Data coverage: 80% of scoring components had data
Components scored: 4 of 5
Ranking pool: Private schools in AZ
Test Scores
Test score data not yet available for this school.
Student Demographics NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)
Source: NCES Private School Survey (PSS)
Location
5130 E WARNER RD, Phoenix, AZ 85044
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Desert Garden Montessori may also want to explore other schools in the area. BASIS Ahwatukee (rated 7.7/10, 1.3 miles away), a more accessible option. Another option is BRIGHTMONT ACADEMY - CHANDLER (rated 7.6/10, 2.9 miles away, in nearby Chandler), a more accessible option. Additionally, VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS (rated 5.3/10, 1.7 miles away, in nearby Chandler), a more accessible option. For more schools in Phoenix, see our Phoenix schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain Pointe High School Phoenix | 1.1 mi | 5.9 |
| BASIS Ahwatukee Phoenix | 1.3 mi | 7.7 |
| Kyrene de las Lomas School Phoenix | 1.2 mi | 8.4 |
| Kyrene de las Manitas School Tempe | 1.3 mi | 4.1 |
| VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS Chandler | 1.7 mi | 5.3 |
| Kyrene de la Esperanza School Phoenix | 1.9 mi | 4.9 |
| Kyrene de la Colina School Phoenix | 2.0 mi | 5.9 |
| ST JOHN BOSCO CATHOLIC Phoenix | 2.4 mi | 6.4 |
| Kyrene Centennial Middle School Phoenix | 2.1 mi | 5.5 |
| Kyrene Digital Academy Tempe | 2.1 mi | 4.5 |
| Horizon Honors Secondary School Phoenix | 2.5 mi | 6.1 |
| Horizon Honors Elementary School Phoenix | 2.5 mi | 4.9 |
| Kyrene del Milenio Phoenix | 2.5 mi | 5.7 |
| Frank Elementary School Guadalupe | 2.6 mi | 4.0 |
| TAPBI Tempe | 2.5 mi | 7.8 |
| Kyrene de la Mariposa School Tempe | 2.3 mi | 7.9 |
| Wood School Tempe | 2.8 mi | 6.3 |
| Kyrene de la Mirada School Chandler | 2.7 mi | 6.3 |
| Getz School Tempe | 2.9 mi | 7.6 |
| BRIGHTMONT ACADEMY - CHANDLER Chandler | 2.9 mi | 7.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 85044 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$96,374
Median Home Value
$437,400
Median Rent
$1,798/mo
Population
40,419
College Educated
50.4%
Homeownership
62.3%
Avg Commute
23.5 min
Poverty Rate
9.9%
Median Age
42.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding Desert Garden Montessori has a median household income of $96,374. It is a well-educated community where 50% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $437,400, with a median rent of $1,798/month. The local poverty rate of 9.9% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 24 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 |
|---|---|
| AUTISM ACADEMY OF EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT Gilbert, AZ | 8.4 |
| 91ST PSALM CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Phoenix, AZ | 7.9 |
| VERITAS CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL Sierra Vista, AZ | 7.9 |
| Colearn Academy Arizona Green Valley, AZ | — |
| Leupp School Inc. Winslow, AZ | — |
| Rough Rock Community School Chinle, AZ | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Desert Garden Montessori
What grades does Desert Garden Montessori serve?
Desert Garden Montessori serves students in grades Pre-K through 12th.
How many students attend Desert Garden Montessori?
Desert Garden Montessori has an enrollment of approximately 178 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Desert Garden Montessori?
The student-teacher ratio at Desert Garden Montessori is 4.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 11:1 for private schools.
How does Desert Garden Montessori rank in AZ?
Desert Garden Montessori is ranked #1 out of 225 private schools in AZ.
What is Desert Garden Montessori's MySchoolScout rating?
Desert Garden Montessori has a composite rating of 9.3 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.
Is Desert Garden Montessori a private school?
Yes, Desert Garden Montessori is a private coeducational school with a Nonsectarian affiliation. Private schools are not required to participate in state standardized testing, so academic performance data may be limited compared to public schools.
Is Desert Garden Montessori a religious school?
No, Desert Garden Montessori is a nonsectarian (non-religious) private school.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 12th
- Enrollment
- 178
- Gender Split
- 56% M / 44% F
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 4.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 43
- Type
- private
- Coed Status
- coed
- Affiliation
- Nonsectarian
- School Day
- 7.8 hours
- Days Per Year
- 180 days
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- MARICOPA
- Phone
- (480) 496-9833
- Data Year
- 2022–2023
Resources & Links
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.
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