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Needs Improvement

#1845 of 2,006 schools in AZ

Desert Hills High School

High School · American Charter Schools Foundation d.b.a. Desert (79872)

1515 S VAL VISTA DR, Gilbert, AZ 85296

Charter

Enrollment

245

Score

3.8

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Arizona schools

#1,845 of 2,006

In Gilbert

#66 of 67

public schools

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Desert Hills High School

3.8/10

High School in Gilbert · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Benjamin Franklin Charter School - Gilbert

7.8/10

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Ashland Elementary

9.1/10

0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Desert Hills High School

Desert Hills High School is a public high school in Gilbert, AZ, part of American Charter Schools Foundation d.b.a. Desert (79872). Desert Hills High School serves approximately 245 students, and covers grades 9th-12th.

Desert Hills High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.8 out of 10 and ranks #1,845 of 2,006 schools in AZ. Structured state assessment records for Desert Hills High School show 23% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 40% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares2.4 pts below AZ schools
  • This school 3.8 · Needs Improvement
  • AZ avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Desert Hills High School is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress3.4Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-4.16 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics5.0Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency24.5% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency24.5% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency25% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)38% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-13.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile31th
College Readiness2.7Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate17%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment4.4Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Per-Pupil Spending$12,330

Desert Hills High School — Students at Desert Hills High School score 24% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 38%).

How we calculate scores →

Test Scores AZ EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 22.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 39.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 28 test records from AZ state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
47%
ELA
77%
2010
Math
42%
ELA
77%
2011
Math
32%
ELA
72%
2012
Math
32%
ELA
67%
2013
Math
34.5%
ELA
72%
2014
Math
24.5%
ELA
54.5%
2015
Math
15%
ELA
15%
2016
Math
5%
ELA
15%
2017
Math
15%
ELA
17%
2018
Math
12%
ELA
22%
2019
Math
12%
ELA
22%
2020*
Math
10%
ELA
10%
2021*
Math
10%
ELA
10%
2022
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%

* 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: 3.4/10.

How Desert Hills High School Compares

See how Desert Hills High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.8/10
8th percentile in AZ
Academic
5.0/10
Average
Growth
3.4/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
4.4/10
Below Average
Advanced STEM
3/5
Subjects offered

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses3 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

1515 S VAL VISTA DR, Gilbert, AZ 85296

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Desert Hills High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Williams Field High School (rated 7.7/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Gilbert High School (rated 7.3/10, 1.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Gilbert, see our Gilbert schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Benjamin Franklin Charter School - Gilbert Gilbert 0.0 mi 7.8
Ashland Elementary Gilbert 0.8 mi 9.1
SPONDEO PRESCHOOL Gilbert 1.4 mi
Leading Edge Academy Online Gilbert 1.2 mi 6.7
South Valley Jr. High Gilbert 1.4 mi 7.5
Spectrum Elementary Gilbert 1.6 mi 8.8
Mesquite Elementary School Gilbert 1.6 mi 8.5
Finley Farms Elementary Gilbert 1.6 mi 8.1
GILBERT CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS Gilbert 1.6 mi 5.8
Settlers Point Elementary Gilbert 1.6 mi 8.1
Gilbert High School Gilbert 1.9 mi 7.3
EVIT - Gilbert High School Gilbert 1.9 mi
Greenfield Junior High School Gilbert 2.1 mi 7.2
American Leadership Academy Gilbert North K-12 Chandler 1.9 mi 7.6
Kaizen Education Foundation dba Gilbert Arts Academy Gilbert 2.1 mi 5.5
GPS Global Academy Gilbert 2.2 mi 7.9
Greenfield Elementary School Gilbert 2.2 mi 9.0
Williams Field High School Gilbert 2.0 mi 7.7
American Leadership Academy Gilbert K-6 Gilbert 2.3 mi 8.6
LIFE - LAUREN'S INSTITUTE FOR EDUCATION Gilbert 2.0 mi 5.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 85296 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$117,120

Median Home Value

$496,200

Median Rent

$2,141/mo

Population

52,058

College Educated

49.1%

Homeownership

70.7%

Avg Commute

25.5 min

Poverty Rate

4.7%

Median Age

35.4

Similar Schools

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Desert Hills High School

What grades does Desert Hills High School serve?

Desert Hills High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Desert Hills High School?

Desert Hills High School has an enrollment of approximately 245 students.

How does Desert Hills High School rank in AZ?

Desert Hills High School ranks #1,845 of 2,006 schools in AZ.

What is Desert Hills High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Desert Hills High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.8 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 Hills High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Desert Hills High School has 23% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 40% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Desert Hills High School a charter school?

Yes, Desert Hills High School is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Desert Hills High School a Title I school?

No, Desert Hills High School is not currently a Title I school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
63 Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
0 Minimal Transit
Bike Score
54 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
245
Type
alternative
Setting
Large City
County
Maricopa County
4-Year Graduation
17.0%

District

American Charter Schools Foundation d.b.a. Desert (79872)
District Enrollment
245
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,330
District Rank
#1 of 1

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