Skip to main content

Very Good

#717 of 2,006 schools in AZ

Top 36% in state

Desert Marigold School

School · Valley of the Sun Waldorf Education Association d (79957)

6210 S 28TH ST, Phoenix, AZ 85042

Charter

Enrollment

284

Score

7.0

Grades

Kindergarten – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Arizona schools

#717 of 2,006

In Phoenix

#130 of 422

public schools

Academic growth

8.0 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Desert Marigold School?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Desert Marigold School

7.0/10

School in Phoenix · grades Kindergarten – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

George Gervin Prep Academy

7.8/10

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

Kaizen Education Foundation Dba South Pointe Elementary Scho

5.4/10

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

About Desert Marigold School

Desert Marigold School is a public school in Phoenix, AZ, part of Valley of the Sun Waldorf Education Association d (79957). Desert Marigold School serves approximately 284 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-12th. Desert Marigold School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.0 out of 10 and ranks #717 of 2,006 schools in AZ.

Structured state assessment records for Desert Marigold School show 37% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 61% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares0.7 pts above AZ schools
  • This school 7.0 · Very Good
  • AZ avg 6.3

What Parents Should Know

Desert Marigold 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.

47% of students at Desert Marigold School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.0Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-2.43 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics6.4Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency17% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency47% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency32% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)38% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-6.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile49th
College Readiness8.8Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate50%+
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.8Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Per-Pupil Spending$10,832
Chronic Absenteeism47.2%

Desert Marigold School — Students at Desert Marigold School score 32% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 38%).

How we calculate scores →

Test Scores AZ EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 37.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 60.9% (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
42%
ELA
67%
2010
Math
47%
ELA
77%
2011
Math
52%
ELA
77%
2012
Math
62%
ELA
87%
2013
Math
47%
ELA
82%
2014
Math
22%
ELA
52%
2015
Math
27%
ELA
57%
2016
Math
37%
ELA
57%
2017
Math
37%
ELA
52%
2018
Math
32%
ELA
52%
2019
Math
32%
ELA
52%
2020*
Math
32%
ELA
47%
2021*
Math
32%
ELA
47%
2022
Math
17%
ELA
47%

* 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: 8.0/10.

How Desert Marigold School Compares

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

Overall Score
7.0/10
64th percentile in AZ
Academic
6.4/10
Average
Growth
8.0/10
Excellent
Environment
3.8/10
Needs Improvement
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses4 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

6210 S 28TH ST, Phoenix, AZ 85042

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Desert Marigold School may also want to explore other schools in the area. 91ST PSALM CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (rated 7.9/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, The Paideia Academy of South Phoenix (rated 5.0/10, 1.8 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Phoenix, see our Phoenix schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.2 mi
School Distance Rating
George Gervin Prep Academy Tempe 0.2 mi 7.8
Kaizen Education Foundation dba South Pointe Elementary Scho Tempe 0.9 mi 5.4
T G Barr School Phoenix 0.9 mi 6.5
Martin Luther King Early Childhood Center Phoenix 1.1 mi 7.0
Percy L Julian School Phoenix 1.1 mi 5.4
91ST PSALM CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Phoenix 1.2 mi 7.9
Pioneer Technology & Arts Academy of Arizona Phoenix 1.2 mi 2.7
Cloves C Campbell Sr Elementary School Phoenix 1.4 mi 5.4
AAEC - SMCC Campus Phoenix 1.3 mi 6.4
Hope College and Career Readiness Academy Phoenix 1.4 mi 5.5
AWAKENING SEED SCHOOL Phoenix 1.5 mi 5.8
Skyline Prep High School Chandler 1.6 mi 4.5
South Valley Prep and Arts School Phoenix 1.6 mi 4.8
South Phoenix Prep and Arts Academy Phoenix 1.6 mi 5.9
The Paideia Academy of South Phoenix Phoenix 1.8 mi 5.0
Paideia Liberal Arts Academy Phoenix 1.8 mi 4.7
John F Kennedy Elementary School Phoenix 2.1 mi 3.6
ASU Preparatory Academy - South Phoenix High School Tempe 2.1 mi 7.1
C O Greenfield School Phoenix 2.1 mi 5.1
Irene Lopez School Phoenix 2.2 mi 7.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 85042 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$86,837

Median Home Value

$353,400

Median Rent

$1,495/mo

Population

45,575

College Educated

31.7%

Homeownership

66.7%

Avg Commute

25.5 min

Poverty Rate

15.2%

Median Age

34.2

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
ACCEL Phoenix, AZ 7.1
BASIS Phoenix Central Primary Phoenix, AZ 6.9
PARADISE VALLEY CHRISTIAN PREPARATORY Phoenix, AZ 7.1
Mountain Vista Academy Florence, AZ 6.8
Presidio School Tucson, AZ 6.8
Westland School Brighton Campus Phoenix, AZ 7.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Desert Marigold School

What grades does Desert Marigold School serve?

Desert Marigold School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.

How many students attend Desert Marigold School?

Desert Marigold School has an enrollment of approximately 284 students.

How does Desert Marigold School rank in AZ?

Desert Marigold School ranks #717 of 2,006 schools in AZ.

What is Desert Marigold School's MySchoolScout rating?

Desert Marigold School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.0 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 Marigold School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Desert Marigold School has 37% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 61% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Desert Marigold School a charter school?

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

Is Desert Marigold School a Title I school?

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

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
29 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
41 Some Transit
Bike Score
44 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
284
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Maricopa County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
47.2%
4-Year Graduation
50%+

District

Valley of the Sun Waldorf Education Association d (79957)
District Enrollment
284
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,832
District Rank
#1 of 1

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.