Average
#1222 of 2,000 schools in AZ
Desert Mesa Elementary School
Elementary School · Yuma Elementary District (4499)
2350 S AVENUE 7 1/2 E, Yuma, AZ 85365
Enrollment
827
Student-Teacher
19.7:1
Score
5.9
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
827
Student-Teacher
19.7:1
Score
5.9
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Yuma
#17 of 38
public schools
Arizona elementary schools
#742 of 1,216
In district
#10 of 19
Yuma Elementary District (4499)
Academic performance
7.6 / 10
Very strong
About Desert Mesa Elementary School
Desert Mesa Elementary School serves students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Yuma, Arizona, with an enrollment of 827 students. The school operates as a regular public elementary institution with 42 full-time equivalent teachers, creating a student-teacher ratio of 19.7:1. Academically, Desert Mesa is working to strengthen its performance in core subjects.
Currently, 42% of students are meeting or exceeding proficiency standards in ELA and reading, while 37% are proficient or above in math. The school's academic score of 6.9 out of 10 reflects these areas with room for growth. Desert Mesa ranks #1084 out of 2029 Arizona schools, placing it at the 47th percentile statewide, and carries a MySchoolScout rating of 5.3 out of 10.
The school is situated in a rural setting near town, offering a smaller community feel for families in the Yuma area. For parents exploring educational options in Yuma County, Desert Mesa represents an accessible neighborhood school focused on serving its local student population.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Desert Mesa Elementary School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Data not available for this school
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Desert Mesa Elementary School — Students at Desert Mesa Elementary School score 40% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 37%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores AZ EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 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: 4.8/10.
How Desert Mesa Elementary School Compares
See how Desert Mesa Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 50% (2019) to 42% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 52% (2019) to 39% (2022).
Location
2350 S AVENUE 7 1/2 E, Yuma, AZ 85365
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Desert Mesa Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Dorothy Hall Elementary (rated 8.7/10, 3.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is AmeriSchools Academy - Yuma (rated 8.0/10, 6.8 miles away, in nearby Phoenix), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Mary A Otondo Elementary School (rated 6.0/10, 1.0 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Yuma, see our Yuma schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 7.1 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Gila Ridge High School Yuma | 0.3 mi | 5.5 |
| Mary A Otondo Elementary School Yuma | 1.0 mi | 6.0 |
| Castle Dome Middle School Yuma | 1.0 mi | 5.1 |
| SOUTHWESTERN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Yuma | 1.8 mi | 5.8 |
| Ron Watson Middle School Yuma | 2.5 mi | 4.3 |
| Sunrise Elementary School Yuma | 2.6 mi | 5.7 |
| Dorothy Hall Elementary Yuma | 3.3 mi | 8.7 |
| YUMA LUTHERAN SCHOOL Yuma | 5.1 mi | 4.5 |
| James B Rolle School Yuma | 5.1 mi | 5.9 |
| STEDY- Central Campus Yuma | 6.3 mi | — |
| Gila Vista Jr High School Yuma | 6.3 mi | 4.7 |
| C W Mcgraw Elementary School Yuma | 6.4 mi | 4.5 |
| Harvest Preparatory Academy Yuma | 6.5 mi | 5.2 |
| Bill M. Manes High Winterhaven | 7.0 mi | — |
| San Pasqual Valley Elementary Winterhaven | 7.0 mi | 5.8 |
| San Pasqual Valley High Winterhaven | 7.0 mi | 5.2 |
| San Pasqual Middle Winterhaven | 7.0 mi | 4.9 |
| AmeriSchools Academy - Yuma Phoenix | 6.8 mi | 8.0 |
| Amerischools Academy North Phoenix | 7.1 mi | 6.0 |
| YUMA ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Yuma | 7.1 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 85365 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$68,358
Median Home Value
$189,900
Median Rent
$1,259/mo
Population
53,149
College Educated
21.2%
Homeownership
77.7%
Avg Commute
17.9 min
Poverty Rate
11.3%
Median Age
35.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding Desert Mesa Elementary School has a median household income of $68,358. It is a community where 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $189,900, with a median rent of $1,259/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.3%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 18 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 |
|---|---|
| Desert Harbor Elementary School Peoria, AZ | 5.9 |
| Desert View Academy Yuma, AZ | 5.9 |
| Estrella Vista Elementary School Avondale, AZ | 5.9 |
| Foothills Elementary School Glendale, AZ | 5.9 |
| Hollinger K-8 School Tucson, AZ | 5.9 |
| James B Rolle School Yuma, AZ | 5.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Desert Mesa Elementary School
What grades does Desert Mesa Elementary School serve?
Desert Mesa Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Desert Mesa Elementary School?
Desert Mesa Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 827 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Desert Mesa Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Desert Mesa Elementary School is 19.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Desert Mesa Elementary School rank in AZ?
Desert Mesa Elementary School is ranked #1222 out of 2,000 schools in AZ.
What is Desert Mesa Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Desert Mesa Elementary School has a composite rating of 5.9 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 Mesa Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Desert Mesa Elementary School has 37.3% math proficiency and 42.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Desert Mesa Elementary School a charter school?
No, Desert Mesa Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Desert Mesa Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Desert Mesa Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (1,686/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Yuma). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 827
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 19.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 42
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Yuma County
- Phone
- (928) 502-8600
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Yuma Elementary District (4499)- District Enrollment
- 8,980
- Schools in District
- 19
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,416
- District Rank
- #10 of 19
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 methodologyRelated reading
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