Very Good
#671 of 2,006 schools in AZ
Top 33% in state
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
7.2
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
827
Student-Teacher
19.7:1
Score
7.2
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Arizona schools
#671 of 2,006
In Yuma
#7 of 40
public schools
In district
#5 of 19
Yuma Elementary District (4499)
Academic performance
7.6 / 10
Very Good
Shortlisting around Desert Mesa Elementary 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 Mesa Elementary School
Elementary School in Yuma · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Gila Ridge High School
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Mary a Otondo Elementary School
1.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Desert Mesa Elementary School
Desert Mesa Elementary School is a public elementary school in Yuma, AZ, part of Yuma Elementary District (4499). Desert Mesa Elementary School serves approximately 827 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 19.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Desert Mesa Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.2 out of 10 and ranks #671 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
Structured state assessment records for Desert Mesa Elementary School show 50% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 7.2 · Very Good
- District avg 6.8
- AZ avg 6.4
What Parents Should Know
Desert Mesa Elementary School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
35% of students at Desert Mesa Elementary 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 · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Desert Mesa Elementary School — Students at Desert Mesa Elementary School score 40% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 37%).
Test Scores AZ EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 28 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: 7.3/10.
How Desert Mesa Elementary School Compares
See how Desert Mesa Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
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 8.9/10, 3.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Mary A Otondo Elementary School (rated 7.0/10, 1.0 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, James B Rolle School (rated 6.8/10, 5.1 miles away), with a comparable 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 | 5.9 |
| Mary A Otondo Elementary School Yuma | 1.0 mi | 7.0 |
| Castle Dome Middle School Yuma | 1.0 mi | 4.1 |
| SOUTHWESTERN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Yuma | 1.8 mi | 5.8 |
| Ron Watson Middle School Yuma | 2.5 mi | 4.8 |
| Sunrise Elementary School Yuma | 2.6 mi | 6.2 |
| Dorothy Hall Elementary Yuma | 3.3 mi | 8.9 |
| YUMA LUTHERAN SCHOOL Yuma | 5.1 mi | 4.5 |
| James B Rolle School Yuma | 5.1 mi | 6.8 |
| STEDY- Central Campus Yuma | 6.3 mi | — |
| Gila Vista Jr High School Yuma | 6.3 mi | 3.9 |
| C W Mcgraw Elementary School Yuma | 6.4 mi | 6.4 |
| Harvest Preparatory Academy Yuma | 6.5 mi | 4.9 |
| Bill M. Manes High Winterhaven | 7.0 mi | — |
| San Pasqual Valley Elementary Winterhaven | 7.0 mi | 5.4 |
| San Pasqual Valley High Winterhaven | 7.0 mi | 5.9 |
| San Pasqual Middle Winterhaven | 7.0 mi | 6.2 |
| AmeriSchools Academy - Yuma Phoenix | 6.8 mi | 6.0 |
| Amerischools Academy North Phoenix | 7.1 mi | 6.5 |
| 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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Acacia Elementary School Phoenix, AZ | 7.2 |
| American Leadership Academy San Tan Valley K-6 San Tan Valley, AZ | 7.2 |
| Gilbert Elementary School Gilbert, AZ | 7.2 |
| Inspiration Mountain School Phoenix, AZ | 7.2 |
| Pomeroy Elementary School Chandler, AZ | 7.2 |
| Taft Elementary School Mesa, AZ | 7.2 |
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 ranks #671 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
What is Desert Mesa Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Desert Mesa Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.2 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 Mesa Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Desert Mesa Elementary School has 50% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
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
Powered by 
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
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 34.8%
- Phone
- (928) 502-8600
Resources & Links
District
Yuma Elementary District (4499)- District Enrollment
- 8,980
- Schools in District
- 19
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,416
- District Rank
- #5 of 19
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 rateRelated 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.