Excellent
#269 of 2,006 schools in AZ
Top 13% in state
Desert Mountain High School
High School · Scottsdale Unified District (4240)
12575 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale, AZ 85259
Enrollment
1,940
Student-Teacher
20.9:1
Score
8.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,940
Student-Teacher
20.9:1
Score
8.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Arizona schools
#269 of 2,006
In Scottsdale
#17 of 46
public schools
In district
#14 of 30
Scottsdale Unified District (4240)
Academic performance
9.8 / 10
Excellent
Shortlisting around Desert Mountain High School?
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Desert Mountain High School
High School in Scottsdale · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Mountainside Middle School
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Basis Scottsdale
0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Desert Mountain High School
Desert Mountain High School is a public high school in Scottsdale, AZ, part of Scottsdale Unified District (4240). Desert Mountain High School serves approximately 1,940 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 20.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Desert Mountain High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.3 out of 10 and ranks #269 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
Structured state assessment records for Desert Mountain High School show 73% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 73% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
What's said publicly about Desert Mountain High School
Synthesized from public, attributable sources. Updated May 2026. Reviewed for accuracy.
Sources (3)
- This school 8.3 · Excellent
- District avg 7.3
- AZ avg 6.2
What Parents Should Know
Desert Mountain High School runs 20.9:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.
39% of students at Desert Mountain High 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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
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Desert Mountain High School — Students at Desert Mountain High School score 79% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 48%).
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: 8.0/10.
How Desert Mountain High School Compares
See how Desert Mountain High 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
12575 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale, AZ 85259
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Desert Mountain High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Desert Canyon Elementary (rated 9.4/10, 4.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is BASIS Scottsdale Primary - East Campus (rated 9.3/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Anasazi Elementary (rated 9.1/10, 0.5 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Scottsdale, see our Scottsdale schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 4.6 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 85259 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$145,574
Median Home Value
$956,300
Median Rent
$1,769/mo
Population
22,156
College Educated
68.6%
Homeownership
77.5%
Avg Commute
24.7 min
Poverty Rate
3.9%
Median Age
52
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Cactus Shadows High School Cave Creek, AZ | 8.4 |
| Catalina Foothills High School Tucson, AZ | 8.4 |
| Campo Verde High School Gilbert, AZ | 8.2 |
| Perry High School Gilbert, AZ | 8.2 |
| Higley High School Gilbert, AZ | 8.0 |
| Pinnacle High School Phoenix, AZ | 8.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Desert Mountain High School
What grades does Desert Mountain High School serve?
Desert Mountain High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Desert Mountain High School?
Desert Mountain High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,940 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Desert Mountain High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Desert Mountain High School is 20.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Desert Mountain High School rank in AZ?
Desert Mountain High School ranks #269 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
What is Desert Mountain High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Desert Mountain High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.3 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 Mountain High School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Desert Mountain High School has 73% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 73% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Desert Mountain High School a charter school?
No, Desert Mountain High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Desert Mountain High School a Title I school?
No, Desert Mountain High School is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,940
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 20.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 93
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Maricopa County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 39.1%
- Phone
- (480) 484-7000
- 4-Year Graduation
- 96.0%
Resources & Links
District
Scottsdale Unified District (4240)- District Enrollment
- 20,940
- Schools in District
- 30
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,306
- District Rank
- #14 of 30
How we rate schools
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