Very Good
#698 of 2,006 schools in AZ
Top 35% in state
Desert Ridge High
High School · Gilbert Unified District (4239)
10045 E MADERO AVE, Mesa, AZ 85209
Enrollment
2,222
Student-Teacher
20.2:1
Score
7.1
Grades
8th – 12th
Enrollment
2,222
Student-Teacher
20.2:1
Score
7.1
Grades
8th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Arizona schools
#698 of 2,006
In Mesa
#54 of 129
public schools
In district
#32 of 38
Gilbert Unified District (4239)
Academic performance
8.6 / 10
Excellent
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Desert Ridge High
High School in Mesa · grades 8th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Desert Ridge Jr. High
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Augusta Ranch Elementary
0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Desert Ridge High
Desert Ridge High is a public high school in Mesa, AZ, part of Gilbert Unified District (4239). Desert Ridge High serves approximately 2,222 students, and covers grades 8th-12th, and has a 20.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Desert Ridge High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.1 out of 10 and ranks #698 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
Structured state assessment records for Desert Ridge High show 54% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 61% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 7.1 · Very Good
- District avg 7.6
- AZ avg 6.2
What Parents Should Know
Desert Ridge High is a large school: 2,222 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.
Desert Ridge High runs 20.2:1 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.
37% of students at Desert Ridge High 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 Ridge High — Students at Desert Ridge High score 56% 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: 5.5/10.
How Desert Ridge High Compares
See how Desert Ridge High 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
10045 E MADERO AVE, Mesa, AZ 85209
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Desert Ridge High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Skyline High School (rated 6.3/10, 2.0 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Eastmark High School (rated 5.7/10, 3.4 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Mesa, see our Mesa schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Desert Ridge Jr. High Mesa | 0.3 mi | 5.8 |
| Augusta Ranch Elementary Mesa | 0.8 mi | 8.1 |
| Canyon Rim Elementary Mesa | 0.9 mi | 9.2 |
| Legacy Traditional School - East Mesa Chandler | 1.0 mi | 3.9 |
| Imagine East Mesa Elementary Phoenix | 1.5 mi | 5.3 |
| Imagine East Mesa Middle Phoenix | 1.5 mi | 7.7 |
| Skyline High School Mesa | 2.0 mi | 6.3 |
| EVIT - Skyline High School Mesa | 2.0 mi | — |
| Stevenson Elementary School Mesa | 2.3 mi | 3.7 |
| Patterson Elementary Mesa | 2.4 mi | 7.7 |
| Meridian Mesa | 2.3 mi | 8.6 |
| Sequoia Pathfinder Academy at Eastmark Mesa | 3.0 mi | 8.2 |
| Brinton Elementary Mesa | 2.7 mi | 7.2 |
| Boulder Creek Elementary Mesa | 2.6 mi | 6.6 |
| BASIS Mesa Mesa | 3.2 mi | 8.2 |
| American Leadership Academy Mesa K-6 Chandler | 3.0 mi | 9.0 |
| Eastmark High School Mesa | 3.4 mi | 5.7 |
| EVIT Eastmark High School Mesa | 3.4 mi | — |
| Gateway Polytechnic Academy Mesa | 3.4 mi | 8.6 |
| Leading Edge Academy at East Mesa Gilbert | 3.6 mi | 4.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 85209 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$80,498
Median Home Value
$363,800
Median Rent
$1,798/mo
Population
42,171
College Educated
33.2%
Homeownership
73.9%
Avg Commute
26 min
Poverty Rate
6.9%
Median Age
45.9
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Barry Goldwater High School Phoenix, AZ | 7.1 |
| Dysart High School El Mirage, AZ | 7.1 |
| Greenway High School Phoenix, AZ | 7.1 |
| Liberty High School Peoria, AZ | 7.1 |
| Odyssey Institute for Advanced and International Studies Buckeye, AZ | 7.1 |
| Canyon View High School Waddell, AZ | 7.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Desert Ridge High
What grades does Desert Ridge High serve?
Desert Ridge High serves students in grades 8th through 12th.
How many students attend Desert Ridge High?
Desert Ridge High has an enrollment of approximately 2,222 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Desert Ridge High?
The student-teacher ratio at Desert Ridge High is 20.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Desert Ridge High rank in AZ?
Desert Ridge High ranks #698 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
What is Desert Ridge High's MySchoolScout rating?
Desert Ridge High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.1 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 Ridge High?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Desert Ridge High has 54% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 61% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Desert Ridge High a charter school?
No, Desert Ridge High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Desert Ridge High a Title I school?
No, Desert Ridge High is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 8th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 2,222
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 20.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 110
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Maricopa County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 36.9%
- Phone
- (480) 984-8947
- 4-Year Graduation
- 92.0%
Resources & Links
District
Gilbert Unified District (4239)- District Enrollment
- 32,402
- Schools in District
- 38
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,928
- District Rank
- #32 of 38
How we rate schools
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