Average
#1028 of 2,000 schools in AZ
Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism
Middle School · Cartwright Elementary District (4282)
6308 W CAMPBELL AVE, Phoenix, AZ 85033
Enrollment
518
Student-Teacher
18.5:1
Score
6.2
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
518
Student-Teacher
18.5:1
Score
6.2
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Phoenix
#186 of 398
public schools
Arizona middle schools
#120 of 218
In district
#5 of 22
Cartwright Elementary District (4282)
Academic growth
7.5 / 10
Very strong
About Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism
Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism is a public middle school in Phoenix, Arizona, serving students in grades 6 through 8. The school has an enrollment of 518 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 18.5:1 with 28 full-time equivalent teachers. Located in a large city, the school offers a unique focus on mass communication and journalism, aiming to equip students with essential skills for the modern world.
Academically, Desert Sands Academy has a MySchoolScout rating of 3.5 out of 10, ranking 1738th out of 2029 schools in Arizona, placing it in the 14th percentile. The school's ELA proficiency rate is 19%, and the math proficiency rate is 9%. While these scores indicate room for improvement, the school is committed to supporting its students' academic development and providing a nurturing environment.
The school is situated in a neighborhood where the median household income is $57,045, and the median home value is $224,600. Approximately 19.1% of the population lives below the poverty line, and only 6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or higher. Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism serves a diverse community that values education and the opportunities it provides for students to succeed.
Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism is nestled in a bustling city where students are surrounded by a vibrant community that supports their educational journey.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism — Students at Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism score 14% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 25%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0.2%
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: 7.5/10.
How Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism Compares
See how Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 16% (2019) to 9% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 23% (2019) to 19% (2022).
Location
6308 W CAMPBELL AVE, Phoenix, AZ 85033
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Cartwright Early Childhood Center (rated 7.3/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Marc T. Atkinson Middle School & Gifted Academy (rated 7.3/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Don Mensendick School (rated 6.4/10, 1.1 miles away, in nearby Glendale), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Phoenix, see our Phoenix schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday Park School Phoenix | 0.4 mi | 5.3 |
| LEXINGTON LIFE ACADEMY - PHOENIX Phoenix | 0.6 mi | 4.3 |
| Academy of Math and Science Camelback Phoenix | 0.6 mi | 3.3 |
| Westland School Phoenix | 0.6 mi | 5.7 |
| Western School of Science and Technology Phoenix | 0.7 mi | 5.7 |
| Pioneer Preparatory - A Challenge Foundation Phoenix | 0.8 mi | 3.2 |
| Victory Collegiate Academy Phoenix | 0.9 mi | 4.0 |
| William C Jack School Glendale | 1.0 mi | 6.3 |
| Heatherbrae School Phoenix | 0.9 mi | 3.5 |
| Sunset School Phoenix | 1.1 mi | 4.4 |
| Don Mensendick School Glendale | 1.1 mi | 6.4 |
| Maryvale High School Phoenix | 1.1 mi | 3.7 |
| Cartwright Early Childhood Center Phoenix | 1.1 mi | 7.3 |
| John F. Long Phoenix | 1.1 mi | 5.7 |
| Frank Borman School Phoenix | 1.3 mi | 4.6 |
| Bicentennial South School Glendale | 1.3 mi | 3.9 |
| G. Frank Davidson Phoenix | 1.4 mi | 3.7 |
| Marc T. Atkinson Middle School & Gifted Academy Phoenix | 1.3 mi | 7.3 |
| EAGLE College Prep Maryvale Phoenix | 1.4 mi | 2.9 |
| Cartwright School Phoenix | 1.7 mi | 4.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 85033 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$60,749
Median Home Value
$245,900
Median Rent
$1,338/mo
Population
58,234
College Educated
7.2%
Homeownership
56.7%
Avg Commute
28.7 min
Poverty Rate
19.8%
Median Age
28.6
Community Profile
The community surrounding Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism has a median household income of $60,749. It is a community where 7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $245,900, with a median rent of $1,338/month. The area has a poverty rate of 19.8%. The average commute for residents is 29 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 |
|---|---|
| Kyrene del Pueblo Middle School Chandler, AZ | 6.2 |
| Madison Park School Phoenix, AZ | 6.2 |
| Rim Country Middle School Payson, AZ | 6.2 |
| White Cliffs Middle School Kingman, AZ | 6.2 |
| Desert Sky Middle School Glendale, AZ | 6.3 |
| Echo Mountain Intermediate School Phoenix, AZ | 6.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism
What grades does Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism serve?
Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism?
Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism has an enrollment of approximately 518 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism?
The student-teacher ratio at Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism is 18.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism rank in AZ?
Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism is ranked #1028 out of 2,000 schools in AZ.
What is Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism's MySchoolScout rating?
Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism has a composite rating of 6.2 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 Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism has 10.7% math proficiency and 20.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism a charter school?
No, Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism a Title I school?
No, Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (3,139/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Phoenix). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 518
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 28
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Maricopa County
- Phone
- (623) 691-4900
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Cartwright Elementary District (4282)- District Enrollment
- 13,720
- Schools in District
- 23
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,949
- District Rank
- #5 of 22
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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