Needs Improvement
#1851 of 2,006 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
3.8
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
518
Student-Teacher
18.5:1
Score
3.8
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Arizona schools
#1,851 of 2,006
In Phoenix
#372 of 422
public schools
In district
#17 of 22
Cartwright Elementary District (4282)
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Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism
Middle School in Phoenix · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Holiday Park School
0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Lexington Life Academy - Phoenix
0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism
Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism is a public middle school in Phoenix, AZ, part of Cartwright Elementary District (4282). Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism serves approximately 518 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 18.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.8 out of 10 and ranks #1,851 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
Structured state assessment records for Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism show 28% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 38% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 3.8 · Needs Improvement
- District avg 4.0
- AZ avg 5.6
What Parents Should Know
62% of students at Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism 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 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%).
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: 2.8/10.
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.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
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. Sunset School (rated 8.1/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Western School of Science and Technology (rated 6.8/10, 0.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, EAGLE College Prep Maryvale (rated 6.1/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. 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 | 3.5 |
| LEXINGTON LIFE ACADEMY - PHOENIX Phoenix | 0.6 mi | 4.3 |
| Academy of Math and Science Camelback Phoenix | 0.6 mi | 5.6 |
| Westland School Phoenix | 0.6 mi | 3.4 |
| Western School of Science and Technology Phoenix | 0.7 mi | 6.8 |
| Pioneer Preparatory - A Challenge Foundation Phoenix | 0.8 mi | 4.2 |
| Victory Collegiate Academy Phoenix | 0.9 mi | 5.8 |
| William C Jack School Glendale | 1.0 mi | 5.6 |
| Heatherbrae School Phoenix | 0.9 mi | 4.8 |
| Sunset School Phoenix | 1.1 mi | 8.1 |
| Don Mensendick School Glendale | 1.1 mi | 4.4 |
| Maryvale High School Phoenix | 1.1 mi | 4.6 |
| Cartwright Early Childhood Center Phoenix | 1.1 mi | 6.0 |
| John F. Long Phoenix | 1.1 mi | 5.0 |
| Frank Borman School Phoenix | 1.3 mi | 5.7 |
| Bicentennial South School Glendale | 1.3 mi | 3.4 |
| G. Frank Davidson Phoenix | 1.4 mi | 5.3 |
| Marc T. Atkinson Middle School & Gifted Academy Phoenix | 1.3 mi | 5.4 |
| EAGLE College Prep Maryvale Phoenix | 1.4 mi | 6.1 |
| Cartwright School Phoenix | 1.7 mi | 2.9 |
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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Choice Learning Academy Phoenix, AZ | 3.8 |
| Santa Maria Middle School Phoenix, AZ | 3.8 |
| Greenway Middle School Phoenix, AZ | 3.7 |
| Geneva Epps Mosley Middle School Tempe, AZ | 3.9 |
| Gila Vista Jr High School Yuma, AZ | 3.9 |
| Isaac Middle School Phoenix, AZ | 3.9 |
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 ranks #1,851 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
What is Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism's MySchoolScout rating?
Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.8 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 Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Desert Sands Academy of Mass Communication & Journalism has 28% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 38% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
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
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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
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 61.6%
- Phone
- (623) 691-4900
Resources & Links
District
Cartwright Elementary District (4282)- District Enrollment
- 13,720
- Schools in District
- 23
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,949
- District Rank
- #17 of 22
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