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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

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 metrics
Student Progress7.5Very Good40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-1.93 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics3.9Fair35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency9%
Reading/ELA Proficiency19%
Overall Proficiency14%
Expected (poverty-adj.)25%
vs. Expected-10.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile20th
Resources & Environment7.3Very Good25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,851

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%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

0.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores AZ EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 10.7%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 20.7%
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from AZ state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
16%
ELA
23%
2021*
Math
7%
ELA
20%
2022
Math
9%
ELA
19%

* 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.

Overall Score
6.2/10
49th percentile in AZ
Academic
3.9/10
3.9/10
Growth
7.5/10
Above average
Environment
7.3/10
Above average

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

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
Data Year
2023–2024

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 methodology

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