Excellent
#69 of 2,006 schools in AZ
Top 3% in state
Desert Shadows Elementary School
Elementary School · Paradise Valley Unified District (4241)
5902 E SWEETWATER AVE, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Enrollment
479
Student-Teacher
14.1:1
Score
9.1
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
479
Student-Teacher
14.1:1
Score
9.1
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Arizona schools
#69 of 2,006
In Scottsdale
#7 of 46
public schools
In district
#8 of 44
Paradise Valley Unified District (4241)
School environment
9.5 / 10
Excellent
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Desert Shadows Elementary School
Elementary School in Scottsdale · grades Pre-K – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Redfield Elementary School
Scottsdale, AZ. Compare side by side with Desert Shadows Elementary School before ruling this option in or out.
Desert Shadows Middle School
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Desert Shadows Elementary School
Desert Shadows Elementary School is a public elementary school in Scottsdale, AZ, part of Paradise Valley Unified District (4241). Desert Shadows Elementary School serves approximately 479 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 14.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Desert Shadows Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 9.1 out of 10 and ranks #69 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
Structured state assessment records for Desert Shadows Elementary School show 68% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 74% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 9.1 · Excellent
- District avg 7.6
- AZ avg 6.4
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Desert Shadows Elementary School — Students at Desert Shadows Elementary School score 67% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 44%).
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: 8.8/10.
How Desert Shadows Elementary School Compares
See how Desert Shadows Elementary 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
5902 E SWEETWATER AVE, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Desert Shadows Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Sequoya Elementary School (rated 9.4/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Scottsdale Country Day School (rated 9.3/10, 1.7 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, North Ranch Elementary School (rated 9.3/10, 2.1 miles away, in nearby Phoenix), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Scottsdale, see our Scottsdale schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.1 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 85254 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$120,885
Median Home Value
$701,900
Median Rent
$1,954/mo
Population
46,655
College Educated
60.3%
Homeownership
72.9%
Avg Commute
23.1 min
Poverty Rate
5.2%
Median Age
45.3
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Anasazi Elementary Scottsdale, AZ | 9.1 |
| Audrey & Robert Ryan Elementary Chandler, AZ | 9.1 |
| BASIS Chandler Primary - North Campus Chandler, AZ | 9.1 |
| Chandler Traditional Academy-Freedom Gilbert, AZ | 9.1 |
| Cochise Elementary School Scottsdale, AZ | 9.1 |
| Horseshoe Trails Elementary School Cave Creek, AZ | 9.1 |
Compare Desert Shadows Elementary School with similar schools nearby
Side-by-side ratings, test scores, and demographics for the schools parents most often weigh against this one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Desert Shadows Elementary School
What grades does Desert Shadows Elementary School serve?
Desert Shadows Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.
How many students attend Desert Shadows Elementary School?
Desert Shadows Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 479 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Desert Shadows Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Desert Shadows Elementary School is 14.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Desert Shadows Elementary School rank in AZ?
Desert Shadows Elementary School ranks #69 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
What is Desert Shadows Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Desert Shadows Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 9.1 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 Shadows Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Desert Shadows Elementary School has 68% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 74% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Desert Shadows Elementary School a charter school?
No, Desert Shadows Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Desert Shadows Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Desert Shadows Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
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How does Desert Shadows Elementary School stack up?
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 6th
- Enrollment
- 479
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 34
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Maricopa County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 18.8%
- Phone
- (602) 449-6900
Resources & Links
District
Paradise Valley Unified District (4241)- District Enrollment
- 27,034
- Schools in District
- 45
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,848
- District Rank
- #8 of 44
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