Average
#1462 of 2,006 schools in AZ
Desert Shadows Middle School
Middle School · Nogales Unified District (4457)
340 Blvd. del Rey David, Nogales, AZ 85621
Enrollment
765
Student-Teacher
22.5:1
Score
5.1
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
765
Student-Teacher
22.5:1
Score
5.1
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Arizona schools
#1,462 of 2,006
In Nogales
#10 of 13
public schools
In district
#8 of 11
Nogales Unified District (4457)
Academic performance
7.7 / 10
Very Good
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Desert Shadows Middle School
Middle School in Nogales · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Robert Bracker Elementary
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Francisco Vasquez De Coronado Elementary School
2.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Desert Shadows Middle School
Desert Shadows Middle School is a public middle school in Nogales, AZ, part of Nogales Unified District (4457). Desert Shadows Middle School serves approximately 765 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 22.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Desert Shadows Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 out of 10 and ranks #1,462 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
Structured state assessment records for Desert Shadows Middle School show 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 5.1 · Average
- District avg 4.2
- AZ avg 5.6
What Parents Should Know
Desert Shadows Middle School runs 22.5:1 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.
Desert Shadows Middle School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
37% of students at Desert Shadows Middle School 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 Shadows Middle School — Students at Desert Shadows Middle School score 34% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 16%).
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: 3.4/10.
How Desert Shadows Middle School Compares
See how Desert Shadows Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
340 Blvd. del Rey David, Nogales, AZ 85621
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Desert Shadows Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Mexicayotl Charter School (rated 9.7/10, 3.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Robert Bracker Elementary (rated 7.3/10, 0.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Nogales High School (rated 6.6/10, 2.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Nogales, see our Nogales schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 5.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Robert Bracker Elementary Nogales | 0.1 mi | 7.3 |
| Francisco Vasquez De Coronado Elementary School Nogales | 2.0 mi | 6.1 |
| Calabasas School Rio Rico | 2.4 mi | 4.4 |
| SONSHINE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Nogales | 2.6 mi | 5.1 |
| Nogales High School Nogales | 2.7 mi | 6.6 |
| Mexicayotl Charter School Nogales | 3.1 mi | 9.7 |
| Pinnacle Charter High School Tempe | 3.2 mi | 5.7 |
| Wade Carpenter Middle School Nogales | 4.0 mi | 3.2 |
| Mary L Welty Elementary School Nogales | 4.2 mi | 5.4 |
| Challenger Elementary School Nogales | 3.9 mi | 5.2 |
| A J Mitchell Elementary School Nogales | 4.2 mi | 4.2 |
| SACRED HEART SCHOOL Nogales | 4.6 mi | 5.2 |
| LOURDES CATHOLIC SCHOOL Nogales | 4.3 mi | 4.5 |
| Pierson High School Nogales | 4.6 mi | 6.4 |
| NUSD Online Nogales | 4.6 mi | 5.1 |
| Colegio Petite Arizona Phoenix | 4.5 mi | 5.6 |
| EdOptions Preparatory Academy Tempe | 4.7 mi | 4.9 |
| SACRED HEART CATHOLIC SCHOOL Nogales | 4.8 mi | 4.8 |
| Lincoln Elementary School Nogales | 4.7 mi | 6.1 |
| San Cayetano Elementary School Rio Rico | 5.3 mi | 4.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 85621 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$41,309
Median Home Value
$173,600
Median Rent
$700/mo
Population
21,512
College Educated
18.5%
Homeownership
50.7%
Avg Commute
20 min
Poverty Rate
25%
Median Age
37.5
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Desert Wind Middle School Maricopa, AZ | 5.1 |
| Gridley Middle School Tucson, AZ | 5.1 |
| Maricopa Wells Middle School Maricopa, AZ | 5.1 |
| Shea Middle School Phoenix, AZ | 5.1 |
| Heritage Middle School Chino Valley, AZ | 5.0 |
| Palo Verde Middle School Phoenix, AZ | 5.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Desert Shadows Middle School
What grades does Desert Shadows Middle School serve?
Desert Shadows Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Desert Shadows Middle School?
Desert Shadows Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 765 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Desert Shadows Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Desert Shadows Middle School is 22.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Desert Shadows Middle School rank in AZ?
Desert Shadows Middle School ranks #1,462 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
What is Desert Shadows Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Desert Shadows Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 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 Middle School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Desert Shadows Middle School has 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Desert Shadows Middle School a charter school?
No, Desert Shadows Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Desert Shadows Middle School a Title I school?
No, Desert Shadows Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 765
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 22.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 34
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Santa Cruz County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 37.0%
- Phone
- (520) 377-2646
Resources & Links
District
Nogales Unified District (4457)- District Enrollment
- 5,701
- Schools in District
- 11
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $9,157
- District Rank
- #8 of 11
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