Very Good
#580 of 2,006 schools in AZ
Top 29% in state
Desert Shadows Middle School
Middle School · Paradise Valley Unified District (4241)
5858 E SWEETWATER AVE, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Enrollment
734
Student-Teacher
21:1
Score
7.4
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
734
Student-Teacher
21:1
Score
7.4
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Arizona schools
#580 of 2,006
In Scottsdale
#34 of 46
public schools
In district
#23 of 44
Paradise Valley Unified District (4241)
Academic performance
8.9 / 10
Excellent
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Desert Shadows Middle School
Middle School in Scottsdale · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Desert Shadows Elementary School
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Desert Springs Preparatory Elementary School
1.0 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 Scottsdale, AZ, part of Paradise Valley Unified District (4241). Desert Shadows Middle School serves approximately 734 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 21:1 student-teacher ratio. Desert Shadows Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.4 out of 10 and ranks #580 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
Structured state assessment records for Desert Shadows Middle School show 62% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 7.4 · Very Good
- District avg 5.5
- AZ avg 5.6
What Parents Should Know
Desert Shadows Middle School runs 21:1 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.
32% 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 58% 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: 6.7/10.
How Desert Shadows Middle School Compares
See how Desert Shadows Middle 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
5858 E SWEETWATER AVE, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Desert Shadows Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Cocopah Middle School (rated 8.2/10, 1.5 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Sunrise Middle School (rated 6.6/10, 1.4 miles away), with a comparable 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 |
|---|---|
| Corona Foothills Middle School Corona De Tucson, AZ | 7.4 |
| Cooley Middle School Gilbert, AZ | 7.5 |
| Explorer Middle School Phoenix, AZ | 7.5 |
| South Valley Jr. High Gilbert, AZ | 7.5 |
| Stapley Junior High School Mesa, AZ | 7.5 |
| Esperero Canyon Middle School Tucson, AZ | 7.3 |
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 734 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Desert Shadows Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Desert Shadows Middle School is 21:1. 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 #580 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 7.4 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 62% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 72% 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.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 734
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 35
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Maricopa County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 32.0%
- Phone
- (602) 449-6800
Resources & Links
District
Paradise Valley Unified District (4241)- District Enrollment
- 27,034
- Schools in District
- 45
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,848
- District Rank
- #23 of 44
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