Average
#871 of 2,006 schools in AZ
Top 43% in state
Desert Sky Middle School
Middle School · Vail Unified District (4413)
9850 E RANKIN LOOP, Tucson, AZ 85747
Enrollment
761
Student-Teacher
20.6:1
Score
6.7
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
761
Student-Teacher
20.6:1
Score
6.7
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Arizona schools
#871 of 2,006
In Tucson
#94 of 257
public schools
In district
#19 of 23
Vail Unified District (4413)
Academic performance
8.5 / 10
Excellent
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Desert Sky Middle School
Middle School in Tucson · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Desert Willow Elementary School
0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Cottonwood Elementary School
0.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Desert Sky Middle School
Desert Sky Middle School is a public middle school in Tucson, AZ, part of Vail Unified District (4413). Desert Sky Middle School serves approximately 761 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 20.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Desert Sky Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.7 out of 10 and ranks #871 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
Structured state assessment records for Desert Sky Middle School show 70% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 71% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 6.7 · Average
- District avg 6.8
- AZ avg 5.6
What Parents Should Know
Desert Sky Middle School runs 20.6:1 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.
44% of students at Desert Sky 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 Sky Middle School — Students at Desert Sky Middle School score 55% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 49%).
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: 6.2/10.
How Desert Sky Middle School Compares
See how Desert Sky 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
9850 E RANKIN LOOP, Tucson, AZ 85747
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Desert Sky Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Rincon Vista Middle School (rated 6.5/10, 2.6 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Secrist Middle School (rated 3.8/10, 5.2 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Tucson, see our Tucson schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 5.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Desert Willow Elementary School Tucson | 0.6 mi | 8.4 |
| Cottonwood Elementary School Vail | 0.9 mi | 8.2 |
| Mesquite Elementary School Tucson | 0.8 mi | 8.9 |
| PCJTED - Mica Mountain High School Tucson | 1.3 mi | — |
| Mica Mountain High Tucson | 1.3 mi | 6.3 |
| Empire High School Tucson | 1.6 mi | 8.2 |
| Vail Innovation Center Vail | 1.7 mi | 9.1 |
| Vail Blended Learning Tucson | 1.8 mi | 6.2 |
| Esmond Station School Tucson | 2.4 mi | 9.2 |
| Rincon Vista Middle School Tucson | 2.6 mi | 6.5 |
| Senita Valley Elementary School Vail | 2.6 mi | 9.0 |
| Civano Community K-8 School Tucson | 3.1 mi | 7.5 |
| Vail Academy & High School Vail | 2.7 mi | 8.5 |
| Secrist Middle School Tucson | 5.2 mi | 3.8 |
| Vail Inclusive Preschool Vail | 4.9 mi | 4.4 |
| PCJTED - Cienega High School Tucson | 4.9 mi | — |
| Cienega High School Vail | 4.9 mi | 7.9 |
| Santa Rita High School Tucson | 5.3 mi | 5.3 |
| Leman Academy of Excellence East Tucson Tucson | 5.8 mi | 6.5 |
| Legacy Traditional School - East Tucson Chandler | 5.9 mi | 4.7 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 85747 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$107,290
Median Home Value
$345,900
Median Rent
$1,776/mo
Population
26,808
College Educated
45.6%
Homeownership
80.6%
Avg Commute
27.2 min
Poverty Rate
5.4%
Median Age
36.5
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Somerton Middle School Somerton, AZ | 6.7 |
| Southwest Jr. High School San Luis, AZ | 6.7 |
| Verrado Middle School Litchfield Park, AZ | 6.7 |
| Old Vail Middle School Vail, AZ | 6.8 |
| Desert Foothills Middle School Phoenix, AZ | 6.5 |
| Rincon Vista Middle School Tucson, AZ | 6.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Desert Sky Middle School
What grades does Desert Sky Middle School serve?
Desert Sky Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Desert Sky Middle School?
Desert Sky Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 761 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Desert Sky Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Desert Sky Middle School is 20.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Desert Sky Middle School rank in AZ?
Desert Sky Middle School ranks #871 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
What is Desert Sky Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Desert Sky Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.7 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 Sky Middle School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Desert Sky Middle School has 70% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 71% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Desert Sky Middle School a charter school?
No, Desert Sky Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Desert Sky Middle School a Title I school?
No, Desert Sky 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
- 761
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 20.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 37
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Pima County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 43.5%
- Phone
- (520) 879-2700
Resources & Links
District
Vail Unified District (4413)- District Enrollment
- 14,831
- Schools in District
- 23
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,071
- District Rank
- #19 of 23
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