Average
#787 of 2,006 schools in AZ
Top 39% in state
Desert Sun Academy
Elementary School · Cave Creek Unified District (4244)
PO BOX 426, Cave Creek, AZ 85327
Enrollment
241
Student-Teacher
11.5:1
Score
6.8
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
241
Student-Teacher
11.5:1
Score
6.8
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Arizona schools
#787 of 2,006
In Cave Creek
#7 of 7
public schools
In district
#7 of 7
Cave Creek Unified District (4244)
School environment
8.8 / 10
Excellent
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Desert Sun Academy
Elementary School in Cave Creek · grades Pre-K – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Sonoran Trails Middle School
1.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Horseshoe Trails Elementary School
1.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Desert Sun Academy
Desert Sun Academy is a public elementary school in Cave Creek, AZ, part of Cave Creek Unified District (4244). Desert Sun Academy serves approximately 241 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 11.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Desert Sun Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.8 out of 10 and ranks #787 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
Structured state assessment records for Desert Sun Academy show 64% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 70% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 6.8 · Average
- District avg 8.2
- AZ avg 6.4
What Parents Should Know
39% of students at Desert Sun Academy 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 Sun Academy — Students at Desert Sun Academy score 44% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 50%).
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: 5.7/10.
How Desert Sun Academy Compares
See how Desert Sun Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
PO BOX 426, Cave Creek, AZ 85327
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Desert Sun Academy may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Desert Trails Elementary School (rated 9.5/10, 3.8 miles away, in nearby Phoenix), which scores notably higher. Another option is Horseshoe Trails Elementary School (rated 9.1/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Lone Mountain Elementary School (rated 8.8/10, 2.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Cave Creek, see our Cave Creek schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 4.6 miSimilar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Alice Byrne Elementary School Yuma, AZ | 6.8 |
| Cragin Elementary School Tucson, AZ | 6.8 |
| Dunham Elementary School Tucson, AZ | 6.8 |
| Oak Creek Elementary School Cornville, AZ | 6.8 |
| Sedona Charter School Sedona, AZ | 6.8 |
| TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL Litchfield Park, AZ | 6.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Desert Sun Academy
What grades does Desert Sun Academy serve?
Desert Sun Academy serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.
How many students attend Desert Sun Academy?
Desert Sun Academy has an enrollment of approximately 241 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Desert Sun Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Desert Sun Academy is 11.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Desert Sun Academy rank in AZ?
Desert Sun Academy ranks #787 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
What is Desert Sun Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Desert Sun Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.8 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 Sun Academy?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Desert Sun Academy has 64% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 70% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Desert Sun Academy a charter school?
No, Desert Sun Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Desert Sun Academy a Title I school?
No, Desert Sun Academy is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 6th
- Enrollment
- 241
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 21
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Maricopa County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 39.0%
- Phone
- (480) 575-2900
Resources & Links
District
Cave Creek Unified District (4244)- District Enrollment
- 4,214
- Schools in District
- 8
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $9,626
- District Rank
- #7 of 7
How we rate schools
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