Average
#1283 of 2,000 schools in AZ
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
5.7
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
241
Student-Teacher
11.5:1
Score
5.7
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Cave Creek
#7 of 7
public schools
Arizona elementary schools
#775 of 1,216
In district
#7 of 7
Cave Creek Unified District (4244)
School environment
8.7 / 10
Exceptional
About Desert Sun Academy
Desert Sun Academy serves 241 students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade in Cave Creek, Arizona. This elementary school maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio of 11.5 to 1 with 21 full-time equivalent teachers, allowing for more individualized attention in the classroom. The school demonstrates solid academic performance with a MySchoolScout rating of 7.4 out of 10 and ranks #316 out of 2,029 Arizona elementary schools, placing it in the 84th percentile statewide.
Students show particular strength in English Language Arts and reading, with 52% achieving proficient or above levels across grade levels. Mathematics presents an area with room for growth, as 37% of students score proficient or above. As a regular public school, Desert Sun Academy provides traditional elementary education programming for families in the Cave Creek area.
The school's academic score of 7.3 out of 10 reflects its commitment to student achievement and educational excellence within the Arizona public school system. Cave Creek offers families a mid-size city environment that balances suburban amenities with access to Arizona's distinctive desert landscape, providing students with a unique southwestern educational setting.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
Data not available for this school
View breakdown
Desert Sun Academy — Students at Desert Sun Academy score 44% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 50%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores AZ EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 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: 3.6/10.
How Desert Sun Academy Compares
See how Desert Sun Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 60% (2019) to 37% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 62% (2019) to 52% (2022).
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. Wildfire Elementary School (rated 8.9/10, 3.9 miles away, in nearby Phoenix), which scores notably higher. Another option is Grayhawk Elementary School (rated 8.7/10, 4.6 miles away, in nearby Scottsdale), which scores notably higher. Additionally, DYNAMITE MONTESSORI (rated 8.5/10, 1.4 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 |
|---|---|
| Howell Peter Elementary Tucson, AZ | 5.7 |
| Martin Luther King Early Childhood Center Phoenix, AZ | 5.7 |
| OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP CATHOLIC SCHOOL Glendale, AZ | 5.7 |
| ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI SCHOOL Yuma, AZ | 5.7 |
| Sarah Marley School Douglas, AZ | 5.7 |
| Skyview School Prescott, AZ | 5.7 |
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 is ranked #1283 out of 2,000 schools in AZ.
What is Desert Sun Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Desert Sun Academy has a composite rating of 5.7 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Desert Sun Academy?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Desert Sun Academy has 49.7% math proficiency and 57.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
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.
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
- Phone
- (480) 575-2900
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
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
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.