Below Average
#1756 of 2,000 schools in AZ
Based on limited data
Desert Sunset Elementary School
Elementary School · Saddle Mountain Unified School District (4254)
30919 W. White Tanks Vista Dr, Buckeye, AZ 85396
Estimated academic score. This school does not have standardized test data. Based on AZ statewide data. Learn more
Enrollment
672
Student-Teacher
28:1
Score
4.6
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
672
Student-Teacher
28:1
Score
4.6
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Buckeye
#3 of 3
public schools
Arizona elementary schools
#1,034 of 1,216
In district
#4 of 5
Saddle Mountain Unified School District (4254)
About Desert Sunset Elementary School
Desert Sunset Elementary School is an elementary school located in the rural area of Buckeye, Arizona. The school serves students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade and has a total enrollment of 672 students. With a student-teacher ratio of 28:1, Desert Sunset strives to provide a supportive learning environment for its young learners.
There are 24 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to the education and development of their students. Desert Sunset Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating is 4.3 out of 10, placing it in the 28th percentile among Arizona schools, ranking at #1466 out of a total of 2029 public elementary schools in the state. Despite not having recent test score data available to provide context for academic performance, Desert Sunset focuses on nurturing each child's growth and development.
The school is situated in an area that offers a close-knit community feel with plenty of open spaces and natural surroundings. Desert Sunset Elementary School aims to create a warm and inviting environment where students can thrive academically and socially amidst the rural charm of Buckeye, Arizona.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Desert Sunset Elementary School is 28:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Located in a rural area, Desert Sunset Elementary School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Partial Profile · 2/3 metricsRequires 2+ years of test data
Data not available for this school
View breakdown
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Component weights adjusted due to data availability.
Test Scores
Test score data not yet available for this school.
How Desert Sunset Elementary School Compares
See how Desert Sunset Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Location
30919 W. White Tanks Vista Dr, Buckeye, AZ 85396
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Desert Sunset Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Westpark Elementary School (rated 7.6/10, 7.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Marionneaux Elementary School (rated 7.6/10, 10.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Winters Well Elementary School (rated 7.4/10, 6.4 miles away, in nearby Tonopah), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Buckeye, see our Buckeye schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 10.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Tartesso Elementary School Buckeye | 1.7 mi | 4.5 |
| Winters Well Elementary School Tonopah | 6.4 mi | 7.4 |
| Westpark Elementary School Buckeye | 7.7 mi | 7.6 |
| Palo Verde Elementary School Palo Verde | 9.6 mi | 5.5 |
| Imagine Schools at Buckeye Buckeye | 8.7 mi | 4.4 |
| Skyview High School Buckeye | 8.9 mi | 5.6 |
| John S McCain III Elementary School Buckeye | 8.9 mi | 5.2 |
| Ruth Fisher Middle School Tonopah | 8.9 mi | 5.7 |
| Bales Elementary School Buckeye | 9.7 mi | 6.3 |
| Steven R. Jasinski Elementary School Buckeye | 9.4 mi | 7.2 |
| West-MEC - Youngker High School Buckeye | 9.4 mi | — |
| Youngker High School Buckeye | 9.4 mi | 3.7 |
| West-MEC - Tonopah Valley High School Tonopah | 9.0 mi | — |
| Tonopah Valley High School Tonopah | 9.0 mi | 5.2 |
| GRACE FELLOWSHIP ACADEMY Buckeye | 9.8 mi | 5.8 |
| ThrivePoint High School at Buckeye Glendale | 9.8 mi | 6.2 |
| Arlington Elementary School Arlington | 10.3 mi | 6.4 |
| Sundance Elementary Buckeye | 9.4 mi | 5.2 |
| Inca Elementary School Buckeye | 9.9 mi | 6.5 |
| Marionneaux Elementary School Buckeye | 10.3 mi | 7.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 85396 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$114,266
Median Home Value
$451,000
Median Rent
$2,047/mo
Population
38,489
College Educated
33.2%
Homeownership
93.5%
Avg Commute
34.1 min
Poverty Rate
5.9%
Median Age
40.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding Desert Sunset Elementary School has a median household income of $114,266. It is an area where 33% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $451,000, with a median rent of $2,047/month. The local poverty rate of 5.9% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 34 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Drexel Elementary School Tucson, AZ | 4.6 |
| Dysart Middle School El Mirage, AZ | 4.6 |
| Jamaica Elementary School Lake Havasu City, AZ | 4.6 |
| Keller Elementary School Mesa, AZ | 4.6 |
| Lincoln Elementary School Nogales, AZ | 4.6 |
| Palm Lane Phoenix, AZ | 4.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Desert Sunset Elementary School
What grades does Desert Sunset Elementary School serve?
Desert Sunset Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Desert Sunset Elementary School?
Desert Sunset Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 672 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Desert Sunset Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Desert Sunset Elementary School is 28:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Desert Sunset Elementary School rank in AZ?
Desert Sunset Elementary School is ranked #1756 out of 2,000 schools in AZ.
What is Desert Sunset Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Desert Sunset Elementary School has a composite rating of 4.6 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.
Is Desert Sunset Elementary School a charter school?
No, Desert Sunset Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Desert Sunset Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Desert Sunset Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- Elevated (939/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Buckeye). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 672
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 28:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 24
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Maricopa County
- Phone
- (623) 474-5601
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Saddle Mountain Unified School District (4254)- District Enrollment
- 3,245
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,380
- District Rank
- #4 of 5
Other Schools in This District
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
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