Very Good
#610 of 2,006 schools in AZ
Top 30% in state
Desert Thunder
Elementary School · Avondale Elementary District (4272)
16750 W GARFIELD ST, Goodyear, AZ 85338
Enrollment
946
Student-Teacher
22.5:1
Score
7.3
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
946
Student-Teacher
22.5:1
Score
7.3
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Arizona schools
#610 of 2,006
In Goodyear
#5 of 15
public schools
In district
#2 of 9
Avondale Elementary District (4272)
Academic growth
8.2 / 10
Excellent
Shortlisting around Desert Thunder?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
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Desert Thunder
Elementary School in Goodyear · grades Pre-K – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Incito Schools
0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Palm Valley Montessori L L C
0.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Desert Thunder
Desert Thunder is a public elementary school in Goodyear, AZ, part of Avondale Elementary District (4272). Desert Thunder serves approximately 946 students, and covers grades Pre-K-8th, and has a 22.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Desert Thunder has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.3 out of 10 and ranks #610 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
Structured state assessment records for Desert Thunder show 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 7.3 · Very Good
- District avg 6.1
- AZ avg 6.4
What Parents Should Know
Desert Thunder runs 22.5:1 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.
43% of students at Desert Thunder 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 Thunder — Students at Desert Thunder score 44% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 37%).
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: 8.2/10.
How Desert Thunder Compares
See how Desert Thunder 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
16750 W GARFIELD ST, Goodyear, AZ 85338
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Desert Thunder may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. PALM VALLEY MONTESSORI L L C (rated 8.2/10, 0.7 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Wildflower Accelerated Academy (rated 8.2/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Scott L Libby Elementary School (rated 8.2/10, 2.9 miles away, in nearby Litchfield Park), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Goodyear, see our Goodyear schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.5 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 85338 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$99,345
Median Home Value
$396,100
Median Rent
$1,822/mo
Population
64,448
College Educated
32.2%
Homeownership
76.1%
Avg Commute
31.1 min
Poverty Rate
6.1%
Median Age
37.9
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Dreaming Summit Elementary Litchfield Park, AZ | 7.3 |
| Gateway Pointe Elementary Gilbert, AZ | 7.3 |
| Gowan Science Academy Yuma, AZ | 7.3 |
| Legacy Traditional-San Tan Chandler, AZ | 7.3 |
| Tierra Del Sol Elementary School Somerton, AZ | 7.3 |
| Tuba City Boarding School Tuba City, AZ | 7.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Desert Thunder
What grades does Desert Thunder serve?
Desert Thunder serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.
How many students attend Desert Thunder?
Desert Thunder has an enrollment of approximately 946 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Desert Thunder?
The student-teacher ratio at Desert Thunder is 22.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Desert Thunder rank in AZ?
Desert Thunder ranks #610 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
What is Desert Thunder's MySchoolScout rating?
Desert Thunder has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.3 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 Thunder?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Desert Thunder has 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Desert Thunder a charter school?
No, Desert Thunder is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Desert Thunder a Title I school?
No, Desert Thunder is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 8th
- Enrollment
- 946
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 22.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 42
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Maricopa County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 43.4%
- Phone
- (623) 772-4700
Resources & Links
District
Avondale Elementary District (4272)- District Enrollment
- 5,960
- Schools in District
- 9
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,264
- District Rank
- #2 of 9
Other Schools in This District
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