Very Good
#420 of 2,006 schools in AZ
Top 21% in state
Desert Vista High School
High School · Tempe Union High School District (4287)
16440 S 32ND ST, Phoenix, AZ 85048
Enrollment
2,802
Student-Teacher
21.7:1
Score
7.9
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,802
Student-Teacher
21.7:1
Score
7.9
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Arizona schools
#420 of 2,006
In Phoenix
#81 of 422
public schools
In district
#1 of 7
Tempe Union High School District (4287)
Academic performance
9.7 / 10
Excellent
Shortlisting around Desert Vista High School?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Desert Vista High School
High School in Phoenix · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori
0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Kyrene De Los Lagos School
0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Desert Vista High School
Desert Vista High School is a public high school in Phoenix, AZ, part of Tempe Union High School District (4287). Desert Vista High School serves approximately 2,802 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 21.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Desert Vista High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.9 out of 10 and ranks #420 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
Structured state assessment records for Desert Vista High School show 73% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 75% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
What's said publicly about Desert Vista High School
Synthesized from public, attributable sources. Updated April 2026.
Sources (1)
- This school 7.9 · Very Good
- District avg 6.5
- AZ avg 6.2
What Parents Should Know
Desert Vista High School is a large school: 2,802 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.
Desert Vista High School runs 21.7:1 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.
36% of students at Desert Vista High 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 · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Desert Vista High School — Students at Desert Vista High School score 74% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 44%).
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: 7.8/10.
How Desert Vista High School Compares
See how Desert Vista High 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
16440 S 32ND ST, Phoenix, AZ 85048
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Desert Vista High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Horizon Honors Secondary School (rated 8.3/10, 2.1 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Mountain Pointe High School (rated 5.8/10, 2.5 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Phoenix, see our Phoenix schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS MONTESSORI Phoenix | 0.5 mi | — |
| Kyrene De Los Lagos School Phoenix | 0.5 mi | 9.0 |
| Kyrene Akimel A-Al Middle School Phoenix | 0.6 mi | 5.9 |
| Kyrene de la Estrella Elementary School Phoenix | 0.7 mi | 7.1 |
| Kyrene Monte Vista School Phoenix | 1.1 mi | 9.2 |
| Kyrene Centennial Middle School Phoenix | 1.8 mi | 4.6 |
| Kyrene Digital Academy Tempe | 1.8 mi | 4.9 |
| Kyrene de la Esperanza School Phoenix | 1.7 mi | 5.9 |
| Kyrene de la Colina School Phoenix | 1.9 mi | 7.7 |
| Kyrene del Milenio Phoenix | 1.8 mi | 7.3 |
| Horizon Honors Secondary School Phoenix | 2.1 mi | 8.3 |
| Horizon Honors Elementary School Phoenix | 2.1 mi | 8.6 |
| ST JOHN BOSCO CATHOLIC Phoenix | 2.1 mi | 6.4 |
| Mountain Pointe High School Phoenix | 2.5 mi | 5.8 |
| Kyrene de la Sierra School Phoenix | 2.5 mi | 9.1 |
| Kyrene de los Cerritos School Phoenix | 2.6 mi | 9.0 |
| Kyrene Altadena Middle School Phoenix | 2.7 mi | 7.2 |
| Keystone Montessori Charter School Phoenix | 2.6 mi | 7.4 |
| Kyrene de las Lomas School Phoenix | 3.2 mi | 6.4 |
| DESERT GARDEN MONTESSORI Phoenix | 3.5 mi | 9.2 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 85048 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$123,198
Median Home Value
$538,500
Median Rent
$1,995/mo
Population
34,113
College Educated
61.6%
Homeownership
74.3%
Avg Commute
24.1 min
Poverty Rate
4.1%
Median Age
42.5
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Cienega High School Vail, AZ | 7.9 |
| Millennium High School Goodyear, AZ | 7.9 |
| Higley High School Gilbert, AZ | 8.0 |
| Mountain Ridge High School Glendale, AZ | 8.0 |
| Pinnacle High School Phoenix, AZ | 8.0 |
| Willow Canyon High School Surprise, AZ | 8.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Desert Vista High School
What grades does Desert Vista High School serve?
Desert Vista High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Desert Vista High School?
Desert Vista High School has an enrollment of approximately 2,802 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Desert Vista High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Desert Vista High School is 21.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Desert Vista High School rank in AZ?
Desert Vista High School ranks #420 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
What is Desert Vista High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Desert Vista High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.9 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 Vista High School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Desert Vista High School has 73% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 75% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Desert Vista High School a charter school?
No, Desert Vista High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Desert Vista High School a Title I school?
No, Desert Vista High School is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 2,802
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 129
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Maricopa County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 35.6%
- Phone
- (480) 706-7900
- 4-Year Graduation
- 95.0%
Resources & Links
District
Tempe Union High School District (4287)- District Enrollment
- 12,002
- Schools in District
- 8
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,252
- District Rank
- #1 of 7
Other Schools in This District
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateRelated 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.