Excellent
#317 of 2,006 schools in AZ
Top 16% in state
Desert Willow Elementary School
Elementary School · Cave Creek Unified District (4244)
PO BOX 427, Cave Creek, AZ 85327
Enrollment
397
Student-Teacher
14.7:1
Score
8.1
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
397
Student-Teacher
14.7:1
Score
8.1
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Arizona schools
#317 of 2,006
In Cave Creek
#5 of 7
public schools
In district
#5 of 7
Cave Creek Unified District (4244)
Academic performance
8.9 / 10
Excellent
Shortlisting around Desert Willow Elementary 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 Willow Elementary School
Elementary School in Cave Creek · grades Pre-K – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Annunciation Catholic School
1.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Lone Mountain Elementary School
1.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Desert Willow Elementary School
Desert Willow Elementary School is a public elementary school in Cave Creek, AZ, part of Cave Creek Unified District (4244). Desert Willow Elementary School serves approximately 397 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 14.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Desert Willow Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.1 out of 10 and ranks #317 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
Structured state assessment records for Desert Willow Elementary School show 71% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 77% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 8.1 · Excellent
- District avg 8.2
- AZ avg 6.4
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Desert Willow Elementary School — Students at Desert Willow Elementary School score 62% proficient, which is above 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: 7.5/10.
How Desert Willow Elementary School Compares
See how Desert Willow Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
PO BOX 427, Cave Creek, AZ 85327
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Desert Willow Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Desert Trails Elementary School (rated 9.5/10, 5.4 miles away, in nearby Phoenix), which scores notably higher. Another option is Sky Crossing Elementary School (rated 9.5/10, 5.7 miles away, in nearby Phoenix), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Horseshoe Trails Elementary School (rated 9.1/10, 2.8 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Cave Creek, see our Cave Creek schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 5.8 miSimilar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| ASU Preparatory Academy-Polytechnic Elementary Mesa, AZ | 8.1 |
| Burk Elementary School Gilbert, AZ | 8.1 |
| Grayhawk Elementary School Scottsdale, AZ | 8.1 |
| Harriet Johnson Primary School Tucson, AZ | 8.1 |
| Mesa Verde Elementary School Tucson, AZ | 8.1 |
| Abraham Lincoln Traditional School Phoenix, AZ | 8.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Desert Willow Elementary School
What grades does Desert Willow Elementary School serve?
Desert Willow Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.
How many students attend Desert Willow Elementary School?
Desert Willow Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 397 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Desert Willow Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Desert Willow Elementary School is 14.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Desert Willow Elementary School rank in AZ?
Desert Willow Elementary School ranks #317 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
What is Desert Willow Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Desert Willow Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.1 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 Willow Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Desert Willow Elementary School has 71% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 77% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Desert Willow Elementary School a charter school?
No, Desert Willow Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Desert Willow Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Desert Willow Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 6th
- Enrollment
- 397
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 27
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Maricopa County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 25.4%
- Phone
- (480) 575-2800
Resources & Links
District
Cave Creek Unified District (4244)- District Enrollment
- 4,214
- Schools in District
- 8
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $9,626
- District Rank
- #5 of 7
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.