Very Good
#548 of 2,006 schools in AZ
Top 27% in state
Explorer Middle School
Middle School · Paradise Valley Unified District (4241)
22401 N 40TH ST, Phoenix, AZ 85050
Enrollment
641
Student-Teacher
21.4:1
Score
7.5
Grades
7th – 8th
Enrollment
641
Student-Teacher
21.4:1
Score
7.5
Grades
7th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Arizona schools
#548 of 2,006
In Phoenix
#100 of 422
public schools
In district
#22 of 44
Paradise Valley Unified District (4241)
Academic performance
8.9 / 10
Excellent
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Explorer Middle School
Middle School in Phoenix · grades 7th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Wildfire Elementary School
0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Desert Trails Elementary School
0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Explorer Middle School
Explorer Middle School is a public middle school in Phoenix, AZ, part of Paradise Valley Unified District (4241). Explorer Middle School serves approximately 641 students, and covers grades 7th-8th, and has a 21.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Explorer Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.5 out of 10 and ranks #548 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
Structured state assessment records for Explorer Middle School show 72% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 73% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 7.5 · Very Good
- District avg 5.5
- AZ avg 5.6
What Parents Should Know
Explorer Middle School runs 21.4:1 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.
35% of students at Explorer Middle 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 · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Explorer Middle School — Students at Explorer Middle School score 58% 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: 7.1/10.
How Explorer Middle School Compares
See how Explorer Middle 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
22401 N 40TH ST, Phoenix, AZ 85050
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Explorer Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Sonoran Trails Middle School (rated 6.9/10, 3.4 miles away, in nearby Cave Creek), with a comparable rating. Another option is Mountain Trail Middle School (rated 6.2/10, 2.8 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, Vista Verde Middle School (rated 3.5/10, 3.4 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Phoenix, see our Phoenix schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire Elementary School Phoenix | 0.4 mi | 8.8 |
| Desert Trails Elementary School Phoenix | 0.4 mi | 9.5 |
| Fireside Elementary School Phoenix | 1.0 mi | 9.5 |
| Pinnacle High School Phoenix | 1.4 mi | 8.0 |
| West-MEC - Pinnacle High School Phoenix | 1.4 mi | — |
| Sky Crossing Elementary School Phoenix | 1.4 mi | 9.5 |
| Quail Run Elementary School Phoenix | 2.3 mi | 8.9 |
| AAEC - Paradise Valley Phoenix | 2.5 mi | 8.5 |
| Milestones Charter School Phoenix | 2.6 mi | 8.2 |
| Copper Canyon Elementary School Scottsdale | 3.1 mi | 8.7 |
| West-MEC - Paradise Valley High School Phoenix | 3.3 mi | — |
| Sunset Canyon School Phoenix | 3.0 mi | 5.5 |
| Paradise Valley High School Phoenix | 3.3 mi | 7.4 |
| Mountain Trail Middle School Phoenix | 2.8 mi | 6.2 |
| Horseshoe Trails Elementary School Cave Creek | 3.3 mi | 9.1 |
| Boulder Creek Elementary School Phoenix | 2.9 mi | 9.2 |
| Sonoran Trails Middle School Cave Creek | 3.4 mi | 6.9 |
| PRIMROSE SCHOOL AT TATUM Cave Creek | 3.6 mi | — |
| BREAKTHROUGH ACADEMY- EAST CAMPUS Phoenix | 3.6 mi | — |
| Vista Verde Middle School Phoenix | 3.4 mi | 3.5 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 85050 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$137,389
Median Home Value
$564,200
Median Rent
$2,200/mo
Population
32,669
College Educated
57.7%
Homeownership
79.5%
Avg Commute
23.2 min
Poverty Rate
4.6%
Median Age
41.1
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Cooley Middle School Gilbert, AZ | 7.5 |
| South Valley Jr. High Gilbert, AZ | 7.5 |
| Corona Foothills Middle School Corona De Tucson, AZ | 7.4 |
| Desert Shadows Middle School Scottsdale, AZ | 7.4 |
| Mountainside Middle School Scottsdale, AZ | 7.6 |
| Snowflake Intermediate School Snowflake, AZ | 7.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Explorer Middle School
What grades does Explorer Middle School serve?
Explorer Middle School serves students in grades 7th through 8th.
How many students attend Explorer Middle School?
Explorer Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 641 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Explorer Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Explorer Middle School is 21.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Explorer Middle School rank in AZ?
Explorer Middle School ranks #548 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
What is Explorer Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Explorer Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.5 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 Explorer Middle School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Explorer Middle School has 72% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 73% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Explorer Middle School a charter school?
No, Explorer Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Explorer Middle School a Title I school?
No, Explorer Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 7th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 641
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 30
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Maricopa County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 34.9%
- Phone
- (602) 449-4200
Resources & Links
District
Paradise Valley Unified District (4241)- District Enrollment
- 27,034
- Schools in District
- 45
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,848
- District Rank
- #22 of 44
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