Average
#1246 of 2,000 schools in AZ
High Desert Middle School
Middle School · Globe Unified District (4208)
455 N WILLOW ST, Globe, AZ 85501
Enrollment
401
Student-Teacher
23.6:1
Score
5.8
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
401
Student-Teacher
23.6:1
Score
5.8
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Globe
#4 of 5
public schools
Arizona middle schools
#151 of 218
In district
#2 of 3
Globe Unified District (4208)
Academic growth
8.4 / 10
Very strong
About High Desert Middle School
High Desert Middle School is a regular public middle school located in GLOBE, Arizona, nestled in a rural area near the town. The school serves students from sixth to eighth grade and has an enrollment of 401 students with a student-teacher ratio of 23.6:1, supported by 17 full-time equivalent teachers. High Desert Middle School’s academic performance is currently focusing on areas for improvement, as indicated by its MySchoolScout Rating of 4.7 out of 10 and a state ranking of #1324 out of 2029 schools in Arizona (which puts it at the 35th percentile).
The school’s academic score stands at 2.7 out of 10, with proficiency rates of 20% for ELA/Reading and 12% for Math across all grades. Despite these challenges, High Desert Middle School is committed to providing a supportive learning environment in its rural setting, where students can grow both academically and personally. The school’s location offers a unique community feel with close-knit relationships among teachers, staff, and families, fostering a nurturing atmosphere for middle schoolers as they navigate their educational journey.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at High Desert Middle School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
The student-teacher ratio at High Desert Middle School is 23.6:1, 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, High Desert Middle 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
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
High Desert Middle School — Students at High Desert Middle School score 16% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 34%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores AZ EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from AZ state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage 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: 8.4/10.
How High Desert Middle School Compares
See how High Desert Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 17% (2019) to 11% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 21% (2019) to 22% (2022).
Location
455 N WILLOW ST, Globe, AZ 85501
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering High Desert Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Destiny School (rated 8.1/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Ray JR/SR High School (rated 7.3/10, 24.6 miles away, in nearby Kearny), which scores notably higher. Additionally, San Carlos High School (rated 7.1/10, 16.7 miles away, in nearby San Carlos), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Globe, see our Globe schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 22.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Destiny School Globe | 1.4 mi | 8.1 |
| Copper Rim Elementary School Globe | 1.9 mi | 5.7 |
| Liberty High School Globe | 2.1 mi | 6.3 |
| CVIT - Central Campus EAC Gila Pueblo Superior | 2.3 mi | — |
| Globe High School Globe | 2.3 mi | 7.0 |
| Tiger Knowledge Online (TKO) Globe | 2.9 mi | — |
| Miami Junior Senior High School Miami | 5.4 mi | 5.4 |
| Lee Kornegay Intermediate School Miami | 5.4 mi | 4.4 |
| Dr. Charles A. Bejarano Elementary School Miami | 5.5 mi | 6.0 |
| Biyaagozhoo Center Globe | 15.2 mi | — |
| San Carlos Alternative High School San Carlos | 16.7 mi | — |
| San Carlos High School San Carlos | 16.7 mi | 7.1 |
| San Carlos Middle School San Carlos | 16.8 mi | 5.0 |
| Rice Elementary School San Carlos | 16.8 mi | 6.7 |
| ST CHARLES APACHE MISSION SCHOOL San Carlos | 16.9 mi | 5.8 |
| PERIDOT-OUR SAVIOR'S LUTHERAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Peridot | 17.4 mi | 4.3 |
| Ray JR/SR High School Kearny | 24.6 mi | 7.3 |
| Ray Elementary School Kearny | 24.7 mi | 4.8 |
| John F Kennedy School Superior | 22.6 mi | 4.4 |
| CVIT - Superior High School Superior | 22.7 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 85501 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$65,933
Median Home Value
$166,400
Median Rent
$934/mo
Population
12,353
College Educated
15.3%
Homeownership
73%
Avg Commute
20.2 min
Poverty Rate
15.6%
Median Age
45.8
Community Profile
The community surrounding High Desert Middle School has a median household income of $65,933. It is a community where 15% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $166,400, with a median rent of $934/month. The area has a poverty rate of 15.6%. The average commute for residents is 20 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 |
|---|---|
| Apollo Middle School Tucson, AZ | 5.8 |
| Wilson Elementary School Phoenix, AZ | 5.8 |
| Avondale Middle School Avondale, AZ | 5.7 |
| Ida Flood Dodge Traditional Middle Magnet School Tucson, AZ | 5.7 |
| Prescott Mile High Middle School Prescott, AZ | 5.7 |
| Round Valley Middle School Springerville, AZ | 5.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about High Desert Middle School
What grades does High Desert Middle School serve?
High Desert Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend High Desert Middle School?
High Desert Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 401 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at High Desert Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at High Desert Middle School is 23.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does High Desert Middle School rank in AZ?
High Desert Middle School is ranked #1246 out of 2,000 schools in AZ.
What is High Desert Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
High Desert Middle School has a composite rating of 5.8 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.
What are the test scores at High Desert Middle School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, High Desert Middle School has 12.3% math proficiency and 20.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is High Desert Middle School a charter school?
No, High Desert Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is High Desert Middle School a Title I school?
No, High Desert Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (6,260/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Globe). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 401
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 23.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 17
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Gila County
- Phone
- (928) 402-5900
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Globe Unified District (4208)- District Enrollment
- 1,671
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,557
- District Rank
- #2 of 3
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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