Average
#1546 of 2,000 schools in AZ
L. Thomas Heck Middle School
Middle School · Litchfield Elementary District (4281)
272 E SAGEBRUSH ST, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
Enrollment
544
Student-Teacher
15.5:1
Score
5.2
Grades
5th – 8th
Enrollment
544
Student-Teacher
15.5:1
Score
5.2
Grades
5th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Litchfield Park
#15 of 18
public schools
Arizona middle schools
#180 of 218
In district
#14 of 15
Litchfield Elementary District (4281)
School environment
7.4 / 10
Strong
About L. Thomas Heck Middle School
L. Thomas Heck Middle School is a regular public school located in Litchfield Park, Arizona, in a large suburban setting. Serving grades 5 through 8, the school has a total enrollment of 544 students and a student-teacher ratio of 15.5:1, with 35 full-time equivalent teachers.
The school’s MySchoolScout rating is 6.0 out of 10, placing it at the 58th percentile among Arizona schools, with an academic score of 5.6/10. In terms of standardized test performance, 38% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while 25% are proficient or above in Math, indicating areas for academic growth and development. L.
Thomas Heck Middle School is situated in a neighborhood with a median household income of $111,479 and a median home value of $449,600. The community is well-educated, with 37% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher, and the poverty rate is relatively low at 8%. This setting provides a supportive environment for students to grow and learn.
The school is nestled in a vibrant suburban area where families thrive, offering a mix of academic opportunities and community resources for students.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
L. Thomas Heck Middle School — Students at L. Thomas Heck Middle School score 32% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0.1%
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
↓ 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: 3.4/10.
How L. Thomas Heck Middle School Compares
See how L. Thomas Heck Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 46% (2019) to 25% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 49% (2019) to 38% (2022).
Location
272 E SAGEBRUSH ST, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering L. Thomas Heck Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Luke Elementary School (rated 7.6/10, 1.5 miles away, in nearby Glendale), which scores notably higher. Another option is Corte Sierra Elementary School (rated 7.3/10, 2.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, ST PETER'S EPISCOPAL MONTESSORI SCHOOL (rated 7.1/10, 3.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Litchfield Park, see our Litchfield Park schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.1 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 85340 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$117,193
Median Home Value
$499,700
Median Rent
$1,924/mo
Population
38,873
College Educated
37.4%
Homeownership
81.6%
Avg Commute
27.8 min
Poverty Rate
9.1%
Median Age
36.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding L. Thomas Heck Middle School has a median household income of $117,193. It is an area where 37% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $499,700, with a median rent of $1,924/month. The local poverty rate of 9.1% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 28 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 |
|---|---|
| Amphitheater Middle School Tucson, AZ | 5.2 |
| Bullhead City Middle School Bullhead City, AZ | 5.2 |
| Camp Verde Middle School Camp Verde, AZ | 5.2 |
| Choice Learning Academy Phoenix, AZ | 5.2 |
| Raul H. Castro Middle School: Academy of Fine Arts Phoenix, AZ | 5.2 |
| Glassford Hill Middle School Prescott Valley, AZ | 5.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about L. Thomas Heck Middle School
What grades does L. Thomas Heck Middle School serve?
L. Thomas Heck Middle School serves students in grades 5th through 8th.
How many students attend L. Thomas Heck Middle School?
L. Thomas Heck Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 544 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at L. Thomas Heck Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at L. Thomas Heck Middle School is 15.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does L. Thomas Heck Middle School rank in AZ?
L. Thomas Heck Middle School is ranked #1546 out of 2,000 schools in AZ.
What is L. Thomas Heck Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
L. Thomas Heck Middle School has a composite rating of 5.2 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 L. Thomas Heck Middle School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, L. Thomas Heck Middle School has 31.7% math proficiency and 42.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is L. Thomas Heck Middle School a charter school?
No, L. Thomas Heck Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is L. Thomas Heck Middle School a Title I school?
No, L. Thomas Heck Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- Elevated (1,046/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Litchfield Park). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 5th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 544
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 35
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Maricopa County
- Phone
- (623) 547-1700
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Litchfield Elementary District (4281)- District Enrollment
- 10,734
- Schools in District
- 19
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $9,992
- District Rank
- #14 of 15
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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