Skip to main content

Below Average

#1739 of 2,000 schools in AZ

Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix

School · Daisy Education Corporation dba Sonoran Science Ac (89914)

4837 E MCDOWELL RD, Phoenix, AZ 85008

Charter

Enrollment

452

Score

4.6

Grades

Kindergarten – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Phoenix

#337 of 398

public schools

Arizona schools

#123 of 137

Academic growth

7.3 / 10

Strong

About Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix

Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix is a charter school located in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona, offering education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The school serves a diverse community with an enrollment of 452 students. While the exact student-teacher ratio and number of teachers are not reported, the school's commitment to personalized learning and community engagement is evident.

Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix is ranked 1639th out of 2029 schools in Arizona, placing it in the 19th percentile. The school's academic performance, as indicated by MySchoolScout, shows room for improvement, with 25% of students proficient in ELA/Reading and 18% proficient in Math. Despite these challenges, the school focuses on student development and providing a supportive environment for all learners.

The school is situated in a vibrant neighborhood where the median household income is $57,728, and the median home value is $308,500. Approximately 22% of the population has a bachelor's degree or higher, and the poverty rate is 19.3%. This setting provides students with a rich, diverse community that fosters engagement and growth.

Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix is embedded in the dynamic urban landscape of Phoenix, offering students a unique blend of academic challenges and community resources.

What Parents Should Know

While current test scores at Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix 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.

Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress7.3Very Good25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-2.17 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics4.3Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency18%
Reading/ELA Proficiency25%
Overall Proficiency22%
Expected (poverty-adj.)38%
vs. Expected-16.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile24th
College Readiness1.8Significantly Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation2.4%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment5.9Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Per-Pupil Spending$12,924

Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix — Students at Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix score 22% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 38%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

0.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores AZ EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 17.0%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 25.7%
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from AZ state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
22%
ELA
32%
2021*
Math
11%
ELA
20%
2022
Math
18%
ELA
25%

* 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: 7.3/10.

How Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix Compares

See how Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.6/10
13th percentile in AZ
Academic
4.3/10
4.3/10
Growth
7.3/10
Above average
Environment
5.9/10
Above average

Location

4837 E MCDOWELL RD, Phoenix, AZ 85008

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix may also want to explore other schools in the area. Phoenix Union-Wilson College Preparatory (rated 8.7/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is VALIANT COLLEGE PREPARATORY (rated 7.1/10, 0.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Wilson Primary School (rated 6.7/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Phoenix, see our Phoenix schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Gateway School Phoenix 0.3 mi 5.7
Papago School Phoenix 0.4 mi 5.9
David Crockett Elementary School Phoenix 0.8 mi 5.1
VALIANT COLLEGE PREPARATORY Phoenix 0.9 mi 7.1
Phoenix Union-Wilson College Preparatory Phoenix 1.0 mi 8.7
The Creighton Academy Phoenix 0.9 mi 6.5
Wilson Primary School Phoenix 1.1 mi 6.7
Wilson Elementary School Phoenix 1.0 mi 5.8
Pat Tillman Middle School Phoenix 1.0 mi 5.8
Ombudsman - Charter East Phoenix 1.1 mi 6.3
Gateway Early College High School Phoenix 1.2 mi 2.2
Ombudsman - Charter East II Phoenix 1.2 mi 6.3
Career Success School - Sage Campus Phoenix 1.4 mi 2.4
Monte Vista Elementary School Phoenix 1.5 mi 4.2
Griffith Elementary School Phoenix 1.3 mi 4.8
Brunson-Lee Elementary School Phoenix 1.5 mi 3.5
ST AGNES CATHOLIC SCHOOL Phoenix 1.5 mi 6.6
Robert L. Duffy High School Phoenix 1.7 mi 6.7
Larry C Kennedy School Phoenix 1.8 mi 5.6
The Excel Center - Papago Phoenix 1.6 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 85008 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$61,369

Median Home Value

$323,600

Median Rent

$1,300/mo

Population

60,499

College Educated

24.2%

Homeownership

30.8%

Avg Commute

22.6 min

Poverty Rate

19.1%

Median Age

30.5

Community Profile

The community surrounding Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix has a median household income of $61,369. It is a community where 24% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $323,600, with a median rent of $1,300/month. The area has a poverty rate of 19.1%. The average commute for residents is 23 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
BASIS Phoenix South Phoenix, AZ 4.5
Country Gardens Charter School Laveen, AZ 4.5
DESERT CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS PK12 Tucson, AZ 4.5
The Paideia Academy of South Phoenix Phoenix, AZ 4.7
NORTH VALLEY CHRISTAIN ACADEMY Anthem, AZ 4.8
LEXINGTON LIFE ACADEMY - PHOENIX Phoenix, AZ 4.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix

What grades does Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix serve?

Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.

How many students attend Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix?

Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix has an enrollment of approximately 452 students.

How does Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix rank in AZ?

Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix is ranked #1739 out of 2,000 schools in AZ.

What is Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix's MySchoolScout rating?

Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix has a composite rating of 4.6 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 Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix has 17.0% math proficiency and 25.7% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix a charter school?

Yes, Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix a Title I school?

No, Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix is not currently a Title I school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
High (3,139/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Phoenix). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
452
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Maricopa County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Daisy Education Corporation dba Sonoran Science Ac (89914)
District Enrollment
452
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,466
District Rank
#1 of 1

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 methodology

Related 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.