Desert Shadows Middle School (Ranked Top 20% for 2026)

5858 E Sweetwater Ave
Scottsdale, AZ 85254

( shown in map)

Top 20%

Serving 734 students in grades 6-8, Desert Shadows Middle School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).

The percentage of students achieving is 51% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving is 63% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 40%).

The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.

Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2026)

Grades: 6-8
Enrollment: 734 students
Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
Minority Enrollment: 31%
: Top 20% in AZ
: 51% (Top 20%)
: 63% (Top 20%)
: 37% (Top 30%)
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education

<�鶹��ý class="so-dt-title" id="top-rankings">Top Rankings

Desert Shadows Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona for:

Category

Attribute

Overall Rank

Highest overall rank (Top 20%)

Math Proficiency

Highest math proficiency (Top 20%)

Reading/Language Arts Proficiency

Highest reading/language arts proficiency (Top 20%)

<�鶹��ý class='so-dt-title' id="overview">School Overview

Desert Shadows Middle School's student population of 734 students has declined by 16% over five school years.

The teacher population of 36 teachers has declined by 10% over five school years.

Grades Offered

Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade Trends
Grade	Desert Shadows Middle School
7	394
8	340

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Total Students

734 students

View Data

Total Students Trends Over Years (1987-2023)
Year	Desert Shadows Middle School
2023	780
2022	877
2021	874
2020	895
2019	895
2018	945
2017	945
2016	927
2015	906
2014	808
2013	680
2012	701
2011	700
2010	676
2009	709
2008	745
2007	758
2006	761
2005	790
2004	832
2003	782
2002	824
2001	800
2000	850
1999	813
1998	819
1997	954
1996	1,021
1995	1,012
1994	910
1993	903
1992	954
1991	939
1990	931
1989	899
1988	861
1987	874

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Gender %

Total Classroom Teachers

36 teachers

View Data

Total Classroom Teachers Trends Over Years (1987-2023)
Year	Desert Shadows Middle School
2023	38
2022	41
2021	40
2020	37
2019	37
2018	38
2017	38
2016	37
2015	34
2014	34
2013	30
2012	30
2011	30
2010	31
2009	38
2008	38
2007	42
2006	37
2005	32
2004	38
2003	36
2002	36
2001	37
2000	39
1999	39
1998	41
1997	46
1996	47
1995	47
1994	43
1993	42
1992	44
1991	43
1990	43
1989	41
1988	41
1987	41

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Year Founded

1981

<�鶹��ý class='so-dt-title' id="school-rankings">School Rankings

Desert Shadows Middle School ranks within the top 20% of all 1,921 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).

The of Desert Shadows Middle School is 0.49, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.

This School

State Level (AZ)

#284 out of 1921 schools
(Top 20%)

View Data

Overall School Rank Trends Over Years (2012-2023)
Year	Desert Shadows Middle School
2023	#284
2022	#277
2021	#469
2019	#438
2018	#349
2017	#313
2016	#347
2015	#439
2014	#219
2013	#236
2012	#205

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

51%

34%

View Data

Math Proficiency Comparison Over Years (2012-2023)
Year	Desert Shadows Middle School	Arizona	Paradise Valley Unified District (4241)
2023	51%	34%	47%
2022	53%	35%	46%
2021	45%	32%	39%
2019	57%	45%	50%
2018	59%	45%	52%
2017	56%	42%	50%
2016	51%	39%	46%
2015	46%	38%	42%
2014	81%	63%	70%
2013	81%	63%	71%
2012	80%	63%	71%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

63%

40%

View Data

Reading and Language Arts Proficiency Comparison Over Years (2011-2022)
Year	Desert Shadows Middle School	Arizona	Paradise Valley Unified District (4241)
2022	63%	40%	51%
2021	52%	39%	46%
2019	63%	45%	53%
2018	67%	44%	52%
2017	66%	42%	51%
2016	60%	40%	49%
2015	55%	38%	45%
2014	93%	79%	85%
2013	91%	78%	85%
2012	92%	77%	84%
2011	93%	77%	84%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

37%

24%

Student-Teacher Ratio

20:1

17:1

View Data

Student-Teacher Ratio Comparison Over Years (1987-2023)
Year	Desert Shadows Middle School	Arizona	Paradise Valley Unified District (4241)
2023	21:1	17:1	15:1
2022	21:1	17:1	16:1
2021	22:1	17:1	16:1
2020	24:1	18:1	18:1
2019	24:1	18:1	18:1
2018	25:1	19:1	18:1
2017	25:1	19:1	18:1
2016	25:1	20:1	18:1
2015	27:1	20:1	19:1
2014	24:1	19:1	19:1
2013	22:1	19:1	19:1
2012	23:1	18:1	18:1
2011	23:1	19:1	19:1
2010	22:1	18:1	18:1
2009	19:1	18:1	18:1
2008	19:1	18:1	18:1
2007	18:1	18:1	18:1
2006	21:1	18:1	18:1
2005	25:1	19:1	19:1
2004	22:1	19:1	20:1
2003	22:1	19:1	19:1
2002	23:1	19:1	19:1
2001	22:1	19:1	20:1
2000	22:1	19:1	20:1
1999	21:1	19:1	20:1
1998	20:1	19:1	20:1
1997	21:1	19:1	21:1
1996	22:1	19:1	20:1
1995	21:1	19:1	20:1
1994	21:1	19:1	20:1
1993	22:1	20:1	20:1
1992	22:1	20:1	20:1
1991	22:1	20:1	20:1
1990	22:1	20:1	21:1
1989	22:1	20:1	20:1
1988	21:1	20:1	21:1
1987	21:1	20:1	21:1

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

American Indian

View Data

American Indian Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1992-2022)
Year	Desert Shadows Middle School	Arizona	Paradise Valley Unified District (4241)
2022	1%	5%	1%
2021	1%	5%	1%
2014	1%	5%	1%
2013	1%	5%	1%
2009	1%	6%	1%
2004	1%	8%	1%
2003	1%	8%	1%
2001	1%	8%	1%
1996	1%	7%
1992	1%	8%	1%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Asian

View Data

Asian Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1993-2023)
Year	Desert Shadows Middle School	Arizona	Paradise Valley Unified District (4241)
2023	4%	3%	4%
2022	3%	3%	4%
2021	3%	3%	4%
2020	3%	3%	4%
2019	3%	3%	4%
2018	4%	3%	4%
2017	4%	3%	4%
2016	3%	3%	4%
2015	4%	3%	4%
2014	3%	3%	3%
2013	4%	3%	3%
2012	4%	3%	4%
2011	3%	3%	3%
2010	4%	3%	4%
2009	4%	3%	4%
2008	3%	3%	4%
2007	3%	3%	3%
2006	2%	2%	3%
2005	3%	2%	3%
2004	2%	2%	3%
2003	3%	2%	3%
2002	4%	2%	3%
2001	3%	2%	3%
2000	3%	2%	2%
1999	3%	2%	2%
1998	3%	2%	2%
1997	2%	2%	2%
1996	2%	2%	3%
1995	2%	2%	2%
1994	3%	2%	2%
1993	3%	2%	2%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Hispanic

19%

48%

View Data

Hispanic Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1991-2023)
Year	Desert Shadows Middle School	Arizona	Paradise Valley Unified District (4241)
2023	17%	47%	34%
2022	14%	47%	33%
2021	14%	46%	33%
2020	15%	45%	31%
2019	15%	45%	31%
2018	12%	45%	31%
2017	12%	45%	31%
2016	13%	45%	31%
2015	11%	45%	28%
2014	10%	44%	28%
2013	11%	43%	28%
2012	12%	43%	27%
2011	14%	42%	26%
2010	9%	41%	23%
2009	9%	41%	23%
2008	6%	42%	22%
2007	7%	41%	22%
2006	6%	39%	20%
2005	6%	38%	19%
2004	4%	37%	18%
2003	3%	36%	16%
2002	3%	35%	15%
2001	4%	33%	13%
2000	4%	33%	12%
1999	4%	32%	10%
1998	3%	31%	9%
1997	3%	30%	9%
1996	2%	30%	8%
1995	1%	29%	7%
1994	2%	28%	6%
1993	2%	27%	6%
1992	2%	25%	5%
1991	1%	25%	4%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Black

View Data

Black Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1993-2023)
Year	Desert Shadows Middle School	Arizona	Paradise Valley Unified District (4241)
2023	3%	6%	4%
2022	3%	6%	4%
2021	2%	6%	4%
2020	2%	5%	3%
2019	2%	5%	3%
2018	1%	5%	3%
2017	1%	5%	3%
2016	1%	5%	3%
2015	1%	5%	3%
2014	2%	5%	3%
2013	1%	5%	3%
2012	2%	5%	3%
2011	1%	5%	3%
2010	4%	6%	4%
2009	3%	6%	4%
2008	2%	6%	3%
2007	2%	5%	3%
2006	1%	5%	3%
2005	1%	5%	3%
2004	2%	5%	3%
2003	2%	5%	3%
2002	2%	5%	3%
2001	2%	5%	2%
2000	2%	4%	2%
1999	2%	5%	2%
1998	1%	4%	2%
1997	1%	4%	2%
1996	1%	4%	1%
1995	2%	4%	2%
1994	1%	4%	2%
1993	1%	4%	1%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

White

69%

34%

View Data

White Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1991-2023)
Year	Desert Shadows Middle School	Arizona	Paradise Valley Unified District (4241)
2023	71%	35%	52%
2022	74%	35%	53%
2021	74%	36%	54%
2020	74%	38%	56%
2019	74%	38%	56%
2018	79%	38%	58%
2017	79%	38%	58%
2016	78%	39%	58%
2015	80%	40%	59%
2014	81%	41%	61%
2013	80%	42%	61%
2012	76%	42%	62%
2011	74%	42%	63%
2010	83%	44%	67%
2009	83%	44%	68%
2008	89%	44%	69%
2007	88%	45%	71%
2006	91%	47%	73%
2005	90%	48%	74%
2004	91%	48%	75%
2003	91%	49%	77%
2002	91%	50%	78%
2001	90%	52%	81%
2000	91%	53%	83%
1999	91%	54%	84%
1998	93%	56%	86%
1997	94%	57%	86%
1996	94%	57%	88%
1995	94%	58%	88%
1994	94%	59%	89%
1993	94%	60%	90%
1992	93%	61%	91%
1991	98%	65%	93%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Hawaiian

n/a

Two or more races

View Data

Two or More Races Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2013-2023)
Year	Desert Shadows Middle School	Arizona	Paradise Valley Unified District (4241)
2023	5%	4%	5%
2022	5%	4%	5%
2021	6%	4%	4%
2020	6%	3%	4%
2019	6%	3%	4%
2018	4%	3%	3%
2017	4%	3%	3%
2016	5%	3%	3%
2015	4%	2%	4%
2014	3%	2%	4%
2013	3%	2%	4%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

All Ethnic Groups

0.49

0.66

View Data

Diversity Score Comparison Over Years (1991-2023)
Year	Desert Shadows Middle School	Arizona	Paradise Valley Unified District (4241)
2023	0.47	0.65	0.62
2022	0.43	0.65	0.61
2021	0.43	0.66	0.60
2020	0.43	0.65	0.59
2019	0.43	0.65	0.59
2018	0.36	0.65	0.57
2017	0.36	0.65	0.57
2016	0.37	0.65	0.57
2015	0.35	0.64	0.55
2014	0.33	0.64	0.56
2013	0.35	0.64	0.55
2012	0.41	0.64	0.54
2011	0.43	0.65	0.54
2010	0.30	0.64	0.49
2009	0.30	0.64	0.48
2008	0.21	0.63	0.47
2007	0.21	0.63	0.46
2006	0.17	0.63	0.44
2005	0.19	0.62	0.42
2004	0.17	0.63	0.41
2003	0.16	0.63	0.38
2002	0.17	0.62	0.36
2001	0.18	0.62	0.33
2000	0.17	0.62	0.30
1999	0.17	0.60	0.28
1998	0.13	0.59	0.25
1997	0.12	0.58	0.24
1996	0.12	0.58	0.22
1995	0.12	0.58	0.22
1994	0.12	0.57	0.19
1993	0.12	0.56	0.18
1992	0.14	0.56	0.18
1991	0.06	0.54	0.13

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Eligible for

10%

40%

View Data

Free Lunch Eligibility Comparison Over Years (2003-2023)
Year	Desert Shadows Middle School	Arizona	Paradise Valley Unified District (4241)
2023	5%	39%	26%
2022	5%	29%	17%
2021	8%	42%	32%
2020	8%	43%	28%
2019	8%	43%	28%
2018	7%	42%	30%
2017	7%	42%	30%
2016	6%	33%	25%
2015	8%	34%	29%
2014	2%	36%	7%
2013	18%	37%	25%
2012	12%	36%	28%
2011	10%	36%	26%
2010	9%	38%	25%
2009	7%	39%	23%
2008	6%	29%	22%
2007	4%	32%	21%
2006	5%	37%	19%
2005	6%	40%	22%
2004	4%	37%	21%
2003	12%	9%	15%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Eligible for

View Data

Reduced-Price Lunch Eligibility Comparison Over Years (2004-2023)
Year	Desert Shadows Middle School	Arizona	Paradise Valley Unified District (4241)
2023	2%	7%	6%
2021	1%	9%	5%
2020	2%	7%	6%
2019	2%	7%	6%
2018	1%	9%	5%
2017	1%	9%	5%
2016	1%	11%	4%
2015	1%	5%	4%
2014	1%	14%	2%
2013	2%	10%	3%
2012	2%	11%	5%
2011	3%	10%	4%
2010	1%	8%	4%
2009	2%	10%	5%
2008	2%	9%	5%
2007	2%	9%	5%
2006	3%	8%	6%
2005	3%	8%	6%
2004	3%	8%	5%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

School Statewide Testing

School District Name

Paradise Valley Unified District (4241)

Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education

<�鶹��ý class='so-dt-title' id="school-notes">School Notes

School Mascot: Wildcat

Profile last updated: 02/09/2025

REQUEST FREE INFORMATION

<�鶹��ý class='so-dt-title' id='faq'>Frequently Asked Questions

What is Desert Shadows Middle School's ranking?

Desert Shadows Middle School is ranked #284 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona.

What schools are Desert Shadows Middle School often compared to?

Desert Shadows Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Sunrise Middle School by visitors of our site.

What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?

51% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 63% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).

How many students attend Desert Shadows Middle School?

734 students attend Desert Shadows Middle School.

What is the racial composition of the student body?

69% of Desert Shadows Middle School students are White, 19% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, 3% of students are Black, and 1% of students are American Indian.

What is the student-teacher ratio of Desert Shadows Middle School?

Desert Shadows Middle School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.

What grades does Desert Shadows Middle School offer ?

Desert Shadows Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).

What school district is Desert Shadows Middle School part of?

Desert Shadows Middle School is part of Paradise Valley Unified District (4241).

In what neighborhood is Desert Shadows Middle School located?

Desert Shadows Middle School is located in the Paradise Valley Village neighborhood of Scottsdale, AZ. There are 6 other public schools located in Paradise Valley Village.

School Reviews
Review Desert Shadows Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
I am a:
Name or Alias:
Your review:
Rate this school:

�鶹��ý Articles

January 24, 2026

Back-to-School Tech & Online Learning Readiness Checklist

A 2026 guide to back-to-school tech & online learning readiness, helping families prepare devices, connectivity, skills, and safety.

January 24, 2026

How Public Schools Prepare for College in High School

Learn how public schools prepare for college and what parents should look for as students begin high school. Updated for 2026.

January 24, 2026

School Choice in 2026: What Parents Must Know

Explore how school choice is reshaping U.S. education in 2026, with updated trends, enrollment data, costs, policies, and practical guidance for parents.