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Arizona Desert Elementary School

Q: Is Arizona Desert Elementary School a good school?

Arizona Desert Elementary School ranks 489 th of 909 Arizona elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Public Grades PK, KG-8

489^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 909 Arizona Elementary Schools

Better than 46% of Arizona elementary schools

Summary

Arizona Desert Elementary School is a public elementary school serving grades PK-8 in Tolleson, Arizona, with 776 students. The school is part of the Tolleson Elementary District, which is ranked 233 out of 289 districts in the state and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Arizona Desert Elementary School consistently outperforms the Tolleson Elementary District average on state assessments, particularly in English Language Arts and Mathematics. For example, in 2024-2025, the school's 4th grade ELA proficiency rate was 47% compared to the district's 32%, and its 5th grade Math proficiency rate was 43% compared to the district's 24%. The school also has higher dropout rates than the state average, ranging from 2.7% to 6.1% between 2021-2022 and 2023-2024. Additionally, the school has a high percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 34.71% to 79.83% in recent years.

When compared to other nearby schools, Arizona Desert Elementary School generally outperforms its peers on academic measures, particularly in English Language Arts and Mathematics. For example, in 2024-2025, the school's 4th grade ELA proficiency rate of 47% was significantly higher than the 39% rate at Sheely Farms Elementary and the 22% rate at Porfirio H. Gonzales Elementary. However, the school's statewide ranking has steadily declined over the past several years, from 555 out of 1039 Arizona elementary schools in 2018-2019 to 489 out of 909 schools in 2024-2025.

843

Students ?

19.4

Student/teacher ratio ?

$10,979

Per pupil spending ?

79.8%

Free/discounted lunch ?

8803 W Van Buren St
Tolleson, AZ 85353-3101

(623) 907-5260

District: Tolleson Elementary District

Students who attend Arizona Desert Elementary School usually attend:

High:

Tolleson Union High School

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:

82.2%

African American:

10.4%

White:

4.2%

See top rated Arizona elementary schools

Compare Arizona Desert Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

At a glance

▲ Ranking trend: Improving — 38th percentile in 2015 → 46th in 2025

Strengths

✓Ranking is trending up — up 8 percentile points since 2015

✓Among the top-ranked schools in Tolleson Elementary District

Worth a look

!Some student groups rank well below the school's overall statewide standing

Students meeting standards (2024-2025) ?

This school35%

District avg25%

Arizona avg37%

Elementary school

489^th of 909

Arizona public elementary schools ?

Bottom 46%▲ up 8 pts since 2015

From bottom 38% (2015) to bottom 46% (2025)

See the entire ranking list of Arizona Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

Middle school

317^th of 552

Arizona public middle schools ?

Bottom 43%▼ down 4 pts since 2021

From bottom 46% (2021) to bottom 43% (2025)

See the entire ranking list of Arizona Middle Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

1^st of 4Elementary Schools in the Tolleson Elementary District

233^rd of 289Tolleson Elementary District among Arizona districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Elementary school ranking

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arizona percentile	Rating
2025	37.0	489 of 909	46.2%	★★☆☆☆
2024	26.8	613 of 912	32.8%	★★☆☆☆
2023	41.9	638 of 1245	48.8%	★★☆☆☆
2022	16.5	820 of 1000	18.0%	★☆☆☆☆
2021	27.7	832 of 1226	32.1%	★★☆☆☆
2019	41.0	555 of 1039	46.6%	★★☆☆☆
2018	41.6	589 of 1109	46.9%	★★☆☆☆
2017	42.0	590 of 1106	46.7%	★★☆☆☆
2016	33.9	676 of 1079	37.3%	★★☆☆☆
2015	32.9	594 of 955	37.8%	★★☆☆☆
2014	51.5	531 of 1079	50.8%	★★★☆☆
2013	45.9	659 of 1158	43.1%	★★☆☆☆
2012	50.3	579 of 1141	49.3%	★★☆☆☆
2011	37.2	693 of 1075	35.5%	★★☆☆☆
2010	26.7	855 of 1090	21.6%	★☆☆☆☆
2009	25.3	860 of 1062	19.0%	★☆☆☆☆

African American

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arizona percentile	Rating
2023	64.8	171 of 607	71.8%	★★★★☆
2022	59.2	136 of 289	52.9%	★★★☆☆
2021	48.0	354 of 895	60.4%	★★★☆☆

Asian

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arizona percentile	Rating
2021	48.4	350 of 620	43.5%	★★☆☆☆

English Language Learner

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arizona percentile	Rating
2023	38.1	217 of 451	51.9%	★★★☆☆
2021	38.9	826 of 975	15.3%	☆☆☆☆☆
2018	64.6	21 of 155	86.5%	★★★★☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arizona percentile	Rating
2025	22.7	461 of 589	21.7%	★☆☆☆☆
2024	20.4	487 of 602	19.1%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	43.9	604 of 1219	50.5%	★★★☆☆
2022	14.2	750 of 824	9.0%	☆☆☆☆☆
2021	26.2	886 of 1219	27.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2019	30.5	575 of 862	33.3%	★★☆☆☆
2018	47.6	496 of 1023	51.5%	★★★☆☆

Foster Care

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arizona percentile	Rating
2021	29.9	255 of 306	16.7%	★☆☆☆☆

Hispanic

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arizona percentile	Rating
2025	40.2	268 of 496	46.0%	★★☆☆☆
2024	28.8	326 of 486	32.9%	★★☆☆☆
2023	43.7	607 of 1170	48.1%	★★☆☆☆
2022	19.2	616 of 716	14.0%	★☆☆☆☆
2021	34.6	740 of 1198	38.2%	★★☆☆☆
2019	48.6	330 of 709	53.5%	★★★☆☆
2018	51.2	385 of 911	57.7%	★★★☆☆

Homeless

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arizona percentile	Rating
2021	40.0	217 of 423	48.7%	★★☆☆☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arizona percentile	Rating
2025	52.0	231 of 549	57.9%	★★★☆☆
2024	33.7	356 of 556	36.0%	★★☆☆☆
2023	45.6	557 of 1116	50.1%	★★★☆☆
2022	16.2	560 of 618	9.4%	☆☆☆☆☆
2018	59.1	285 of 820	65.2%	★★★☆☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arizona percentile	Rating
2025	23.2	469 of 626	25.1%	★☆☆☆☆
2024	22.5	488 of 628	22.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	38.4	680 of 1216	44.1%	★★☆☆☆
2022	10.8	779 of 830	6.1%	☆☆☆☆☆
2021	30.9	782 of 1220	35.9%	★★☆☆☆
2019	44.1	443 of 850	47.9%	★★☆☆☆
2018	40.6	566 of 1032	45.2%	★★☆☆☆

Multi-racial

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arizona percentile	Rating
2021	58.1	341 of 1027	66.8%	★★★☆☆

Native American

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arizona percentile	Rating
2021	28.5	530 of 654	19.0%	★☆☆☆☆

Special Education

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arizona percentile	Rating
2023	25.8	651 of 820	20.6%	★☆☆☆☆
2021	28.5	951 of 1201	20.8%	★☆☆☆☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arizona percentile	Rating
2023	54.1	446 of 1024	56.4%	★★★☆☆
2021	11.8	1105 of 1161	4.8%	☆☆☆☆☆

Middle school ranking

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arizona percentile	Rating
2025	31.9	317 of 552	42.6%	★★☆☆☆
2024	36.3	300 of 550	45.5%	★★☆☆☆
2023	54.3	306 of 854	64.2%	★★★☆☆
2022	50.0	261 of 605	56.9%	★★★☆☆
2021	38.0	446 of 832	46.4%	★★☆☆☆
2014	54.6	297 of 690	57.0%	★★★☆☆
2013	38.6	506 of 787	35.7%	★★☆☆☆
2012	46.4	417 of 772	46.0%	★★☆☆☆
2011	49.8	340 of 685	50.4%	★★★☆☆
2010	31.9	504 of 692	27.2%	★☆☆☆☆
2009	32.3	476 of 663	28.2%	★☆☆☆☆

African American

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arizona percentile	Rating
2023	82.5	31 of 400	92.3%	★★★★★
2021	41.3	287 of 573	49.9%	★★★☆☆

Asian

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arizona percentile	Rating
2021	62.6	142 of 404	64.9%	★★★☆☆

English Language Learner

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arizona percentile	Rating
2021	42.3	196 of 606	67.7%	★★★☆☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arizona percentile	Rating
2025	32.3	250 of 395	36.7%	★★☆☆☆
2024	43.9	195 of 386	49.5%	★★★☆☆
2023	46.3	353 of 806	56.2%	★★★☆☆
2021	36.9	450 of 820	45.1%	★★☆☆☆

Foster Care

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arizona percentile	Rating
2021	31.3	116 of 166	30.1%	★☆☆☆☆

Hispanic

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arizona percentile	Rating
2025	32.8	203 of 345	41.2%	★★☆☆☆
2024	35.8	181 of 329	45.0%	★★☆☆☆
2023	55.8	259 of 760	65.9%	★★★☆☆
2022	55.6	150 of 392	61.7%	★★★☆☆
2021	47.8	320 of 802	60.1%	★★★☆☆

Homeless

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arizona percentile	Rating
2021	32.6	172 of 257	33.1%	★☆☆☆☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arizona percentile	Rating
2025	48.4	139 of 344	59.6%	★★★☆☆
2024	49.0	124 of 320	61.3%	★★★☆☆
2023	65.2	162 of 717	77.4%	★★★★☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arizona percentile	Rating
2025	29.6	248 of 379	34.6%	★★☆☆☆
2024	41.8	197 of 370	46.8%	★★☆☆☆
2023	58.6	265 of 810	67.3%	★★★☆☆
2021	40.7	409 of 818	50.0%	★★★☆☆

Multi-racial

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arizona percentile	Rating
2021	15.8	594 of 650	8.6%	☆☆☆☆☆

Special Education

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arizona percentile	Rating
2023	95.2	12 of 363	96.7%	★★★★★
2021	28.1	644 of 789	18.4%	★☆☆☆☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arizona percentile	Rating
2023	67.3	160 of 675	76.3%	★★★★☆
2021	17.4	700 of 780	10.3%	★☆☆☆☆

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

Elementary school

African American (2023)72nd percentile+23 vs school

Multi-racial (2021)67th percentile+35 vs school

Low Socio Economic Status (2025)58th percentile+12 vs school

White (2023)56th percentile+8 vs school

English Language Learner (2023)52nd percentile+3 vs school

Homeless (2021)49th percentile+17 vs school

Hispanic (2025)46th percentile~ school

Asian (2021)44th percentile+11 vs school

Male (2025)25th percentile-21 vs school

Female (2025)22nd percentile-24 vs school

Special Education (2023)21st percentile-28 vs school

Native American (2021)19th percentile-13 vs school

Foster Care (2021)17th percentile-15 vs school

Middle school

Special Education (2023)97th percentile+33 vs school

African American (2023)92nd percentile+28 vs school

White (2023)76th percentile+12 vs school

English Language Learner (2021)68th percentile+21 vs school

Asian (2021)65th percentile+18 vs school

Low Socio Economic Status (2025)60th percentile+17 vs school

Hispanic (2025)41st percentile~ school

Female (2025)37th percentile-6 vs school

Male (2025)35th percentile-8 vs school

Homeless (2021)33rd percentile-13 vs school

Foster Care (2021)30th percentile-16 vs school

Multi-racial (2021)9th percentile-38 vs school

By subject vs Arizona (2024-2025) ?

English Language Arts38%-3 vs state

Mathematics33%~ state avg

Science31%~ state avg

4.0

4 ratings · 4 written reviews

5★3

4★0

3★0

2★0

1★1

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What people are saying

by a parent
Friday, July 28, 2023

I have been so impressed with the school administrators and teaching staff!!! My children will continue to attend Arizona Desert until they promote to high school even though we have moved 15 miles away! The principal and assistant are always available, in the front of school in the mornings and when I pick my child up each day. The teachers enjoy teaching and seem to really get along well. I have seen so much growth in my son and daughter since coming to the school. Thank you to all of the staff! Close Quote

by a teacher
Thursday, July 7, 2022

I have worked at Arizona Desert for many years. The administration is supportive, kind, and fantastic to work for. There is a safe and positive culture among staff, students, and families. The families and community are amazing, and I highly suggest working for Arizona Desert Elementary School. Close Quote

by a parent
Thursday, July 7, 2022

My students have attended Arizona Desert Elementary School from kindergarten to 8th grade and I would recommend this school without hesitation! Teachers are fantastic and the administration is supportive! Close Quote

by a teacher
Monday, May 25, 2020

If you are considering working at Arizona Desert Elementary (AZD) or any other school in the Tolleson Elementary School District, stay clear! I and many other teachers across the district experienced extremely hostile administration, unfair observations, and an overall lack of support/respect from our district leaders. Over half of the teachers in just my building resigned at the end of the school year, many of whom are veteran teachers. Furthermore, the school hired four SPED teachers over the course of the year (VERY high turnover rate). Additionally, there is no school-wide discipline model in place to address negative student behavior despite the school’s website stating they use PBIS. Lastly, I averaged 27 students per class this is new information over what is presented on other websites which gives lower numbers. I quit my Principal, not my students or colleagues. Given the tremendous teacher shortage across the country, look elsewhere. Close Quote

Schools Near Arizona Desert Elementary School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2025)				Ranking (2024)				AASA English Language Arts (2025)						AASA Mathematics (2025)						AzSCI Science (2025)		Per Pupil Expenditures (2022)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	SchoolDigger Rating (2025)	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	Rank Change from Previous Year	AASA English Language Arts 3rd Grade	AASA English Language Arts 4th Grade	AASA English Language Arts 5th Grade	AASA English Language Arts 6th Grade	AASA English Language Arts 7th Grade	AASA English Language Arts 8th Grade	AASA Mathematics 3rd Grade	AASA Mathematics 4th Grade	AASA Mathematics 5th Grade	AASA Mathematics 6th Grade	AASA Mathematics 7th Grade	AASA Mathematics 8th Grade	AzSCI Science 5th Grade	AzSCI Science 8th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures: Total	Personnel Spending from Federal Funds	Non-Personnel Spending from Federal Funds	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Personnel Spending from State and Local Funds	Non-Personnel from State and Local Funds	Sub-total Spending from State and Local Funds
Arizona Desert Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-8	8803 W Van Buren St	Tolleson	85353	Maricopa County	Tolleson Elementary District	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(623) 907-5260	843	43	19.4		35 (4.2%)	88 (10.4%)	693 (82.2%)	10 (1.2%)	7 (0.8%)	0 (0.0%)	10 (1.2%)	37	489^th of 909 public elementary schools	46.2%		26.8	613^th of 912 public elementary schools	32.8%	124	33.0	47.0	39.0	26.0	43.0	37.0	41.0	33.0	43.0		22.0	25.0	34.0	28.0	$10,979	$1,022	$918	$2,961	$6,932	$2,107	$9,039
Porfirio H. Gonzales Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-8	9401 W Garfield St	Tolleson	85353	Maricopa County	Tolleson Elementary District	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(623) 907-5181	721	43	16.8		13 (1.8%)	65 (9.0%)	619 (85.9%)	2 (0.3%)	7 (1.0%)	1 (0.1%)	14 (1.9%)	11.7	846^th of 909 public elementary schools	6.9%		17.8	742^nd of 912 public elementary schools	18.6%	104	16.0	16.0	23.0	22.0	44.0	30.0	31.0					27.0	16.0	26.0	$12,815	$1,207	$926	$3,340	$8,445	$2,237	$10,682
Desert Oasis Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-8	8802 W McDowell Rd	Phoenix	85037	Maricopa County	Tolleson Elementary District	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(623) 533-3901	738	35	21.2		19 (2.6%)	56 (7.6%)	620 (84.0%)	7 (0.9%)	14 (1.9%)	4 (0.5%)	18 (2.4%)	11.7	847^th of 909 public elementary schools	6.8%		19.6	706^th of 912 public elementary schools	22.6%	141	16.0	22.0		27.0	19.0	22.0	23.0					13.0		19.0	$10,552	$1,181	$921	$3,283	$6,266	$2,184	$8,450
Dos Rios Elementary	Public	K-8	2150 S 87th Ave	Tolleson	85353	Maricopa County	Union Elementary District	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(623) 474-7004	614	34	18.3		24 (3.9%)	86 (14.0%)	461 (75.1%)	9 (1.5%)	24 (3.9%)	7 (1.1%)	3 (0.5%)								(n/a)				17.0	16.0	24.0							14.0	18.0	$10,639	$1,363	$1,611	$4,337	$6,334	$1,332	$7,665
Sun Canyon School	Public	PK, KG-5	8150 W Durango St	Phoenix	85043	Maricopa County	Fowler Elementary District	No	(n/a)	No	No	(623) 707-2000	563	24	23.4		14 (2.5%)	60 (10.7%)	464 (82.4%)	6 (1.1%)	6 (1.1%)	0 (0.0%)	13 (2.3%)	23.5	647^th of 909 public elementary schools	28.8%		21.7	672^nd of 912 public elementary schools	26.3%	25	18.0	37.0	27.0				39.0	40.0	28.0				16.0			$00			$00
Arts Academy at Estrella Mountain	Public, Charter	K-8	2504 S 91st Ave	Tolleson	85353	Maricopa County	P.L.C. Charter Schools	Yes	(n/a)	No	Yes	(623) 474-2120	895	45	19.8		31 (3.5%)	99 (11.1%)	740 (82.7%)	8 (0.9%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	17 (1.9%)	13.8	813^th of 909 public elementary schools	10.6%		13.4	814^th of 912 public elementary schools	10.7%	1	21.0	40.0	18.0	23.0	38.0	30.0	24.0	22.0	17.0	12.0	16.0	15.0	20.0	29.0		$00			$00
Sheely Farms Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-8	9450 W Encanto Blvd	Phoenix	85037	Maricopa County	Tolleson Elementary District	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(623) 907-5270	628	36	17.3		30 (4.8%)	145 (23.1%)	423 (67.4%)	11 (1.8%)	2 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	17 (2.7%)	20.8	692^nd of 909 public elementary schools	23.9%		15.5	772^nd of 912 public elementary schools	15.4%	80	23.0	39.0		24.0	37.0	29.0	35.0	27.0	24.0					20.0	$11,786	$1,240	$918	$3,397	$7,536	$2,093	$9,628
Amberlea Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-8	8455 W Virginia Ave	Phoenix	85037	Maricopa County	Pendergast Elementary District	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(623) 772-2900	457	22	20.7		23 (5.0%)	46 (10.1%)	369 (80.7%)	8 (1.8%)	3 (0.7%)	0 (0.0%)	8 (1.8%)								(n/a)					31.0	22.0					26.0			19.0	$5,667	$794	$1,118	$2,706	$4,699		$3,754
Manuel Pena Junior School	Public	PK, KG-6	2550 N 79th Ave	Phoenix	85035	Maricopa County	Cartwright Elementary District	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(623) 691-3100	806	42	19.1		23 (2.9%)	93 (11.5%)	653 (81.0%)	6 (0.7%)	15 (1.9%)	0 (0.0%)	16 (2.0%)	11.3	852^nd of 909 public elementary schools	6.3%		12.2	836^th of 912 public elementary schools	8.3%	16	12.0	24.0	18.0	28.0			15.0	14.0	17.0	25.0			20.0		$11,966	$3,338	$436	$7,111	$6,782	$1,411	$8,193
Rio Vista Elementary	Public	PK, KG-8	10237 W Encanto Blvd	Avondale	85392	Maricopa County	Pendergast Elementary District	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(623) 772-2670	662	39	16.9		43 (6.5%)	85 (12.8%)	483 (73.0%)	9 (1.4%)	14 (2.1%)	2 (0.3%)	26 (3.9%)	22.6	663^rd of 909 public elementary schools	27.1%		17.9	740^th of 912 public elementary schools	18.9%	77	19.0	51.0	27.0	22.0	27.0	25.0	20.0	40.0			21.0		18.0		$6,722	$666	$1,066	$2,398	$5,712		$4,990

Frequently Asked Questions about Arizona Desert Elementary School

Is Arizona Desert Elementary School a good school?

Arizona Desert Elementary School ranks 489^th of 909 Arizona elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

What schools do graduates of Arizona Desert Elementary School attend?

Students who attend Arizona Desert Elementary School usually go on to attend:

High : Tolleson Union High School

How many students attend Arizona Desert Elementary School?

In the 2024-25 school year, 843 students attended Arizona Desert Elementary School.

What district is Arizona Desert Elementary School in?

Tolleson Elementary District

What is the racial makeup of Arizona Desert Elementary School?

Students at Arizona Desert Elementary School are 82% Hispanic, 10% African American, 4% White, 1% Asian, 1% Two or more races.

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Arizona Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.