Arizona Desert Elementary School

Public PK, KG-8

 8803 W Van Buren St
       Tolleson, AZ  85353-3101


(623) 907-5260

District: Tolleson Elementary District

SchoolDigger Rank:
638th of 1,245 Arizona Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $10,979 Help


Students who attend Arizona Desert Elementary School usually attend:

High:    Tolleson Union High School

Student/teacher ratio:  21.5 Help
Number of students:  694

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:
83.1%
African American:
8.9%
White:
4.9%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  79.8% Help


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 Compare Arizona Desert Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
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Compare Details Arizona Desert Elementary School ranks worse than 51.2% of elementary schools in Arizona. It also ranks 2nd among 5 ranked elementary schools in the Tolleson Elementary District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2023 the calculated Average Standard Score was 41.86. (See more...)
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Compare Details Arizona Desert Elementary School ranks better than 64.2% of middle schools in Arizona. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2023 the calculated Average Standard Score was 54.3. (See more...)
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The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
Student Body
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: Hispanic (83.1%), African American (8.9%), White (4.9%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 79.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Arizona Desert Elementary School is 21.5. 3 elementary schools in the Tolleson Elementary District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
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Compare Arizona Desert Elementary School employs 32.2 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Arizona Desert Elementary School is $10,979. 2 elementary schools in the Tolleson Elementary District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2023 Rankings:

Arizona Desert Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Arizona Desert Elementary School 638th of 1245 Arizona public elementary schools. (See Arizona Desert Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


English Language Learner students:
Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:

SchoolDigger ranks Arizona Desert Elementary School 306th of 854 Arizona public middle schools. (See Arizona Desert Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Tolleson Elementary District:

SchoolDigger ranks Tolleson Elementary District 344th of 540 Arizona school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for Arizona Desert Elementary School?

Rank History for Arizona Desert Elementary School

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Rank History for all elementary school students at Arizona Desert Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2009 25.28 860th 1062 19.0%
2010 26.67 855th 1090 21.6%
2011 37.22 693rd 1075 35.5%
2012 50.33 579th 1141 49.3%
2013 45.91 659th 1158 43.1%
2014 51.52 531st 1079 50.8%
2015 32.93 594th 955 37.8%
2016 33.86 676th 1079 37.3%
2017 42.04 590th 1106 46.7%
2018 41.56 589th 1109 46.9%
2019 41.03 555th 1039 46.6%
2021 27.68 832nd 1226 32.1%
2022 16.46 820th 1000 18.0%
2023 41.86 638th 1245 48.8%
See the entire list of Arizona Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for elementary school Multi-racial students at Arizona Desert Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 58.06 341st 1027 66.8%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for elementary school English Language Learner students at Arizona Desert Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 64.62 21st 155 86.5%
2021 38.86 826th 975 15.3%
2023 38.08 217th 451 51.9%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for elementary school Special Education students at Arizona Desert Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 28.48 951st 1201 20.8%
2023 25.82 651st 820 20.6%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for elementary school Low Socio Economic Status students at Arizona Desert Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 59.11 285th 820 65.2%
2022 16.19 560th 618 9.4%
2023 45.60 557th 1116 50.1%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for elementary school Homeless students at Arizona Desert Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 40.00 217th 423 48.7%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Homeless Students!

Rank History for elementary school Female students at Arizona Desert Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 47.59 496th 1023 51.5%
2019 30.52 575th 862 33.3%
2021 26.15 886th 1219 27.3%
2022 14.17 750th 824 9.0%
2023 43.91 604th 1219 50.5%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for elementary school Foster Care students at Arizona Desert Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 29.88 255th 306 16.7%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Foster Care Students!

Rank History for elementary school Male students at Arizona Desert Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 40.55 566th 1032 45.2%
2019 44.08 443rd 850 47.9%
2021 30.93 782nd 1220 35.9%
2022 10.77 779th 830 6.1%
2023 38.43 680th 1216 44.1%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for elementary school Asian students at Arizona Desert Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 48.37 350th 620 43.5%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for elementary school African American students at Arizona Desert Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 47.99 354th 895 60.4%
2022 59.19 136th 289 52.9%
2023 64.83 171st 607 71.8%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for elementary school Hispanic students at Arizona Desert Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 51.20 385th 911 57.7%
2019 48.61 330th 709 53.5%
2021 34.57 740th 1198 38.2%
2022 19.17 616th 716 14.0%
2023 43.73 607th 1170 48.1%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for elementary school Native American students at Arizona Desert Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 28.47 530th 654 19.0%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Native American Students!

Rank History for elementary school White students at Arizona Desert Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 11.78 1105th 1161 4.8%
2023 54.07 446th 1024 56.4%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Arizona Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for Arizona Desert Elementary School

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Rank History for all middle school students at Arizona Desert Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2009 32.30 476th 663 28.2%
2010 31.94 504th 692 27.2%
2011 49.84 340th 685 50.4%
2012 46.44 417th 772 46.0%
2013 38.63 506th 787 35.7%
2014 54.59 297th 690 57.0%
2021 38.01 446th 832 46.4%
2022 50.02 261st 605 56.9%
2023 54.30 306th 854 64.2%
See the entire list of Arizona Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for middle school Multi-racial students at Arizona Desert Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 15.79 594th 650 8.6%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for middle school English Language Learner students at Arizona Desert Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 42.31 196th 606 67.7%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for middle school Special Education students at Arizona Desert Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 28.10 644th 789 18.4%
2023 95.18 12th 363 96.7%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for middle school Low Socio Economic Status students at Arizona Desert Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 65.16 162nd 717 77.4%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for middle school Homeless students at Arizona Desert Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 32.57 172nd 257 33.1%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Homeless Students!

Rank History for middle school Female students at Arizona Desert Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 36.94 450th 820 45.1%
2023 46.28 353rd 806 56.2%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for middle school Foster Care students at Arizona Desert Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 31.30 116th 166 30.1%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Foster Care Students!

Rank History for middle school Male students at Arizona Desert Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 40.70 409th 818 50.0%
2023 58.55 265th 810 67.3%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for middle school Asian students at Arizona Desert Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 62.58 142nd 404 64.9%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for middle school African American students at Arizona Desert Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 41.26 287th 573 49.9%
2023 82.46 31st 400 92.3%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for middle school Hispanic students at Arizona Desert Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 47.81 320th 802 60.1%
2022 55.64 150th 392 61.7%
2023 55.78 259th 760 65.9%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for middle school White students at Arizona Desert Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 17.43 700th 780 10.3%
2023 67.28 160th 675 76.3%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Arizona Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Arizona Desert Elementary School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 








Data source: Arizona Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4)
75%

0%

0%

0%

25%

  

by a parent
Friday, July 28, 2023

Open Quote 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

Open Quote 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

Open Quote 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

Open Quote 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



Enrollment information for Arizona Desert Elementary School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1999 27 6 0 114 3 n/a n/a 0 150
2000 36 7 2 150 2 n/a n/a 0 197
2001 27 6 3 113 2 n/a n/a 0 151
2002 55 17 7 246 2 n/a n/a 0 327
2003 55 17 7 246 2 n/a n/a 0 327
2004 61 22 5 351 2 n/a n/a 0 441
2005 52 14 5 369 3 n/a n/a 0 443
2006 55 49 1 390 5 n/a n/a 0 500
2007 49 57 2 368 8 n/a n/a 0 484
2008 51 51 3 407 9 n/a n/a 0 521
2009 42 63 13 396 8 n/a n/a 0 522
2010 36 59 11 325 4 n/a n/a 0 435
2011 24 46 8 329 7 0 0 0 414
2012 25 43 4 318 4 1 0 0 395
2013 25 46 4 317 6 2 0 0 400
2014 32 56 7 327 3 1 5 0 431
2015 23 56 5 371 4 1 6 0 466
2016 26 58 3 406 6 0 9 0 508
2017 22 53 2 438 7 0 10 0 532
2018 21 59 2 474 11 1 8 0 576
2019 19 62 4 459 0 5 12 0 561
2020 30 55 5 494 2 0 10 0 596
2021 34 41 12 516 11 0 4 0 618
2022 25 59 9 550 4 0 7 0 654
2023 34 62 7 577 6 0 8 0 694

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Arizona Desert Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1999 150 4.0 37.5 n/a
2000 197 8.0 24.6 n/a
2001 151 9.0 16.8 n/a
2002 327 15.5 21.1 n/a
2003 327 15.5 21.1 n/a
2004 441 24.0 18.4 78
2005 443 25.0 17.7 83.7
2006 500 27.5 18.2 99.4
2007 484 23.0 21.0 79.5
2008 521 30.0 17.4 80.6
2009 522 29.0 18.0 77
2010 435 21.5 20.2 87.4
2011 414 19.0 21.7 50
2012 395 24.0 16.4 82.3
2013 400 21.0 19.0 85.3
2014 431 21.0 20.5 83.8
2015 466 24.0 19.4 80.9
2016 508 25.0 20.3 81.7
2017 532 28.0 19.0 92.1
2018 576 30.2 19.0 85.8
2019 561 33.0 17.0 84.8
2020 596 33.5 17.7 79.9
2021 618 35.7 17.2 n/a
2022 654 32.7 19.9 34.7
2023 694 32.2 21.5 79.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Arizona Desert Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1999 150 4.0 37.5 n/a
2000 197 8.0 24.6 n/a
2001 151 9.0 16.8 n/a
2002 327 15.5 21.1 n/a
2003 327 15.5 21.1 n/a
2004 441 24.0 18.4 78
2005 443 25.0 17.7 83.7
2006 500 27.5 18.2 99.4
2007 484 23.0 21.0 79.5
2008 521 30.0 17.4 80.6
2009 522 29.0 18.0 77
2010 435 21.5 20.2 87.4
2011 414 19.0 21.7 50
2012 395 24.0 16.4 82.3
2013 400 21.0 19.0 85.3
2014 431 21.0 20.5 83.8
2015 466 24.0 19.4 80.9
2016 508 25.0 20.3 81.7
2017 532 28.0 19.0 92.1
2018 576 30.2 19.0 85.8
2019 561 33.0 17.0 84.8
2020 596 33.5 17.7 79.9
2021 618 35.7 17.2 n/a
2022 654 32.7 19.9 34.7
2023 694 32.2 21.5 79.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Arizona Desert Elementary School

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YearPersonnel Expenditures from Federal FundsNon-Personnel Expenditures from Federal FundsTotal Expenditures from Federal FundsPersonnel Expenditures from State and Local FundsNon-Personnel Expenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $983 (9.7%) $187 (1.9%) $2,153 (21.3%) $6,843 (67.8%) $2,072 (20.5%) $8,916 (88.4%) $10,086
2020 $478 (4.5%) $361 (3.4%) $1,316 (12.3%) $7,459 (69.5%) $2,440 (22.7%) $9,899 (92.2%) $10,737
2021 $654 (5.7%) $3,425 (29.7%) $4,733 (41.1%) $7,003 (60.8%) $442 (3.8%) $7,445 (64.6%) $11,524
2022 $1,022 (9.3%) $918 (8.4%) $2,961 (27.0%) $6,932 (63.1%) $2,107 (19.2%) $9,039 (82.3%) $10,978

Data source: Arizona Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Arizona Desert Elementary School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 555th of 1039 Elementary schoolsRanks 638th of 1245 Elementary schools
 2.2%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students561694
 23.7%
African American6262
American Indian06
Asian47
 75%
Hispanic459577
 25.7%
Pacific Islander50
 100%
White1934
 78.9%
Two or More Races128
 33.3%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients84.8%79.8%
 5%


Schools Near Arizona Desert Elementary School









Frequently Asked Questions about Arizona Desert Elementary School

Arizona Desert Elementary School ranks 638th of 1245 Arizona elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Students at Arizona Desert Elementary School are 83% Hispanic, 9% African American, 5% White, 1% Two or more races, 1% Asian.

In the 2022-23 school year, 694 students attended Arizona Desert Elementary School.

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

High : Tolleson Union High School


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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.





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