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Public School0
Tempe Union High School District

Desert Vista High School

#34 in Best Public High Schools in Arizona
  • A
    Overall Grade
  • Public
  • 9-12
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • 906 reviews
    A
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Academics
      A
    2. Diversity
      A-
    3. Teachers
      A-
    4. College Prep
      A
    5. Clubs & Activities
      B+
    6. Health & Safety
      A
    7. Administration
      B
    8. Sports
      A
    9. Food
      B+
    10. Resources & Facilities
      C+
    View Full Report Card
    Desert Vista High School is a highly rated, public school located in Phoenix, AZ. It has 3,092 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 24 to 1. According to state test scores, 69% of students are at least proficient in math and 65% in reading.
    Address
    16440 S 32nd St
    Phoenix, AZ 85048
    Telephone
    (480) 839-0292
    Website
    tempeunion.org/desertvista
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    Desert Vista High School Rankings

    Niche ranks nearly 100,000 schools and districts based on statistics and millions of opinions from students and parents.

    Academics

    Percent Proficient - Reading
    65%
    Percent Proficient - Math
    69%
    Average Graduation Rate
    94%
    Average SAT
    1220
    571 responses
    Average ACT
    28
    179 responses
    AP Enrollment
    21%
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    Living in the Area
    A-
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Cost of Living
      C+
    2. Good for Families
      B
    3. Housing
      B-
    Median Household Income
    $52,080
    National
    $55,322
    Median Rent
    $954
    National
    $949
    Median Home Value
    $197,800
    National
    $184,700

    Culture & Safety

    Health & Safety
    A
    Based on chronic student absenteeism, suspensions/expulsions, and survey responses on the school environment from students and parents.
    Poll
    89%
    of students agree that they feel safe at their school.91 responses
    Poll
    78%
    of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there.91 responses
    Poll
    What are your favorite school events or traditions?
    Based on 296 responses
    Report
    • Varsity Football Games
      21%
    • Homecoming
      13%
    • Sporting Events
      13%
    • Dances
      12%
    • This is based on my own school experience
      6%
    • Marching band competitions
      5%
    • Plays and musicals
      5%

    Students

    Diversity
    A-
    Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.
    Students
    3,092
    Free or Reduced Lunch
    0%
    90%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive.106 responses
    73%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy.106 responses
    87%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic.106 responses

    Teachers

    Student-Teacher Ratio
    24:1
    National
    17:1
    Average Teacher Salary
    $54,343
    Teachers in First/Second Year
    13.1%
    70%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons.136 responses
    83%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.135 responses
    84%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom.136 responses

    Clubs & Activities

    Clubs & Activities
    B+
    Based on student and parent reviews of clubs and activities.
    Girls Athletic Participation
    Low
    Boys Athletic Participation
    Average
    Expenses Per Student
    $8,456/ year
    National
    $12,239
    92%
    of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in.143 responses
    61%
    of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need.143 responses
    79%
    of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.143 responses
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    Desert Vista High School Reviews

    906 reviews
    All Categories
    I enjoyed attending Desert Vista for 4 years because there was a great overall environment on campus. All of the teachers make you feel comfortable in their class and are willing to slow down if students are confused on a subject. I was always myself on campus and I never felt the need to hide my personality and character because everyone was understanding and welcoming of each other. I was on the sand volleyball team and the coaches were always supportive and gave constructive criticism without yelling. I had a great experience at Desert Vista so I highly recommend attending!
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    Desert Vista is not the best school for being included in everything as it is very clique-ish. Most of the teachers are very passionate and very qualified especially the Spanish, English, and History departments. However, in the science department especially those who teach biology, there are teachers who are lacking in general knowledge of what they teach and general teaching skills. However, almost all teachers are well-meaning and want the students to succeed. Another thing to know about Desert Vista is there are very few minorities in the school and even fewer in the honors classes. This is disappointing since all students should be able to succeed, without the higher-level classes being dominated by the white kids.
    The school is highly involved with your academic career. The teachers and counselor's genuinely want every student to succeed. There are numerous of opportunities to do just about anything a person would want. The band, creative arts and athletics are especially highly successful as well. Parents should consider to send their kids to be future graduates from Desert Vista. The academics are highly watched over. Teacher's will help the students, by coming in early mornings, staying after school and introducing them to tutors for more help to further succeed in the class course.