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Desert Canyon Middle School

10203 E Mcdowell Mtn Ranch Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(School attendance zone shown in map)
9/
10
Top 20%
Serving 428 students in grades 6-8, Desert Canyon 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 proficiency in math is 59% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 56% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is equal to the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2025)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 428 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 28%
  • : Top 20% in AZ
  • : 59% (Top 20%)
  • : 56% (Top 20%)
  • : 45-49% (Top 20%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

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

School Overview

Desert Canyon Middle School's student population of 428 students has declined by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 25 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
428 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
School Calendar
School Mascot
Wolves

School Rankings

Desert Canyon 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 diversity score of Desert Canyon Middle School is 0.46, 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)
#280 out of 1921 schools
(Top 20%)
59%
34%
56%
40%
45-49%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
5%
Asian
7%
3%
Hispanic
12%
48%
Black
4%
6%
White
72%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
0.46
Eligible for Free Lunch
14%
40%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
10%
School Statewide Testing
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education

School Notes

  • School Mascot: Wolves
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Desert Canyon Middle School's ranking?
Desert Canyon Middle School is ranked #280 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Desert Canyon Middle School often compared to?
Desert Canyon Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Mountainside Middle School, Cheyenne Traditional School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 56% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
How many students attend Desert Canyon Middle School?
428 students attend Desert Canyon Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
72% of Desert Canyon Middle School students are White, 12% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Asian, 4% of students are Black, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desert Canyon Middle School?
Desert Canyon Middle School has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Desert Canyon Middle School offer ?
Desert Canyon Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Desert Canyon Middle School part of?
Desert Canyon Middle School is part of Scottsdale Unified District (4240) School District.
In what neighborhood is Desert Canyon Middle School located?
Desert Canyon Middle School is located in the North Scottsdale neighborhood of Scottsdale, AZ. There are 3 other public schools located in North Scottsdale.

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Quick Facts (2025)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 428 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 28%
  • : Top 20%
  • : 59% (Top 20%)
  • : 56% (Top 20%)
  • : 45-49% (Top 20%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education

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