Serving 518 students in grades 6-8, Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 9% (which is lower than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 19% (which is lower than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Arizona state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 518 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 7% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism's student population of 518 students has declined by 43% over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has declined by 44% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
518 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Growing leaders and learners - every child, every classroom, every day!
School Rankings
Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,921 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism is 0.27, 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.
Overall Testing Rank
#1737 out of 1921 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
9%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
7%
24%
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
17:1
American Indian
2%
5%
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
85%
48%
Black
8%
6%
White
2%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
40%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism's ranking?
Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism is ranked #1737 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Arizona.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
9% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
How many students attend Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism?
518 students attend Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
85% of Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Black, 2% of students are American Indian, 2% of students are White, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism?
Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism offer ?
Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism part of?
Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism is part of Cartwright Elementary District (4282) School District.
In what neighborhood is Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism located?
Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism is located in the Maryvale Village neighborhood of Phoenix, AZ. There are 65 other public schools located in Maryvale Village.
School Reviews
Review Desert Sands Academy Of Mass Communication & Journalism. 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
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
