Desert Vista High School is a public high school located in the Ahwatukee area of Phoenix, Arizona. Opened in 1996, it is the second Tempe Union High School District school in Ahwatukee and serves approximately 3,000 students.
Serving 2,761 students in grades 9-12, Desert Vista High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 64% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 74% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 50% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,761 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 50%
- Graduation Rate: 94% (Top 20% in AZ)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: 64% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 74% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 40% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Desert Vista High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Graduation Rate
Diversity
School Overview
Desert Vista High School's student population of 2,761 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 123 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,761 students
Total Classroom Teachers
123 teachers
Year Founded
1996
Colors
Navy Blue, Gold, Midnight blue, Vegas Gold
School Rankings
Desert Vista High School ranks within the top 5% of all 1,921 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desert Vista High School is 0.66, which is equal to the diversity score at state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#89 out of 1921 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
64%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
74%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
17:1
American Indian
2%
5%
Asian
6%
3%
Hispanic
28%
49%
Black
6%
6%
White
50%
33%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
94%
77%
Eligible for Free Lunch (22-23)
7%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
3%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Thunder
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Vista High School's ranking?
Desert Vista High School is ranked #89 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Desert Vista High School often compared to?
Desert Vista High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Mountain Pointe High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 74% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
What is the graduation rate of Desert Vista High School?
The graduation rate of Desert Vista High School is 94%, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 77%.
How many students attend Desert Vista High School?
2,761 students attend Desert Vista High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
50% of Desert Vista High School students are White, 28% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Asian, 6% of students are Black, and 2% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desert Vista High School?
Desert Vista High School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Desert Vista High School offer ?
Desert Vista High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Desert Vista High School part of?
Desert Vista High School is part of Tempe Union High School District (4287).
In what neighborhood is Desert Vista High School located?
Desert Vista High School is located in the South Mountain Village neighborhood of Phoenix, AZ. There are 45 other public schools located in South Mountain Village.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
By far the best high school in Arizona.
Review Desert Vista High School. 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
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
