Serving 607 students in grades 5-8, Explorer Middle School ranks in the top 20% 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 63% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 58% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 5-8
- Enrollment: 607 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 22%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 63% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 58% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 37% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Explorer Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Explorer Middle School's student population of 607 students has declined by 23% over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has declined by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
607 students
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
School Rankings
Explorer 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 Explorer Middle School is 0.37, 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
#220 out of 1921 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
63%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
58%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
5%
Asian
3%
3%
Hispanic
13%
49%
Black
1%
6%
White
78%
33%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
6%
41%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Explorer Middle School's ranking?
Explorer Middle School is ranked #220 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Explorer Middle School often compared to?
Explorer Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Sunrise Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
63% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 58% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
How many students attend Explorer Middle School?
607 students attend Explorer Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
78% of Explorer Middle School students are White, 13% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Explorer Middle School?
Explorer Middle School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Explorer Middle School offer ?
Explorer Middle School offers enrollment in grades 5-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Explorer Middle School part of?
Explorer Middle School is part of Paradise Valley Unified District (4241).
In what neighborhood is Explorer Middle School located?
Explorer Middle School is located in the Desert View Village neighborhood of Phoenix, AZ. There are 7 other public schools located in Desert View Village.
School Reviews
Review Explorer Middle 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.
