Serving 911 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Desert Thunder ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 42% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 46% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student:teacher ratio of 23:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Arizona state average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 911 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Minority Enrollment: 78%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 42% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 46% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 32% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Desert Thunder's student population of 911 students has grown by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 40 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Total Students
911 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
40 teachers
Students by Grade
School Calendar
School Rankings
Desert Thunder ranks within the top 50% of all 1,956 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desert Thunder is 0.57, 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
#656 out of 1956 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
24%
Student : Teacher Ratio
23:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
5%
Asian
3%
3%
Hispanic
61%
47%
Black
12%
6%
White
22%
35%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
37%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
13%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Thunder's ranking?
Desert Thunder is ranked #656 out of 1,956 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Desert Thunder often compared to?
Desert Thunderis often viewed alongside schools like Copper Trails by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
42% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% AZ state average), while 46% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
How many students attend Desert Thunder?
911 students attend Desert Thunder.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
61% of Desert Thunder students are Hispanic, 22% of students are White, 12% of students are Black, 3% of students are Asian, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Desert Thunder?
Desert Thunder has a student ration of 23:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Desert Thunder offer ?
Desert Thunder offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8
What school district is Desert Thunder part of?
Desert Thunder is part of Avondale Elementary District (4272) School District.
In what neighborhood is Desert Thunder located?
Desert Thunder is located in the Canyon Trails neighborhood of Goodyear, AZ. There are 1 other public schools located in Canyon Trails.
School Reviews
Review Desert Thunder. 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
Drug Testing Teachers: Testing Positive or Negative?
This article examines the ongoing debate about drug testing for teachers in public schools. It discusses the rationale behind such policies, privacy concerns, cost implications, and the relatively low prevalence of drug use among educators. The piece also explores future considerations for drug testing policies in educational settings.
Head in the Clouds: Why Public Schools are Embracing Cloud Computing
Explore how public schools are integrating cloud computing into their educational frameworks. Understand the advantages such as enhanced collaboration, cost savings, and accessibility, as well as the challenges schools face in adopting this technology.
September 27, 2024
Understanding RubricsThis article explores the fundamental principles of rubrics in education, focusing on their role as assessment tools. It breaks down the key components of rubrics, including criteria, performance levels, and descriptors. The piece also delves into the two main types of rubrics - holistic and analytic - providing authoritative definitions and explaining their unique applications in educational settings.
