Serving 712 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Desert Willow Elementary School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 71% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 62% (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 61% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 712 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 61%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 71% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 62% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Desert Willow Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Desert Willow Elementary School's student population of 712 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 43 teachers has declined by 8% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Total Students
712 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
43 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Desert Willow Elementary School ranks within the top 10% of all 1,956 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desert Willow Elementary School is 0.62, 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
#163 out of 1956 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
71%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
62%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
24%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
5%
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
48%
47%
Black
6%
6%
White
39%
35%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
26%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Willow Elementary School's ranking?
Desert Willow Elementary School is ranked #163 out of 1,956 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Desert Willow Elementary School often compared to?
Desert Willow Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Mesquite Elementary School, Cottonwood Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
71% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% AZ state average), while 62% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
How many students attend Desert Willow Elementary School?
712 students attend Desert Willow Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
48% of Desert Willow Elementary School students are Hispanic, 39% of students are White, 6% of students are Black, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Desert Willow Elementary School?
Desert Willow Elementary School has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Desert Willow Elementary School offer ?
Desert Willow Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5
What school district is Desert Willow Elementary School part of?
Desert Willow Elementary School is part of Vail Unified District (4413) School District.
In what neighborhood is Desert Willow Elementary School located?
Desert Willow Elementary School is located in the Rita Ranch neighborhood of Tucson, AZ. There are 10 other public schools located in Rita Ranch.
School Reviews
Review Desert Willow Elementary 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
Vouchers for Special Education: Are They a Good Idea?
The article examines the pros and cons of using school vouchers for special education students. It discusses how vouchers can provide more educational options for families but also raises concerns about accountability, funding for public schools, and the implementation of special education laws in private school settings.
What is the Connection Between Home Values and School Performance?
This article explores the relationship between school performance and home values in neighborhoods. It discusses studies showing correlations between school expenditures, ratings, and housing prices, highlighting how this connection affects families' choices and contributes to educational disparities between communities.
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.
