Desert Ridge High School

Desert Ridge High School

Public High School | Grade 8-12
10045 E Madero Ave,  Mesa, AZ
Gilbert Public Schools
3.8
3.6
2,400 Students
B+
Niche Grade
As the home of the Jaguars for more than 20 years, Desert Ridge High is a public school serving more than 2,000 students in ninth through 12th grades in the Gilbert Public Schools District. Here, the faculty strives to prepare students for productive, happy lives. Aside from a core curriculum, students can take courses in more than a dozen disciplines through the career and technical education program, ranging from agriscience and culinary arts to sports medicine and software development. To better adapt to a global future, students can also learn Spanish, French, German, American Sign Language or Japanese as one of their electives. Outside of class, aspiring Jaguars pursue their passions in more than 50 clubs and activities, including band, choir, theater and yearbook. Desert Ridge hosts a robust athletics department with a football stadium and various sports facilities on campus. Students can compete in more than a dozen sports, from football and swimming to basketball and beach volleyball. With a rich calendar of school events on and off the field, every student feels a part of the Jaguar community at Desert Ridge High.

School Details

Student Teacher Ratio
23:1
Average SAT Score
1180
Average ACT Score
25
Math Proficiency
58%
Reading Proficiency
54%
Average GPA
3.57
Graduation Rate
92%

Niche Grade

B+
Academics
B-
Teachers
B
College Prep
B-
Administration
C
Resources/Facilities
B-
Clubs and Activities
B+
Sports
B-
Food
Source: Niche
Niche Grades

Niche grades and rankings are calculated using dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews. Niche data scientists and user researchers rigorously analyze data and user opinions to assess the key aspects of K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Places to Live. Every month, millions of students and families use the Niche grades and report cards to find the right school or neighborhood.

Niche Grade Details

Academics
Average GPA
3.57
Reading Proficiency
54%
Math Proficiency
58%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
23:1
Teachers
99
Full Time Teachers
99
Teachers in First or Second Year
27.6%
College Prep
Average SAT
1180
Math
590
Verbal
590
Average ACT
25
Math
23
English
25
Reading
26
Science
24
Number of AP Courses
17
AP Pass Rate
61.5%
AP Math Enrollment
Average
AP Science Enrollment
High
Other AP Enrollment
Very High
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Low
Boys Athletic Participation
Low

GreatSchools Rating

Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

GreatSchools Rating Details

Test Scores

Math
52%
State Average
48%
Science
13%
State Average
30%
GreatSchools Test Scores Rating
GreatSchools
The Test Score Rating reflects annual state test results for this school compared with scores statewide.

Teachers and Staff

Students Per Counselor
386:1

Student Diversity

Male
51.6%
Female
48.4%
White
59.1%
Hispanic
29.7%
Two or more races
4.5%
Black
2.9%
Asian or Pacific Islander
2.5%
Native American
<1%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
<1%
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Specialty School Programs

AP Programs Offered
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
Athletics Program

Colleges Students are Considering

Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
Arizona State University 881 Students
Northern Arizona University 715 Students
University of Arizona 460 Students
Grand Canyon University 291 Students
Arizona State University - Polytechnic Campus 214 Students
Mesa Community College 208 Students
Chandler-Gilbert Community College 179 Students
University of California - Los Angeles 171 Students
University of San Diego 144 Students
Arizona State University - West Campus 143 Students

What Students Want to Study

Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Nursing 151 Students
Business 146 Students
Biology 132 Students
Psychology 129 Students
Pre-Medicine Studies 95 Students
Computer Science 50 Students
Engineering 50 Students
Biomedical Sciences and Molecular Medicine 44 Students
Kinesiology and Exercise Science 41 Students
Forensic Science and Technology 35 Students

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.8 755 Reviews
1.0 Sophomore
10/3/2024
The administration and staff are very negligent. They do not care about the safety of students and the environment there is very bad.
4.0 Alum
3/4/2024
I had overall good experience at Desert Ridge. I felt safe and the AVID program prepared me to go to college.
3.0 Senior
1/19/2024
I enjoy the dance department at Desert Ridge, they do a pretty good job of making everyone feel included and welcomed. The cheerleading program on the other hand needs a lot of rebuilding.
GreatSchools Reviews
3.6 15 Reviews
5.0 parent
3/20/2025
Great school has come very far from a few years ago.
5.0 parent
3/6/2022
This is a great high school. Great teachers and classes!!
5.0 parent
3/6/2022
Better teachers and curriculum this far than old district.
1.0 parent
6/6/2020
If I could give this school negative stars, I would. Despicable leadership, horrible academics, and they do nothing about cyber bulling and racism that is brought to their attention.

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