The top reported proficiency rate is 28% in English language arts. The lowest is 17% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on David Crockett Elementary School
David Crockett Elementary School serves pre-kindergarten through sixth grade in the Balsz Elementary District, a regular public school in central Phoenix. It sits within a fast-growing, sprawling city that functions as a major commercial and transportation hub for the Mountain West. The school's student body is diverse, with a large share of Hispanic and African American students and smaller numbers of white, American Indian, Asian, and other backgrounds. The community's housing market is moderately priced, with home values and rents that sit close to national averages, making the area accessible for many working families.
Academically, the school faces clear challenges. On the state assessments given in the most recent year, student proficiency rates were low across all tested subjects and grade levels. The overall performance, as measured by a combined proficiency index, places David Crockett among the bottom quarter of all elementary schools in Maricopa County. Available results show that a relatively small share of students met the state's proficiency standard in reading, math, and science. Some grade-level results were suppressed in the public data to protect student privacy, meaning a parent with a child in third or fifth grade may want to ask the school directly for a more complete picture. The multi-year trend, limited to the most recent single year's data across grades, does not provide a clear direction, but the current level is well below what many families would consider acceptable.
This is a school that serves a high-need population. While free- and reduced-price lunch data was not reported, the demographic profile and location suggest a significant share of students come from low-income households. No information was available on the proportion of students receiving special education services or designated as English learners, nor on discipline rates, attendance, or chronic absenteeism. Without those details, it is difficult to assess the full range of student supports or the school's climate for learning. There is no reported data on program offerings such as gifted education, arts, or music, so families should look to the school website or a visit to understand what enrichment is available.
The district itself reported no recent major changes or initiatives in publicly available sources, and the school's structure as a neighborhood elementary within a standalone K-8 district is straightforward. Phoenix's broad economy, centered on services, technology, manufacturing, and tourism, offers employment opportunities, though the school's immediate surroundings are not described in walkability or street life terms.
For a family considering David Crockett, the decision hinges on how much weight they place on standardized test scores. The academic results are the weakest available signal and are a legitimate concern. The school is a neighborhood public school in an affordable, diverse part of a growing city, serving children from pre-K through sixth grade. There is no evidence of advanced academic pathways or specialized programs. Parents who value proximity, a mixed peer environment, and a regular public school setting may find it workable, but they will want to investigate the school's approach to instruction, support services, and any enrichment options directly with the staff. For families whose primary priority is strong academic outcomes as measured by state tests, this school would not be a strong match.
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