The top reported proficiency rate is 28% in Math. The lowest is 19% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Desert Spirit
Desert Spirit is a regular public school in Glendale that serves students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the Glendale Elementary District. The school sits within a large suburban city that borders Phoenix, a place shaped by an auto-oriented layout, regional parks, sports and entertainment venues, and employers that include Luke Air Force Base, Banner Health, and several school districts. Housing in the area falls somewhat below the statewide benchmark in value, and the local rental market reflects a modest premium over the national index. The school itself draws from a residential part of the city, and the student body reflects the surrounding community.
The enrollment at Desert Spirit is substantial for an elementary-through-middle school. The largest share of students identify as Hispanic, and the remainder includes students who are White, Black, Asian, and those of two or more races, as well as a small number of American Indian or Alaska Native students. Data on free or reduced-price meal eligibility was not available in the source material, so a fuller picture of economic need is not possible from this data set.
Academic performance on the state assessments is the central challenge visible at Desert Spirit. For the school year that ended in 2025, the proficiency rates in math and English language arts that were reported for individual grades fell in a range that a parent would likely consider low. In math, the reported rates for third, fourth, and eighth grade each showed a modest share of students meeting the state’s proficiency standard. In English language arts, the reported rates for fourth, fifth, and eighth grade were similarly modest. Results for several grade levels in both subjects were suppressed in the data, which means the school’s own count of tested students may have been below a threshold for public reporting. In science, the eighth-grade result that was reported fell in a range consistent with the pattern seen in the other subjects. The multi-year trend, covering only two data points from the same school year, is too short to identify a direction and does not provide a basis for a trend read.
When placed among the many elementary-level districts across Maricopa County, Desert Spirit’s overall proficiency index sits in the bottom quartile. This is a clear signal that the school’s academic attainment, as measured by the state assessments, is weaker than most of its county peers. A parent considering the school would want to explore what supports are in place for students who are behind grade level and whether the school has or is developing strategies to raise proficiency. The available data does not include information on chronic absenteeism, discipline rates, staffing, or course access, so those factors cannot be weighed here.
Desert Spirit is a neighborhood school serving a wide age range, and its setting in Glendale means families have access to parks, libraries, and the amenities of a large suburban city. The school itself offers a straightforward pre-K through eight program without the specialized designations of a charter or magnet. For a family deciding whether this school fits their child, the academic results as they stand are the most significant factor. The school’s proficiency rates are below what is typical in the county, and while the data is incomplete, the reported results point to a school where many students are not yet meeting state benchmarks. A parent may want to ask directly about intervention programs, teacher experience, and the school’s academic plan before making a decision.
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