The top reported proficiency rate is 48% in English language arts. The lowest is 32% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Santa Rosa Elementary School
Santa Rosa Elementary School is a regular public elementary school serving pre-kindergarten through grade six in Maricopa, Arizona, part of the Maricopa Unified School District. The school enrolls several hundred students, making it a mid-sized elementary for its grade band. The student body is diverse: the largest group is Hispanic, followed by White, Black, and smaller shares of students identifying as two or more races, Asian, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. Data on the share of students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals and on students with disabilities or English learner status was not available, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about those supports.
Academically, Santa Rosa Elementary’s state assessment results show a mixed picture. In English language arts, across the tested grades, roughly half of students met proficiency, with third-grade performance lower than fourth and fifth. In math, proficiency rates were lower across all tested grades, with about a third of students reaching the proficiency mark. In fifth-grade science, a modest share of students were proficient. Compared with other elementary schools in Pinal County, Santa Rosa’s overall proficiency index sits above the midpoint, meaning its combined performance across tested subjects and grades is better than the typical school in the county but still below the top end. Only one year of data was available for trend analysis, so it is not possible to say whether performance is improving or declining.
The school serves only elementary grades, so there is no graduation rate to report, and chronic absenteeism data was not available. No information was provided about disciplinary incidents, staffing ratios, or course access such as gifted programs or enrichment offerings. Families interested in those aspects of the school environment should follow up with the school directly.
Santa Rosa Elementary operates within the Maricopa Unified School District, which has recently expanded high school capacity by opening Desert Sunrise High School, giving families a second comprehensive high school option. The district serves a student population that is growing rapidly alongside the city itself.
Maricopa is a fast-growing city in Pinal County, located about a half-hour drive south of the Phoenix metropolitan area. It is primarily a residential community built on master-planned subdivisions, with a car-dependent layout and limited walkability. The city lacks a traditional downtown core; civic life centers on large recreation complexes like Copper Sky. Maricopa’s population has grown substantially over the past two decades, and growth continues to be driven by relatively affordable housing compared with the Phoenix metro area. Housing values in the school’s zip code are below the statewide median, and rents are also somewhat lower, making the area more accessible for homebuyers than many parts of Arizona. Major employers include the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, agricultural research facilities, and automotive proving grounds operated by Volkswagen and Nissan, giving the local economy a mix of service, research, and industrial jobs. Many residents commute to the Phoenix area for work.
For a family considering Santa Rosa Elementary, the school offers a diverse student body in a growing suburban community where housing is more affordable than in much of the Phoenix region. Academic performance in reading is stronger than in math, with room for improvement across both subjects. The district’s recent opening of a second high school suggests attention to accommodating enrollment growth. Missing data on free and reduced-price meal eligibility and special populations means a parent should inquire directly about the school’s support structures for students who need extra academic or economic assistance.
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