Desert Foothills Middle School

3333 West Banff Lane

School District

Washington Elementary
Grade

7-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

School Map for Washington Elementary School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by other on February 10, 2025

It has truly been a privilege to be a community member of the Desert Foothills Region. One of the best things happening is their new principal Ms. Shannon Gray. Over the past few years, I've witnessed first-hand the profound impact she has made on both the students and the community. Principal Gray's leadership is nothing short of inspiring.Under her guidance, student achievement has flourished, with measurable improvements across multiple areas, from academic performance to student engagement. Her unwavering commitment to creating an environment where every student feels supported and challenged has not only enhanced the learning experience but has also been a driving force behind the school’s impressive enrollment growth.What stands out most about Principal Gray is her infectious enthusiasm. It’s clear that she genuinely cares about each student’s success and well-being. Her energy fills the school and motivates everyone—staff, students, and community partners alike—to strive for excellence. It’s rare to find a leader who combines vision, dedication, and a passion for education in such an extraordinary way.
Submitted by parent on January 23, 2025

I can't say enough great things about this school and the experience my child has had here. My child is happy with their teachers and friends from school. The teachers are accommodating and always willing to help their students and support their learning. I feel my student is very well prepared for high school.
Submitted by other on January 20, 2025

From my experiences at Desert Foothills I’ve had a smooth experience with the office staff and (Principal Gray). Everyone has a clear vision and plan for the kids there. Really excited to see this school’s growth in years to come.
Submitted by student on December 11, 2024

My experience at this school has been very good and I recommend this school to new people.
Submitted by parent on December 11, 2024

Desert Foothills is an amazing school everyone is fantastic
Submitted by teacher on December 11, 2024

Desert Foothills is an amazing place to be! Our staff truly cares about children and their well-being. Students are kind and care about their learning. Our principal loves kids, and it shows. We have a great support system for staff and students in place. I would not hesitate to send my child here!
Submitted by other on June 10, 2021

i am a recent alumni and i love most of the teachers its the staff that i have an issue with. the current principal (susie smith) has been known to target students who have had problems in the past and yell at them in their faces, guilt trip them, and give snarky/condescending remarks. (this is the same for most of the staff.) its an extremely inappropriate way to act towards students. then when she goes to call parents/guardians she puts on a front and acts sweet and genuinely concerned. its two faced and manipulative. the staff is also sexist. when dresscoded they humiliate the girls by giving them a bright red shirt with the name and logo of the school on it. when my guy friend got dresscoded they gave him a white shirt. he even asked for a red shirt and they told him he had to buy one. the dresscode is so strict on the girls. maybe they should make an effort to teach the boys to control themselves if they are so concerned. just a thought. i also assume that the staff just like having power over people and take advantage of that. i would like to conclude this review by saying i DO NOT recommend this school if you want your child to have a positive middle school experience. you can’t control the negative student interactions part of middle school very much but you can control negative staff and teacher interactions.
Submitted by other on November 25, 2011

Are you athletic. or just a homework kind of kid? then df is the school for you. they have excellent staff advanced classes for the smart kids and a read 180 class for those who need extra help:). the cheer basketball ,wrestiling ,softball, volleyball and even more sports are excedding in everything as well . with the basketball team going to districs every year and winning and the cheer squad cheering them on. the cheer team goes to competition and the 8th grade squad ,,,,, the tostidos bowl . it is a blast and the teachers are awesome and not boring at all this is an amazing middle school to go to so dont put it off
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2011

This school is fabulous! And for the 2011-2012 school year, it has progessed greatly! Instead of boring school work that the students could care less about, the teachers challenge the pupils in a fun, new way. The students who are coming back from the Washington Elementary schools are very welcoming to new kids. My daughter, coming from Deer Valley Unified School District, is only 3 weeks into school and has already made several dozens of friends. The learning process is advanced; Very comprehendable to the pupils, and much better then other districts. Don't hesitate to send your child to this school! You and your student will be very satisfied.