Desert Shadows Middle School

5858 East Sweetwater Avenue

School District

Paradise Valley Unified District
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:23
Type

public

School Map for Paradise Valley Unified 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 parent on August 24, 2022

GRAVE Safety & Security issues at this school! I would encourage everyone to use the new and long overdue ESAs (empowerment scholarship funds, they are NOT vouchers) to go to a private school where obviously you'll have a more safe, protected and stronger learning environment. We had to remove our daughter from this school due to bullying and real threats of violence, including from a parent of one of the other kids at the school. Administration was supportive, but it's obvious they just want things to go away vs have the fortitude they must have to truly protect kids.
Submitted by parent on November 07, 2021

A qualified yes for recommending this school. I think it is a perfectly fine school for most students. However, I do not recommend this middle school to any child currently in the SCG program. Despite the fact that several of the elementary schools with SCG programs (North Ranch and Sonoran Sky) directly feed to DSMS, there is no continuation of the SCG program. The honors classes do not offer the same level of rigor or challenge and, in fact, repeat material kids already covered in their 5th and 6th grade classes. The "Academies" are interesting and offer some unique opportunities but they not academically challenging, either. Unlike the DLC at Sunrise, DSMS does not take part in any academic challenges or competitions (eCybermission, AZSEF, History Day, as examples). The English department, in particular, is ill equipped to address the needs of gifted learners, especially those coming from SCG classrooms. If your child goes this route, be prepared for a repeat of 6th grade reading lists in both 7th and 8th grade Honors classes. On a positive note - the math teachers are phenomenal and very good at teaching complex concepts. Class sizes are very small in the advanced math courses. Because the classes are not very challenging, there is not terribly much homework and students have more time to work on social skills. The Festival sports program is very well attended and a lot of fun for participants. Band and orchestra are also well attended. Drop off/pick up is relatively easy and the campus itself is very safe and welcoming.
Submitted by parent on August 20, 2018

The school is fine. When seeing the number of students who qualify for NHS truly indicates how easy and unchallenging the curriculum is at school. 8th grade is even less challenging than 7th grade since even more students who should be in standard classes are allowed to enroll into honors classes which truly defeats the purpose of having honors programming in the first place. My child was truly bored in 8th grade. There was little work or challenge and it was difficult at times to encourage my child to go to school towards the end of the year when your child is clearly not being challenged or provided with meaningful writing assignments. We are not sure how well the education prepares students for AP classes. We were disappointed by the lack of rigor at school.
Submitted by parent on March 28, 2018

Our experience at this school has been absolutely horrible. I have watched my children go from happy honor roll students to beaten down, broken students who are barely above failing. Thankfully my first child after being away from this school for nearly 2 years is finally returning to the child I previously knew. I will be so happy to be done with this school.
Submitted by teacher on July 22, 2016

The teachers are great-especially Mr. G. The Academies are very beneficial: choir, engineering, choir/band, and art.
Submitted by student on June 13, 2015

Administrators truly care about the student base, but the teachers are average or lackluster. This school is your typical public school experience, catered to the average to below average IQ's. If you have a child who is gifted, choose another school. The students here are snotty, mean, and cocky. As mentioned in the other reviews, the 'extra' effort put across by some teachers help make this school bearable. DSMS can prepare you for life a little, help you grow up a little, but little will be learned.Student 2011-2012
Submitted by other on May 21, 2015

Very good school. If there is a problem it's taken care of. Like the teachers
Submitted by parent on January 20, 2015

I have a seventh grader in honors classes and she is doing great. The staff answers me back promptly and administration has never let me down yet in 2.1 qtrs. There are lots of sports and clubs; and field trips are wonderful. Very professional so far. Some kids seem a bit mouthy, but that is also the parents fault. Middle school is tough on most kids, mine is shy and conservative and just keeps a low profile and does A work.
Submitted by other on December 03, 2014

I go to this school and it is truly an amazing experience to be at Desert Shadows
Submitted by parent on October 27, 2014

Amazing leadership which trickles down to super teacher morale! The principal is no nonsense, is very open with the parents and truly, genuinely cares for his students!
Submitted by other on October 04, 2014

I am a student at Desert Shadows Middle. It is one of the best schools I've ever been to! All the staff is AMAZING and really nice. they all try hard to do their best and help the students succeed. The administrative staff is the best there is. they do their job, they're involved, they know whats going on, and they are fun and active with the students, unlike anyone at Sunrise Middle school. The reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg is just one out of the many things this school does extra. I am over all EXTREMELY happy with this school. I came from Liberty Elementary, the main feeder school of sunrise (But a LOT better), and am SO happy I didn't go to that dump. Long live DSMS! Long Live The GWIGEON
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2014

My kids and I have been extremely happy with DSMS! Most teachers are wonderful, caring and dedicated. The principal and vice principal are amazing! They set a tone of professionalism, leadership and acceptance. They set high standards for the teachers, staff and students. I feel my kids have been challenged academically and are prepared for high school. I would highly recommend this school to anyone.
Submitted by parent on October 30, 2013

Desert Shadows Middle school is a rock solid community with great leadership. Our open enrolled 7th grader is very happy and challenged here. Principal Clancy's inclusive model sets the tone for kindness and acceptance. All are actively encouraged to get involved in the community and most students, teachers and parents do! Children are happy to attend school because they know that the administration and staff care. It is not surprising that kids excel in this type of positive environment. Desert Shadows offers many unique programs and opportunities that aren't available in most middle schools. These programs are fun, educational and foster community. Go on a tour, you won't be disappointed with it's high academic standards and inclusive environment.
Submitted by parent on October 25, 2013

Great school with a staff that really cares. Very happy. Moving from a small charter school we are very happy with this school.
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2013

My daughters went to Desert Shadows Middle School. They graduated from college and became successful professional women, a CPA, a lawyer and a dependable, high earning real estate company employee, all now in Houston . I chose my neighborhood based on the reputation of "A++ Blue Ribbon Sandpiper Elementary, DSMS Middle School and Horizon High School. The oldest has a double major in Finance and Accounting from SMU, the middle one, a double major in Journalism and history with an advanced degree as a lawyer from the University of Arizona, and my youngest is about to sit for the CPA and graduated from Arizona State University. I am pleased with the education they received at these 3 schools.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2013

This is an amazing school for any child. We moved to Scottsdale from Portland, Oregon (Beaverton School District) and the difference between going to their schools is like night and day. The Academies are amazing and we had one daughter in Choir and the other in Art. They care about the Arts in Arizona, the community cares, and the teachers and the children are so involved. PV School District is amazing and I have heard Scottsdale is wonderful too. Our daughters are special needs and they are really supported at this school. They have extra time for all children to visit with their teachers each day in all classes and talk to them, catch up on whatever they are behind in...From the other parents I have talked to the other Academies - are wonderful too. If you have a child with high academic skills this school is great and leads into Horizon High and it is amazing too!! I love that there is open enrollment and you can make a choice as to what school you wish to have your child go to. The teachers have been here forever and they stay...athletics.. Mr. Clancy, Principal, Ms. Sardina, Mr. Goldblatt - they have amazing teachers!! We are so thankful we found DSMS!!
Submitted by parent on September 06, 2012

Did You Notice The Rating? It's the leadership. When you have a good leader that believes in team work... that believes no one is above the other, you get a very caring community. EVERYONE here REALLY cares! My daughter is open enrolled & I believe leaving our area for a fresh new start was the best thing I could have done for her. She knew (1) person at the start of school in admin. She is typically quite & on the shy side. With in a day her teachers made her feel so comfortable she was sharing answers, reading to the class and making friends. She even had a few kids (she never met) come up to her at lunch (day 3) and ask if she wanted to eat with them. REALLY! The caring community of the school is rubbing off on the kids. My own experience while waiting after school for my daughter... The media center is in the center of the main building. Lots of windows to see in. I noticed a boy working on a computer and we caught eye contact. He smiled and waved to me. REALLY! Bottom line... Principal Clancy & his staff are very caring & giving. They treat the kids as if they are their own. They want everyone to excel ... No matter the level. My daughter LOVES it here.