Serving 928 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Desert Thunder ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 30% (which is lower than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 46% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 25:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Arizona state average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 928 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1
- Minority Enrollment: 82%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 30% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 46% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 32% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Desert Thunder's student population of 928 students has grown by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 37 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
928 students
Total Classroom Teachers
37 teachers
Year Founded
2004
Colors
Navy blue and silver
School Calendar
School Rankings
Desert Thunder ranks within the top 50% of all 1,921 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desert Thunder is 0.57, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#744 out of 1921 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
25:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
5%
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
62%
49%
Black
15%
6%
White
18%
33%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
2%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)44.3%
41.2%
Eligible for Free Lunch
7%
41%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Thunder's ranking?
Desert Thunder is ranked #744 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Desert Thunder often compared to?
Desert Thunderis often viewed alongside schools like Copper Trails by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 46% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
How many students attend Desert Thunder?
928 students attend Desert Thunder.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of Desert Thunder students are Hispanic, 18% of students are White, 15% of students are Black, 2% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desert Thunder?
Desert Thunder has a student ration of 25:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Desert Thunder offer ?
Desert Thunder offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Desert Thunder part of?
Desert Thunder is part of Avondale Elementary District (4272).
In what neighborhood is Desert Thunder located?
Desert Thunder is located in the Canyon Trails neighborhood of Goodyear, AZ. There are 1 other public schools located in Canyon Trails.
School Reviews
Review Desert Thunder. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
