Desiderata Program

Desiderata High School in Phoenix, AZ has an enrollment of 73 students across grades 9 through 12, with a student–teacher ratio reported as 0:1 in recent years due to no assigned teachers.
The school's graduation rate is 50%, which is lower than the Arizona state average of 77% and the Phoenix Union High School District rate of 73%, a trend that has remained stable from 2013 to 2023.
Math proficiency at Desiderata was 29% in 2023, below the state average of 34% but higher than the district average of 13%, showing a decline from a high of 66% in 2013.
Reading proficiency is 39%, which is approximately equal to the state average of 40% and notably above the district average of 20% in 2022, though this represents a decline from over 80% proficiency in 2012.
Hispanic students make up nearly 45% of the student body, followed by Black (29%) and White (22%) students, with free lunch eligibility steady at about 5%, indicating stable socioeconomic composition.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • School Type: Special education school
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 67 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 78%
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Desiderata Program ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona for:

School Overview

Desiderata Program's student population of 67 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 9 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
67 students
Total Classroom Teachers
9 teachers

School Rankings

The diversity score of Desiderata Program is 0.65, 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.
This School
State Level (AZ)
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
17:1
American Indian
2%
5%
Hispanic
49%
49%
Black
25%
6%
White
22%
33%
Hawaiian
2%
n/a
All Ethnic Groups
0.65
Eligible for Free Lunch
6%
41%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (03-04)
11%
8%
School Statewide Testing
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

How many students attend Desiderata Program?
67 students attend Desiderata Program.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of Desiderata Program students are Hispanic, 25% of students are Black, 22% of students are White, 2% of students are American Indian, and 2% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desiderata Program?
Desiderata Program has a student ration of 7:1, which is lower than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Desiderata Program offer ?
Desiderata Program offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Desiderata Program part of?
Desiderata Program is part of Phoenix Union High School District (4286).

School Reviews

Review Desiderata Program. 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
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • School Type: Special education school
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 67 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 78%
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education

Related School Videos

Quick Links