Desert Marigold School

Summary:

Desert Marigold School is a public charter school located in Phoenix, Arizona, serving 303 students in grades K-12. As part of the Valley of the Sun Waldorf Education Association district, the school emphasizes a Waldorf-inspired approach to education.

While Desert Marigold School has consistently high graduation rates, ranging from 76.9% to 100% over the past several years, and very low dropout rates, its academic performance on standardized tests is generally lower than the state and district averages, particularly in English Language Arts and Mathematics. However, the school stands out for its stronger performance in Science assessments, with 5th and 8th-grade students scoring higher than the state average. Compared to nearby schools, Desert Marigold has a higher percentage of White students, but lags behind high-performing charter schools like Great Hearts Academies - Archway Veritas and BASIS Ahwatukee in overall academic achievement.

The school's emphasis on Waldorf-inspired education, which focuses on experiential learning, arts integration, and a holistic approach, may contribute to its strong graduation and low dropout rates, despite lower standardized test scores. While Desert Marigold School's consistent academic performance is commendable, the school could benefit from targeted efforts to improve student outcomes in core academic areas, particularly in the higher grade levels, to better prepare students for college and career readiness.


Detail:

Public, Charter, Alternative K-12

 6210 S 28th St
       Phoenix, AZ  85042-4715


(602) 243-6909

District: Valley of the Sun Waldorf Education Association d


Student/teacher ratio:  n/a Help
Number of students:  303

Racial breakdown:

White:
60.7%
Hispanic:
23.1%
Two or more races:
11.2%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  8.9% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Desert Marigold School is not ranked due for the most recent year due to insufficient test score data. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2023 the calculated Average Standard Score was 40.4. (See more...)
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Compare Details Desert Marigold School is not ranked due for the most recent year due to insufficient test score data. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2023 the calculated Average Standard Score was 33.24. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details Desert Marigold School is not ranked due for the most recent year due to insufficient test score data. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2023 the calculated Average Standard Score was 24.07. (See more...)
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The Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate (ACGR) measures the percentage of Desert Marigold School freshmen who graduate within four years, adjusting for students who transfer in or out.
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The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (60.7%), Hispanic (23.1%), two or more races (11.2%). (See more...)
Finance
Schooldigger Rankings:

Desert Marigold School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.



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Rank History for Desert Marigold School

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Rank History for all elementary school students at Desert Marigold School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2009 23.30 887th 1062 16.5%
2010 32.67 774th 1090 29.0%
2011 42.22 623rd 1075 42.0%
2012 41.33 718th 1141 37.1%
2013 56.59 497th 1158 57.1%
2014 44.63 606th 1079 43.8%
2015 73.37 232nd 955 75.7%
2016 45.95 519th 1079 51.9%
2017 50.81 478th 1106 56.8%
2018 39.70 618th 1109 44.3%
2019 53.15 450th 1039 56.7%
2021 57.56 461st 1226 62.4%
2022 59.89 348th 1000 65.2%
2023 40.40 668th 1245 46.3%
See the entire list of Arizona Alternative School Rankings!

Rank History for elementary school Multi-racial students at Desert Marigold School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 30.11 769th 1027 25.1%
2022 52.55 200th 444 55.0%
2023 31.19 497th 617 19.4%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for elementary school Special Education students at Desert Marigold School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 69.08 171st 1201 85.8%
2022 64.47 63rd 145 56.6%
2023 96.08 10th 820 98.8%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for elementary school Female students at Desert Marigold School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 31.49 686th 1023 32.9%
2021 61.93 409th 1219 66.4%
2023 39.09 671st 1219 45.0%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for elementary school Male students at Desert Marigold School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 41.72 557th 1032 46.0%
2021 49.29 541st 1220 55.7%
2023 41.21 643rd 1216 47.1%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for elementary school Hispanic students at Desert Marigold School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 49.02 522nd 1198 56.4%
2022 78.03 122nd 716 83.0%
2023 47.32 549th 1170 53.1%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for elementary school White students at Desert Marigold School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 18.90 622nd 720 13.6%
2019 43.02 366th 595 38.5%
2021 52.34 530th 1161 54.3%
2022 40.52 499th 800 37.6%
2023 30.98 745th 1024 27.2%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Arizona Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for Desert Marigold School

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Rank History for all middle school students at Desert Marigold School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2009 56.71 267th 663 59.7%
2010 44.63 386th 692 44.2%
2011 58.24 263rd 685 61.6%
2012 48.04 404th 772 47.7%
2013 64.87 248th 787 68.5%
2014 55.55 290th 690 58.0%
2015 91.75 35th 521 93.3%
2016 64.76 191st 677 71.8%
2017 62.70 209th 695 69.9%
2018 58.72 247th 711 65.3%
2021 59.07 267th 832 67.9%
2023 33.24 514th 854 39.8%
See the entire list of Arizona Alternative School Rankings!

Rank History for middle school Multi-racial students at Desert Marigold School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 38.14 390th 650 40.0%
2023 28.89 300th 384 21.9%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for middle school Special Education students at Desert Marigold School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 52.30 214th 789 72.9%
2022 68.66 14th 36 61.1%
2023 81.07 37th 363 89.8%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for middle school Female students at Desert Marigold School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 47.81 279th 624 55.3%
2021 52.55 313th 820 61.8%
2022 24.38 374th 494 24.3%
2023 32.30 501st 806 37.8%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for middle school Male students at Desert Marigold School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 59.00 200th 617 67.6%
2021 58.61 265th 818 67.6%
2023 35.70 457th 810 43.6%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for middle school Hispanic students at Desert Marigold School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 39.97 424th 802 47.1%
2023 34.73 464th 760 38.9%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for middle school White students at Desert Marigold School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 45.99 228th 436 47.7%
2021 54.08 315th 780 59.6%
2023 18.57 598th 675 11.4%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Arizona Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for Desert Marigold School

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Rank History for all high school students at Desert Marigold School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2012 73.41 122nd 471 74.1%
2013 64.39 188th 491 61.7%
2016 76.18 58th 406 85.7%
2017 66.43 87th 416 79.1%
2018 52.21 137th 420 67.4%
2021 88.78 51st 509 90.0%
2022 83.93 51st 464 89.0%
2023 24.07 345th 469 26.4%
See the entire list of Arizona Alternative School Rankings!

Rank History for high school Special Education students at Desert Marigold School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 31.85 212th 422 49.8%
2022 32.37 192nd 380 49.5%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for high school Female students at Desert Marigold School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 99.71 10th 492 98.0%
2022 98.28 16th 456 96.5%
2023 45.99 186th 406 54.2%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for high school Male students at Desert Marigold School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 52.79 129th 370 65.1%
2021 45.32 221st 492 55.1%
2022 30.58 255th 455 44.0%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for high school White students at Desert Marigold School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 38.53 159th 291 45.4%
2021 78.41 76th 448 83.0%
2022 71.38 80th 409 80.4%
2023 23.77 289th 371 22.1%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Alternative Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Arizona Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Desert Marigold School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
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Data source: Arizona Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 1)
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100%

  

by a parent
Friday, June 4, 2010

Open Quote My Children have been attending DMS "desert marigold school" for 3 years, in that time my children have been in grades: kindergarten, first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, eighth, and ninth

PROS
more accepting of developmentally delayed children
emotionally supportive
lovely campus (this is the best and only thing significantly positive thing about DMS)

CONS
over 90% of the student body is intellectually or emotionally disabled (the healthy students leave)
no advanced classes (the good teachers usually leave within a year)
no average classes (there is literally a basket weaving class for high school)
poor teaching
special ed school
some verbal bullies

Here are two samples of their standardized test scores:
In 2009 the third grade had a 23 percent passing rate, sixth grade had a 36 percent passing rate; 60% to 80% of all students in these grades are failing to pass the bare minimum standards set by the state. These students are failing miserably.

Now compare these numbers with a school that has good teachers, I have found that teachers are the most critical factor, a great teacher with a bad administration still teaches well.

For 2009 every grade at Basis had a 97% or higher passing rate, you can't even begin to compare the top scores of desert marigold vs Basis, its like comparing monkeys with humans.

Some other considerations:
While visiting school in 2010 I found drug paraphernalia (a joint and papers) in the bathroom
My average ability child was the top student in his class
Teachers are supposed to teach the same students from first through eighth grade but it rarely happens

Do not do what I did and waste your children’s precious formative years with a school like DMS, try schools that have much higher quality teachers and students, here is a list of the top schools:
http://phoenix.about.com/library/blschoolscharter.htm

For example:
Villa Montessori - Phoenix Campus
Great Hearts
Tempe Prepatory Academy

If you have a child that is severely disabled: autism, chemical abuse, aspergers, and functioning at 2 or more grades below level, then DMS may be a great fit, but if you have an average or above average child, you will be harming them by sending them to desert marigold school. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Desert Marigold School

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
2002 84 2 2 9 0 n/a n/a 0 97
2003 84 2 2 9 0 n/a n/a 0 97
2004 136 3 2 6 0 n/a n/a 0 147
2005 168 3 2 4 1 n/a n/a 0 178
2006 171 13 3 8 0 n/a n/a 0 195
2007 163 10 6 9 0 n/a n/a 0 188
2008 142 12 9 9 2 n/a n/a 0 174
2009 151 10 14 17 6 n/a n/a 0 198
2010 170 11 15 18 7 n/a n/a 0 221
2011 189 14 5 21 7 1 9 0 246
2012 210 14 4 32 7 0 10 0 277
2013 225 14 8 36 6 0 12 0 301
2014 213 14 7 38 4 1 12 0 289
2015 218 11 3 36 4 1 16 0 289
2016 234 11 5 47 7 0 22 0 326
2017 223 8 5 54 2 0 22 0 314
2018 235 9 4 63 2 0 23 0 336
2019 227 8 3 78 4 0 17 0 337
2020 201 9 3 74 2 0 21 0 310
2021 178 4 3 63 1 0 24 0 273
2022 178 8 4 73 0 0 37 0 300
2023 184 12 3 70 0 0 34 0 303

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Desert Marigold School

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Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2002 97 n/a n/a n/a
2003 97 n/a n/a n/a
2004 147 n/a n/a n/a
2005 178 n/a n/a n/a
2006 195 n/a n/a n/a
2007 188 n/a n/a 7.4
2008 174 n/a n/a 8.6
2009 198 n/a n/a 14.1
2010 221 n/a n/a 17.2
2011 246 n/a n/a 0
2012 277 n/a n/a 22.4
2013 301 n/a n/a 24.3
2014 289 n/a n/a 13.1
2015 289 n/a n/a n/a
2016 326 n/a n/a 5.5
2017 314 n/a n/a 8.9
2018 336 n/a n/a n/a
2019 337 n/a n/a n/a
2020 310 n/a n/a n/a
2021 273 n/a n/a n/a
2022 300 n/a n/a n/a
2023 303 n/a n/a n/a

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Desert Marigold School

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Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2002 97 n/a n/a n/a
2003 97 n/a n/a n/a
2004 147 n/a n/a n/a
2005 178 n/a n/a n/a
2006 195 n/a n/a n/a
2007 188 n/a n/a 7.4
2008 174 n/a n/a 8.6
2009 198 n/a n/a 14.1
2010 221 n/a n/a 17.2
2011 246 n/a n/a 0
2012 277 n/a n/a 22.4
2013 301 n/a n/a 24.3
2014 289 n/a n/a 13.1
2015 289 n/a n/a n/a
2016 326 n/a n/a 5.5
2017 314 n/a n/a 8.9
2018 336 n/a n/a n/a
2019 337 n/a n/a n/a
2020 310 n/a n/a n/a
2021 273 n/a n/a n/a
2022 300 n/a n/a n/a
2023 303 n/a n/a n/a

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Desert Marigold School

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YearPersonnel Expenditures from Federal FundsNon-Personnel Expenditures from Federal FundsTotal Expenditures from Federal FundsPersonnel Expenditures from State and Local FundsNon-Personnel Expenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $136 (1.2%) $00 (0.0%) $271 (2.5%) $7,352 (66.6%) $3,558 (32.2%) $10,910 (98.8%) $11,046
2020 $2,355 (23.2%) $371 (3.7%) $5,080 (50.1%) $5,296 (52.2%) $2,117 (20.9%) $7,413 (73.1%) $10,138

Data source: Arizona Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Desert Marigold School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 450th of 1039 Elementary schoolsRanks 668th of 1245 Elementary schools
 10.3%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students337303
 10.1%
African American812
 50%
American Indian40
 100%
Asian33
Hispanic7870
 10.3%
Pacific Islander00
White227184
 18.9%
Two or More Races1734
 100%


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Frequently Asked Questions about Desert Marigold School

In the 2022-23 school year, 303 students attended Desert Marigold School.

Students at Desert Marigold School are 61% White, 23% Hispanic, 11% Two or more races, 4% African American.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Arizona Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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