One of the reasons Desert Ridge is such a draw for families is their highly-rated schools from the three elementary school options to Explorer Middle School and Pinnacle High School. As a testament to the schools… I live just outside of Desert Ridge but Lynn and I open-enrolled our kids into the Desert Ridge schools. However, this post is about the multiple elementary school options, which are all excellent.
Strategically Walkable
Did you notice on the map how strategic the Elementary School placement is? One of the nicest planning pieces of Desert Ridge is that their Elementary Schools are walkable or bike-rideable for most residents without crossing major streets. Each section has it’s own centrally located school. The section east of Tatum is the only areas that has to cross a major street to get to school, but it’s also the only section with gated communities and golf course lots – so there is a trade-off.
Wildfire Elementary School
Wildfire is located in the northwest section of Desert Ridge and services homes west of 40th St, including Aviano. The website GreatSchools.org gives Wildfire a 9/10 rating with the highest test scores coming in Science and Math.
My business partner Phil Sexton has been in the Paradise Valley Rotary Club since 2006 and every year they donate over 3,000 dictionaries to the 3rd grade students across the entire PV School District. He’s been in charge of two different schools and Wildfire is one he visits almost every year. He’s always impressed with the security and cleanliness of the campus. But it’s not the only elementary school option.
Desert Trails Elementary School
Desert Trails is the original Desert Ridge elementary school. You can’t drive through this section of Desert Ridge without running into this school. Also rated 9/10 by Greatschools.org, Desert Trails is an excellent choice.
Fireside Elementary School
Fireside Elementary School is the newest school in the trio and is also rated the highest; 10/10. One of Lynn’s good friends Coco Whitaker was a teacher here for a lot years… she is probably why the school is rated so high! :) Fireside, like all the Desert Ridge Elementary schools, gets it’s highest marks in Science and Math.
So if you’re looking for a home in Desert Ridge and have young kids or are thinking of starting a family, know that there are lots of excellent public elementary school options. Stay tuned for more information on the private school options in the area as well.
