Desert Ridge Junior High School

I would have ranked higher, but I do have some issues with the administration of DRJHS. As a busy but concerned parent, I appreciate being kept in the loop as much as possible. The school so far has sent out only a COUPLE mass emails with information. We were never informed of upcoming dances and the fact that our kids needed money for drinks as they turned off the drinking fountains in the gym and were not allowed to go outside to get drinks. That is one glaring example, there have been many other more insignificant in comparison instances where it would be nice to hear from the school. I listed my email address and phone number on every single piece of paper that came home asking for them. As far as the teachers go, they seem to care about the kids and their education, so in the end, that is what TRULY matters. I just wish the administration could exhibit the same concern.
—Submitted by a parent

I strongly dislike this school .... The teachers are no help what so ever , I was in 7th grade there and i had to leave in the middle of the school year because i was bullied , they say that they have an anti-bullying tolerance (they don't). When i asked for help THEY DIDN'T UNDERSTAND !!! If you don't understand something you need it explained in a different way , right ... Well they don't give you a different explanation , they tell you the same thing over and over again until you end up lieing and saying you understand (but you don't). The math teachers are especially like that , The social studies teachers are cranky , The science teachers are just plain rude , The advisory (RSS) teachers are horrible. The only teachers i personally liked was my language teacher and my elective teacher. The students are rude , they CURSE , they BULLY , they act like because the school is in a high-in-neighborhood that there rich. Girls would go into the restroom and start rumors and drama. When i first saw the school i hated it. Just the way it was set up was bad. So if you do end up sending your child(ren) there PLEASE listen to them , if they say there getting bullied they most likely are.

I was very unhappy with this school. My son attended in 7th grade last year and was not happy from the beginning. It was never a welcoming atmosphere. Although they claim they encourage parent involvement, it's quite opposite. They were 2 incidences during gym where my son had his possessions stolen and when I mentioned it, the response was, "oh yeah that happens...just tell your son to make sure he locks his locker". Not quite the response I expected, almost as if it was acceptable behavior. Now, I didn't expect the police to be summoned and I know these things can happen. However, I didn't expect to get such a nonchalant attitude as, oh well, it's your son's fault, your son must have not locked his locker. This happened twice! There was imposed to curb the behavior. It was as if it was too little of an issue to deal with. My son was in honors, had friends and was in sports for fall, winter and spring. He still did not like the kids. There are many clicks and they are generally mean spirited kids. They are some good kids, don't get me wrong, but, I believe they are out numbered. He did have a few good teachers that he respected and learned a great deal from, so it's not all bad.
—Submitted by a parent

Not a Fan So Far. Administration seems to be Fine no issues as of yet but extremely disappointed with the students. New to the school and the majority of the students seem to be unfriendly and flat out mean. Dirty glares and clicks. "Hi can you tell me where this class is?" No....Do I know you? Welcome to our school Not Really
—Submitted by a parent

Administration is difficult to work with. Cares more about paperwork than education of the students. Won't accept my wife's id and acknowledgement that we live in the boundaries because her name is not on the utility bill. What a joke. I didn't care to much for the admistration when my older son went through the school three years ago, this just further frustrates me.
—Submitted by a parent

I loved this school. I'm now headed off to the high school next door after spending my 2 years here, and because of my time at DRJHS, I feel certain that I can strive. I'll admit, the school isn't perfect and no one should expect that. My teachers were amazing, though there was one I could have done without. I always felt I could talk to the teachers if I had any problems with it. I think the music program is improving as well as the rest of the. To me, most everyone is caring or respectful, but in all honesty, you have to be in the right mind-frame to truly enjoy it here. I'll miss being a Rattler. GO DRJHS!

I love this school. I never feel left out and I like the homework because its not all easy like my other school made it.
—Submitted by a student

my child goes and i love the way its set up
—Submitted by a parent

'Office administrator n vice principle got problems teachers are great' I have the same feeling as the other parent reported. So I have to transfer my child to the other school.
—Submitted by a parent

Office administrator n vice principle got problems teachers are great
—Submitted by a parent

I have a 7th grade and 8th grade student who attend this school and I am very pleased with it. The Principal and Vice Principal have an open communication with both the parents and the students. The teachers are great. I especially love the front office. They are very nice and respectful to anyone who enters their building. There are many opportunities for the students that help them grow educationally and emotionally!
—Submitted by a parent

All in all, my all-time favorite school would have to be DRJHS! This school has given me confidence, amazing teachers and a truely wonderful education. Another positve asspect is that the school has so much to offer! Sports, clubs, and anything else that can possibly pop into your head is there! I personally believe that all reviewers who gave this school below average is that their teens are hanging around negative influences, and causing trouble for the faculty and staff.
—Submitted by a student

I attended this school for my seventh grade year, but I had too move. Sadly, I was glad I had to move. Im a very musical person and this school did not have a good musical program. It is also too crowded. It can use some work.
—Submitted by a student

This school is amazing. There should be more schools at this standard
—Submitted by a student

I really love this school. The teachers are great, and the other kids are very nice. If I weren't already going there, then I'd make sure that I switched schools in order to.
—Submitted by a student

All in all, my all-time favorite school would have to be DRJHS! This school has given me confidence, amazing teachers and a truely wonderful education. Another positve asspect is that the school has so much to offer! Sports, clubs, and anything else that can possibly pop into your head is there! I personally believe that all reviewers who gave this school below average is that their teens are hanging around negative influences, and causing trouble for the faculty and staff.
—Submitted by a student

Desert ridge school is the best. I used to go to a middle school in tempe then i moved. at first i was a lil concerded about going here because i was afaid of not making any friends. But they turned out to be great. Wheb i first cam i thought that all the homework i was getting was unfair but then i realized it was all for the better. At tempe i was getting c, b, and sometimes ds. But now i get all A+. I love this school. PARENTS make sure you chose this school for your child!
—Submitted by a student

Have not been pleased with this school at all. The staff does not do a good job of keeping the children under control. The kids are disrespectful for the most part. The dress code is not inforced. Have not been pleased with the coaching staff either. Poor extracurricular activities.
—Submitted by a parent

DRJHS is a great school! There are many activies for students to partipate in. As a student myself I can say that the teachers are highly qualified and really care about their students. This would be a great school for any student.
—Submitted by a student

I think this is a great school. My child has done really well.
—Submitted by a parent