Desert Ridge High School

I am very happy with this school. I have a son that graduated in 2008, and another that is a senior this year and also a freshman. I have a gifted son, one with learning disability, and a typical student. This school worked hard to meet all of their needs. They have top rate teachers and the athletics programs are doing better every year. Mr. Coombs is a great principal and a strong leader. The same is true of Ms. Henry, Mr. Stroud, and Ms. Murphy. Great leadership team!
—Submitted by a parent

FYI: this a bully friendly school. I am very disappointed how the administrative faculty handle bullying. In my experience so far, the teachers have been great, what a shame, I will make sure my other children do not attend this high school.
—Submitted by a parent

Do NOT let your children attend this school. The teaching staff is never avalible! Your only choice is VM or email which you will not get a reply for over a week and by then any concerns you have are doubled. They supply zero extra help so if your student is unable to get the help they need in their 34 plus students in a classroom, tough. And going to the Admin is a joke, they pour "sorry's" on you and empty promises. And since the school shuts down by 3:30 your only choice is to take time of from work repeatedly to try and get a hold of anyone. So if you have any intrest in being a hands on parent find another school. It will be worth it for your students education.
—Submitted by a parent

I am currently a senior at DRHS and i LOVE it. The school has worked with me all four years and ive never felt like "just a Number" .They Do make mistakes especially with scheduling but thats an easy fix...I didnt have a 5th hour and i dont need credit so they worked with me to find something that suited my future career. The Teachers are fabulous except a few and the staff is so friendly and caring !! GO JAGS!!!
—Submitted by a student

I went to Desert Ridge all four years of high school. I graduated in 2009 as Salutatorian and am currently attending MIT. That being said, I couldn't have made it to where I was today without the help of the teachers at DR. Overall I felt like the large majority of teachers were interested in the students learning and were willing to help out students with academic problems as long as the students were willing to help themselves as well. I can't say much on athletics cause I didn't join any teams, I did however join several clubs and became president of two. Clubs at DR still need more funding and attention from both the administration and the student body. DR is a good school with some of the best teachers you can ask for your child.
—Submitted by a student

To the parent that posted a note from his son about the football team! The team does not stink, they are one of the best in AZ. I am so proud to say DRHS is one of th best schools and the Football Team rocked. Coah Hathcock prides his team on mental toughness. Go Jags
—Submitted by a parent

I went to desert ridge for my freshman through junior year and i loved it. The atmosphere is awesome, the teachers are helpful, the counselors always want what is best for the students. There are many extracurricular activities that any student would enjoy. There is extreme school spirit there, they have a group called the diehards, and they have done stories on them. Its a great school. The sports teams are getting better every year... I now go to queen creek high school and i hate it. I miss being a jaguar. I bleed black and red. Go jags!!!
—Submitted by a student

Desert Ridge High is the bomb! My freshman year was a blast. There are so many clubs you can join. A lot of the staff is really comfortable around the students and they make learning fun. The athletic teams at DRHS are getting better by the year. The staff understands the students and they are always willing to listen to whatever you have to say. I love DRHS. Go JAGS!!!!!!!!!!!
—Submitted by a student

My child did not like this school. He said that the football team he was on stunk. Me personally do not like the school.
—Submitted by a parent

When I first entered the school my freshman year, I hated DRHS. I felt like a lot of the kids were bullies, the teachers had no clue what they were doing and the administration was always picking on certain cliques; i felt like this till the end of my sophomore year. Since Junior year, i have fell in love with DRHS. There are plenty of clubs and extracurricular student that could fit any personality/background here at this school. The teachers always stay in contact with my parents, and they teach the kids here how to be responsible on their own if they want to be successful in life. Dr. Coombs is always willing to work out any problems that teachers, parents, or students have. I feel our school is the best in the GPS District, i can happily say that i am extremely proud to be a jaguar. Class of 2009!
—Submitted by a student

There are not many clubs available to students that most schools offer that celebrate our differences, e.g. cultural clubs. Long term subs are a problem at this school, lack of teacher trained in a specific subject does hurt student learning. My child no longer attends this school and is now at a school where there are more choices for extra curricular activities and teachers are dedicated to inspiring and love their jobs.
—Submitted by a parent

DRHS is very distant from the students. When I went I really just felt like a number. It seemed more like a community college, it doesn't have the hometown high school spirit to it. I think the newness contributes to that factor, but it still is so unpersonal. The teachers are okay, but they don't have time to focus on the students willing to learn, because there are so many misbehaved students. It is a very diverse school, with a lot of different cultural cliques. Being that it is so diverse, you can say there is a little tension between groups. So there are alot of grudges and fights going on. There are clubs and programs, but nothing special. I really didn't enjoy my time there too much. I had fun, but if I could change where I went to school, I would.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter will be starting her senior year at DRHS. I have read some of the other reviews and I have to say that I disagree with alot of them. I have always been able to talk with teachers when needed. If the student is willing to spend some of their time (lunch, before school, after school) getting extra instruction, the teachers are more than willing to help. The counselors are a huge help in planing for the students future, if you ask. It is not a perfect school, but there is not one. This school expects you to take responsibility for your education I am very pleased with this school. My daughter will be attending college on a full scholarship. I am looking forward to sending my other two children to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Rules are not enforced, dress codes are not enforced, students spend way too much time socializing and texting than learning. There are some good teachers who actually care about the kids, but the majority do not. I would say 80/20 do not care what a student does or says in class or outside class. The ones who do care are not listened to because so many other teachers 'let them' do whatever it is the one teacher is saying no to. There are situations that are out of control and the administration needs to treat these kids like minors and set boundaries instead of letting them do, say, and wear whatever they want to. Parents are responsible also for their own kids, but when the parents put their kids in the hands of the school, they expect certain standards to be upheld and this school does not seem do that.
—Submitted by a parent

Many extremely conservative christian students attend this school with narrow views of minorities and different cultures. My child has observed neo nazi groups and has personally endured ethnic slurs and general hate language. nothing is done by administrators. very sad situation. adadmisinistration
—Submitted by a parent

I feel that the teachers are not involved enough in the children's education. Even if the child is receiving an F in class there is still no involvement. There should be more involvement in their education and sincere interaction on the child's behalf.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been thrilled with the school. Our son is part of the football program and in all honors classes. The teachers are excellent and really care about the kids. He gets bored if he is not challenged, and he has yet to be bored this year. Two thumbs way up for DRHS!
—Submitted by a parent

I go there it not the best kept place but its a good school with good teachers and your kids would be very lucky to go to a school like this!
—Submitted by a student

An okay school. The restrooms are not always up-kept, the cafeteria is often very crowded and usually runs out of food, leaving some students without a decent lunch. It is not too hard to find litter on the courtyard most of the time, and often hallways are crowded during passing hours. The staff is generally good and the teachers do put focus on education. There are a large variety of extra activities offered at the school, aimed for all students to find a club they fit in. It is generally a good school, with a few improvements in need.
—Submitted by a student

I have found that teachers at Desert Ridge are not interested in communicating with parents, especially if the parent is interested in setting up a meeting about grades/requirements, ect.
—Submitted by a parent