Desert Vista High School

Outstanding school, by far the best choice available if you're within the catchment area. There really is No reason not to choose DVHS. Best AIMS scores, most National Merit, highest % to 4 yr college, really exceptional for a Public High School. By experience the Councelors are excellent, involved parents, excellent faculty with very few weak teachers, but the vast majority are Excellent. Involved Administration can in the view of students be a little overzealous, but as a parent I want them to be!. Dr Battle is amazing and caring and she truly is the driving force. But the School can always do better, perhaps less emphasis on Sports?, re-introduce dedicated gifted councellor?. Otherwise it's difficult to fault the school, I'm very glad I am in the catchment and am proud to say I am a DVHS Parent.
--Submitted by a parent

As an incoming freshman who is not from the two neighboring middle schools, I have to say Desert Vista is an excellent academic school. However, if you are not from the two nearby middle schools in which almost everyone comes from, you'll have a harder time making friends here. In the freshman class, almost everyone knows each other and form cliques of their own, not really interested in inviting kids who are not from the district into their group. But I have to say, the academics are great, the teachers are terrific and the principal genuinely seems to care about her students. I rate this school about four stars.
--Submitted by a student

im 16 years old, i went to desert vista for about 6 months and i have to say it was the WORST school i have ever been to. no i am not saying that because im a kid and i "hate" school. unlike some kids i care about my education. i didnt get one here. kids were very rude and un welcoming. teachers could care less about their students. im now involved in online school and im happy im out of desert vista. id rate it -10 stars if i could.
--Submitted by a student

I currently attend Desert Vista High School and I can personally say that I have no regrets in coming here. It's one of the best schools in the state, probably even #1! Despite the large population of students (almost 3000!), the academic is excelling and we have the best speech and debate team in Arizona, which consecutively wins the state championships. Also, the school spirit at this school is amazing!! It couldn't be any better- the students really love the school. The teachers and classes here are very qualified for their subjects. I feel as if the teachers here at Desert Vista were the best I have ever had. The environment at school is great! We have a beautiful campus with many great students and staff.
--Submitted by a student

I have had three very different children attend Desert Vista. One was a very popular, social girl. One was a 'band geek', and one was a quiet, high achiever. As you can imagine they all had very different needs and I can say that not only does DV have an incredible teaching staff, EVERY child there has the means to succeed. DV has a plethora of resources for extra help that can be utilized, including teaching staff before and after hours in EVERY department. The staff at DV absolutely does care about giving our children the BEST education that they can get.
--Submitted by a parent

My family moved from out-of-state prior to my son starting at DV. We chose this school based on academic scores. He is involved in football and track and has made many nice friends. We have had nothing but positive experiences with the teachers, principal and staff at Desert Vista. There is affluence in the area, but there are plenty of "regular folks" as well. My son has friends whose families make a lot of money, friends who have lost their homes, friends whose families are just getting by paycheck to paycheck and everywhere in between. They all get along and hang out together regardless. Whether in AP or regular classes, the teachers have been excellent! I have zero tolerance for bullying, but find it inexcusable for a parent to slander a child in a public forum. Cyber-bullying is just as bad! I hope anyone considering attending Desert Vista will realize that most people who have positive experiences will not take the time to write a review, but the negative ones will jump right on it. Don't let a few sour grapes ruin the reputation of a great school!
--Submitted by a parent

There have been a lot of accusations of bullying, which I acknowledge, but it all depends on what classes you take. In the AP and honors classes, I guarantee you'll find some of the most down-to-earth, kind, intelligent, and hardworking kids in Ahwatukee, whom are hard to come by here. The regular classes, on the other hand, are mediocre at best. This is where you'll find all of the spoiled, arrogant "bros and hos" everyone's complaining about (we're called STDV for a reason....). These kids constitute the overall high socioeconomic status of DV, but the nerds are the ones who are maintaining our tradition of academic excellence. Just stay true to your academics and Desert Vista will be a great, enriching experience. As for the actual quality of the staff, the math, English, social studies, and fine arts departments all have phenomenal teachers. If only the same could be said for our science department..... we honestly only have a couple or so good teachers there.
--Submitted by a student

The administration is by far the worst aspect of it. They fund football and leave nothing for academics. They once wasted $3,000 to spend for glow sticks at a prep assembly. In addition, talking with the student activities coordinators is like talking to rocks. They don't respond to emails and aren't even in their offices most of the time. They also take 5 hour "lunch breaks," which apparently makes them "way too busy" to even sit in their offices. As far as academics, things aren't looking much better. Most of the textbooks used in classes are outdated, and in many cases several editions outdated. The teaching quality is horrible, as the vast majority of teachers don't know what they are talking about. Only a handful of teachers are dedicated, and those teach rigorous courses. The good scores and success that comes out of the school is purely based on the students' personal drive and motivation with the exception of very few passionate educators. The school is also filled with a lot of rich, snobby kids who don't take school seriously at all. The only thing they do is cuss and talk about sex. There are also tons of cliques, segregated groups, etc.
--Submitted by a student

Horrible! Lots of bullying! As a student I am bullied constantly!!! This is a horrible school!!! I recommend a smaller school like Horizon Honors High School.
--Submitted by a student

Great Academics, Great Sports and Clubs, something for everyone, best in state AIMS, College Prep School
--Submitted by a parent