Cactus Shadows High School vs Desert Sun Academy
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Arizona, United States, 5.5 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Cactus Shadows High School
Scottsdale · Public high · Grades 8–12
1,362 students
Desert Sun Academy
Scottsdale · Public elementary · Grades PK–6
191 students
| Measure | Cactus Shadows High School Scottsdale, Arizona | Desert Sun Academy Scottsdale, Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 66 Top 50% | 69 Top 25% |
| State rank | #58 of 286 | #205 of 1,136 |
| National rank | #4396 of 16,910 | #12054 of 50,301 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | High | Elementary |
| Year range | Grades 8–12 | Grades PK–6 |
| Students | 1,362 | 191 |
| Enrollment | 1,362 | 191 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | – | – |
| Students per teacher | 21.0 | 13.6 |
| Reading proficiency | 70% | 62% |
| Math proficiency | 68% | 60% |
| city | Scottsdale | Scottsdale |
| state | Arizona | Arizona |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Desert Sun Academy scores higher on the Success Index (US) (68.9 vs 65.5).
- •Cactus Shadows High School does better on math proficiency (68% vs 60%).
- •Cactus Shadows High School does better on reading proficiency (70% vs 62%).
- •Desert Sun Academy does better on students per teacher (13.6 vs 21.0).
- •Cactus Shadows High School is the larger school with 1,362 students compared with 191.
The Success Index (US) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Cactus Shadows High School better than Desert Sun Academy?
On the Success Index (US), Desert Sun Academy ranks higher (68.9 vs 65.5 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Cactus Shadows High School and Desert Sun Academy?
About 5.5 km in a straight line, between Scottsdale and Scottsdale in Arizona.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Cactus Shadows High School: 1,362. Desert Sun Academy: 191. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Cactus Shadows High School and Desert Sun Academy rank in Arizona?
Cactus Shadows High School is 58th of 286 and Desert Sun Academy is 205th of 1,136 among high schools in Arizona on the 2025 Success Index (US).