Cactus Shadows High School vs Desert Willow Elementary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Arizona, United States, 3.4 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 Willow Elementary School
Cave Creek · Public elementary · Grades PK–6
338 students
| Measure | Cactus Shadows High School Scottsdale, Arizona | Desert Willow Elementary School Cave Creek, Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 66 Top 50% | 74 Top 25% |
| State rank | #58 of 286 | #134 of 1,136 |
| National rank | #4396 of 16,910 | #8700 of 50,301 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | High | Elementary |
| Year range | Grades 8–12 | Grades PK–6 |
| Students | 1,362 | 338 |
| Enrollment | 1,362 | 338 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | – | – |
| Students per teacher | 21.0 | 15.4 |
| Reading proficiency | 70% | 73% |
| Math proficiency | 68% | 63% |
| city | Scottsdale | Cave Creek |
| state | Arizona | Arizona |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Desert Willow Elementary School scores higher on the Success Index (US) (73.8 vs 65.5).
- •Cactus Shadows High School does better on math proficiency (68% vs 63%).
- •Desert Willow Elementary School does better on reading proficiency (73% vs 70%).
- •Desert Willow Elementary School does better on students per teacher (15.4 vs 21.0).
- •Cactus Shadows High School is the larger school with 1,362 students compared with 338.
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 Willow Elementary School?
On the Success Index (US), Desert Willow Elementary School ranks higher (73.8 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 Willow Elementary School?
About 3.4 km in a straight line, between Scottsdale and Cave Creek in Arizona.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Cactus Shadows High School: 1,362. Desert Willow Elementary School: 338. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Cactus Shadows High School and Desert Willow Elementary School rank in Arizona?
Cactus Shadows High School is 58th of 286 and Desert Willow Elementary School is 134th of 1,136 among high schools in Arizona on the 2025 Success Index (US).