Desert Mountain School vs Stepping Stones Academy
A head-to-head comparison of two elementary schools in Arizona, United States, 1.2 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Desert Mountain School
Desert Hills · Public elementary · Grades PK–8
438 students
Stepping Stones Academy
Phoenix · Charter elementary · Grades K–8
221 students
| Measure | Desert Mountain School Desert Hills, Arizona | Stepping Stones Academy Phoenix, Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 58 Top 50% | 82 Top 10% |
| State rank | #355 of 1,136 | #47 of 1,136 |
| National rank | #19701 of 50,301 | #4134 of 50,301 |
| Sector | Public | Charter |
| Type | Elementary | Elementary |
| Year range | Grades PK–8 | Grades K–8 |
| Students | 438 | 221 |
| Enrollment | 438 | 221 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | – | – |
| Students per teacher | 16.2 | – |
| Reading proficiency | 55% | 62% |
| Math proficiency | 57% | 77% |
| city | Desert Hills | Phoenix |
| state | Arizona | Arizona |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Stepping Stones Academy scores higher on the Success Index (US) (81.6 vs 57.8).
- •Stepping Stones Academy does better on math proficiency (77% vs 57%).
- •Stepping Stones Academy does better on reading proficiency (62% vs 55%).
- •Desert Mountain School is the larger school with 438 students compared with 221.
- •Desert Mountain School is a public school while Stepping Stones Academy is a charter school, so fees and admission rules differ.
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 Desert Mountain School better than Stepping Stones Academy?
On the Success Index (US), Stepping Stones Academy ranks higher (81.6 vs 57.8 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 Desert Mountain School and Stepping Stones Academy?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between Desert Hills and Phoenix in Arizona.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Desert Mountain School: 438. Stepping Stones Academy: 221. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Desert Mountain School and Stepping Stones Academy rank in Arizona?
Desert Mountain School is 355th of 1,136 and Stepping Stones Academy is 47th of 1,136 among elementary schools in Arizona on the 2025 Success Index (US).