Desert Star Community School opened in 2006 in Cornville to provide an alternative to the education provided at public school. The school is a public charter school offering a curriculum inspired by the Waldorf method that highlights multiculturalism. The school on average has 91 students enrolled in kindergarten through 6th grades.

Along with basic subjects Desert Star Community School offers extra curricular activities and clubs including drama, painting, sculpture, dance, orchestra, chorus, and community service. For students that enjoy sports the school offers soccer, yoga, rock climbing, volleyball, physical education classes, badminton, and basketball.

The overall review by parents is positive in that their children are enjoying going to school and learning. The school is one in which more than basic skills are taught which truly help students succeed in life. Students learn more about communicating, multiculturalism, and environmentalism along with core subjects that ensures they will become productive members of society as well as life long learners.

One parent did complain that the school does not offer text books and does not provide spelling as a course. However, the parent expressed the school works at providing many activities to keep children wanting to learn including field trips, gardening, and knitting.

Students in the state of Arizona are required to take the AIMS exams that attend public school which includes public charter schools. The exam measures the ability of students that have mastered core subjects. Percentages of students that passed or exceeded the exam along with state averages are listed below.

In reading, 64% of 3rd graders passed or exceeded the exam with the state average at 76%, in writing 84% with the state at 79%, and in math 68% with the state at 68%.

In reading, 64% of 4th graders passed or exceeded the exam with the state average at 75%, in science 73% with the state at 60%, in writing 53% with the state at 83%, and in math 55% with the state at 65%.

In reading, 86% of 5th graders passed or exceeded the exam with the state average at 79%, in writing 71% with the state at 55%, and in math 57% with the state at 63%.

In reading, 100% of 6th graders passed or exceeded the exam with the state average at 81%, in writing 82% with the state at 56%, and in math 73% with the state at 59%.

Desert Star Community School
1240 S. Recycler Rd.
Cornville, AZ 86325
928-282-0171
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