Desert Marigold School is a charter school that opened in 2002 to provide an alternative education for children in grades kindergarten through 8th grades. The school on average has an enrollment of 200 students per year. The Waldorf curriculum is used which has been greeted with enthusiasm among the community.

Along with the core curriculum, Desert Marigold School offers extracurricular activities which include drama, drawing, ceramics, dance, chorus, orchestra, band, yearbook, and community service. Sports available at the school include yoga and physical education classes.

Parents are very pleased with the learning environment that includes a natural setting complete with animals and gardens for the children to enjoy. Teachers are high qualified as well as caring which enables all students to feel at home and willing to ask for help when needed. Parents are involved and enjoy all the unique festivals and other activities that are planned throughout the school year. Students are happy to attend school and do their homework which is showing in their progress. The only complaint noted is that the school needs a better music program.

Students at Desert Marigold School participated in the AIMS exam which measures if students have mastered the core subjects as required by the state of Arizona. The percentages of students that met or exceeded the standards as well as students in other public schools are listed below.

In reading, 67% of 3rd graders passed or exceeded the standards with the state average at 76%, in writing 41% with the state at 79%, and in math 50% with the state at 68%.

In reading, 83% of 4th graders passed or exceeded the standards with the state average at 75%, in science 79% with the state at 60%, in writing 68% with the state at 83%, and in math 54% with the state at 65%.

In reading, 74% of 5th graders passed or exceeded the standards with the state average at 79%, in writing 28% with the state at 55%, and in math 28% with the state at 63%.
In reading, 91% of 6th graders passed or exceeded the standards with the state average at 81%, in writing 73% with the state at 56%, and in math 41% with the state at 59%.

In reading, 89% of 7th graders passed or exceeded the standards with the state average at 82%, in writing 44% with the state at 53%, and in math 56% with the state at 61%.

In reading, 75% of 8th graders passed or exceeded the standards with the state average at 71%, in science 67% with the state at 63%, in writing 84% with the state at 86%, and in math 54% with the state at 54%.

Desert Marigold School
6210 S. 28th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85042
602-243-6909
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