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About Desert Thunder Home

Welcome to Desert Thunder School

Desert Thunder first opened its doors in 2004. The preschool through eighth grade campus is proud to have a dual language immersion program where students learn in English and Spanish throughout the school day. Desert Thunder is proud to be an “A” rated school in Goodyear, Arizona. 

Mission

Desert Thunder School is a community that exists to empower our students to become thinkers, problem solvers and communicators to ensure they are leaders on a pathway to success.

Desert Thunder Eagles logo of eagle with lightning bolt behind it

Vision

The Desert Thunder community is committed to providing opportunities for students to become successful, strive to reach their fullest potential, and be an inspiration to others. Students develop as effective communicators, thinkers and problem solvers through the use of academic conversations, thinking maps, and a comprehensive writing program. We collaborate to ensure every student is well prepared for the future through individualized instruction based on his or her needs. In our Dual Language program students listen, read, write, and speak in Spanish to achieve bilingualism, bi-literacy, and biculturalism. Our strong technology focus empowers our students to be college and career ready through daily technology use, coding curriculum and technology infused instruction. We value the accomplishments of each student because we believe all children are capable of success, no exceptions!

Soaring Eagle Matrix - Schoolwide Common Expectations

Our Soaring Eagle Matrix is a school-wide plan developed by the staff at Desert Thunder. This provides us with a common set of teacher and student campus wide procedures and expectations for conduct at our school. Having a common language will provide consistency for students and teachers among every grade level. Having a school wide system of expectations and procedures is research-based and has been proven to improve school climate, reduce problem behavior, and increase academic instructional time in school. We believe that when students are taught clearly defined behavioral expectations and provided with consistent, predictable and fair responses to their behavior, both positive and corrective, all students are more likely to meet those expectations. Students will feel welcomed, safe and respected; all students will have the opportunity to learn and grow. All teachers are expected to support and hold students accountable for adherence to the matrix with dignity and respect.

U.S. News Best Middle Schools 2024

2023 Best of the Best logo with star and crown

U.S. News and World Report 2024 Best Middle School logo