Welcome to Desert Ridge Junior High! DRJHS is all about people and community.  We are here to serve the 7th and 8th grade students of our community and to be a support system for their families.  Our verteran staff takes pride in the culture and atmosphere we have created for our students and their families.  

We have earned the distinct honor of being awarded AVID National Demonstration school.  The AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) mission is to ensure that all AVID Elective students are capable of completing a college path (College Readiness)  and improved academic performance for all students based on increased opportunities. This honor is a reflection of our dedication to academics and educating the WHOLE child. 

As Rattlers, we participate against the other Gilbert schools in athletics.  We have three seasons of participation and tryout sports. We have many activities and clubs on our campus for students to sample and belong to.  Our music programs - Band, Orchestra, and Choir are top notch and bring great pride to our school and student body.

Along with academic rigor and student involvement activities, we encourage our students to think beyond themselves.  We have set state records for food donations and have been recognized for our donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society “Pennies for Patients.”  

Our philosophy is to keep our school safe, create life-long learners, and encourage personal growth in all our students and staff. Let me be the first to welcome you as a Rattler!