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![Enroll at Desert Ridge Junior for 2026-2027]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762185258/gilbertschoolsnet/itec18ji2fppri99pd9l/DesertRidgeJunior-Enrollment.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762185258/gilbertschoolsnet/itec18ji2fppri99pd9l/DesertRidgeJunior-Enrollment.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1762185258/gilbertschoolsnet/itec18ji2fppri99pd9l/DesertRidgeJunior-Enrollment.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762185258/gilbertschoolsnet/itec18ji2fppri99pd9l/DesertRidgeJunior-Enrollment.png","width":1200}])
Take a look inside Desert Ridge Junior High and learn about the School of Innovation and Design and our Rattler Family!
![School of Innovation & Design at Desert Ridge Junior High]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762185259/gilbertschoolsnet/xtamtn31bzjwpxn25fuw/DesertRidgeJunior-SchoolofInnovationDesign.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762185259/gilbertschoolsnet/xtamtn31bzjwpxn25fuw/DesertRidgeJunior-SchoolofInnovationDesign.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1762185259/gilbertschoolsnet/xtamtn31bzjwpxn25fuw/DesertRidgeJunior-SchoolofInnovationDesign.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762185259/gilbertschoolsnet/xtamtn31bzjwpxn25fuw/DesertRidgeJunior-SchoolofInnovationDesign.png","width":1200}])
The School of Innovation and Design hosted by Desert Ridge Junior and Desert Ridge High takes 6th-12th grade students on a journey to build the skills and access the education they need to unlock career opportunities in the job market of their future.
![Academics]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1718926872/gilbertschoolsnet/y3v7dsaw8tjogw6iboth/2324_DesertRidgeJuniorHigh_CareerDay-07copy.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1718926872/gilbertschoolsnet/y3v7dsaw8tjogw6iboth/2324_DesertRidgeJuniorHigh_CareerDay-07copy.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1718926872/gilbertschoolsnet/y3v7dsaw8tjogw6iboth/2324_DesertRidgeJuniorHigh_CareerDay-07copy.jpg","width":800}])
Welcome to our Course Database - Easily search through all the courses offered at Desert Ridge Junior High.
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about Academics
![Explore Desert Ridge Junior]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1718926392/gilbertschoolsnet/dtwl8teffwrb5j2kakot/2223_DesertRidgeJr_LevelUp-027copy.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1718926392/gilbertschoolsnet/dtwl8teffwrb5j2kakot/2223_DesertRidgeJr_LevelUp-027copy.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1718926392/gilbertschoolsnet/dtwl8teffwrb5j2kakot/2223_DesertRidgeJr_LevelUp-027copy.jpg","width":800}])
Take a look inside Desert Ridge Junior High and learn about our Rattler Family.
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about Explore Desert Ridge Junior
![Rattler Clubs]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1718927083/gilbertschoolsnet/vmlhpsjcwknletmegkjz/2223_DesertRidgeJr_LevelUp-096copy.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1718927083/gilbertschoolsnet/vmlhpsjcwknletmegkjz/2223_DesertRidgeJr_LevelUp-096copy.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1718927083/gilbertschoolsnet/vmlhpsjcwknletmegkjz/2223_DesertRidgeJr_LevelUp-096copy.jpg","width":800}])
Desert Ridge Junior offers Robotics, STEM, Guitar Club, Drama, Chess, Youth Alive, Ping Pong, Video Tech, Student Ambassadors, Student Council, Book Club, and Roaming Rattlers.
![Electives]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1718927647/gilbertschoolsnet/cqnj6wexhtyrnc41r7ys/2324_DesertRidgeJuniorHigh_LevelUpday_Classrooms_Students-29copy.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1718927647/gilbertschoolsnet/cqnj6wexhtyrnc41r7ys/2324_DesertRidgeJuniorHigh_LevelUpday_Classrooms_Students-29copy.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1718927647/gilbertschoolsnet/cqnj6wexhtyrnc41r7ys/2324_DesertRidgeJuniorHigh_LevelUpday_Classrooms_Students-29copy.jpg","width":800}])
AVID - Advancement Via Individual Determination is designed to increase schoolwide learning and performance with a regularly scheduled elective class that prepares students with academic potential for success in college.
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about Electives
![Rattler Athletics]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761950262/gilbertschoolsnet/gilbertschoolsnet/bmh7qy8mhzroqlknsb7w/2324_DesertRidgeJuniorHigh_boys_volleyball.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761950262/gilbertschoolsnet/gilbertschoolsnet/bmh7qy8mhzroqlknsb7w/2324_DesertRidgeJuniorHigh_boys_volleyball.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1761950262/gilbertschoolsnet/gilbertschoolsnet/bmh7qy8mhzroqlknsb7w/2324_DesertRidgeJuniorHigh_boys_volleyball.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1761950262/gilbertschoolsnet/gilbertschoolsnet/bmh7qy8mhzroqlknsb7w/2324_DesertRidgeJuniorHigh_boys_volleyball.png","width":1200}])
Desert Ridge Junior Athletics participates in the Gilbert Public Schools Superstition Junior High School Conference. Visit the Athletics section to learn more about the four seasons of Desert Ridge athletics.
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about Rattler Athletics
Rattler Announcements
![August 2025 Parent Newsletter]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1751562372/gilbertschoolsnet/ue3xapss086xr8ltvb8a/GA-DRJHS.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1751562372/gilbertschoolsnet/ue3xapss086xr8ltvb8a/GA-DRJHS.png","width":512}])
DRJHS News & Events
DRJHS News
![Desert Ridge Junior Welcomes a New Principal]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752703486/gilbertschoolsnet/bdjs5eucii4ibj33gdzq/NewPrincipals25-26.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1752703486/gilbertschoolsnet/bdjs5eucii4ibj33gdzq/NewPrincipals25-26.png","width":512}])
The Desert Ridge Junior family is excited to announce the appointment of Principal Eric Cruz in the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. He will bring a wealth of experience and a passion for continued student success and growth.
![Gilbert Public Schools Demonstrates Academic Excellence with Another A-Rating from the State]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761756005/gilbertschoolsnet/y4pgelinfdnk2tzxzuud/A_Rated_-_District_DN.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761756005/gilbertschoolsnet/y4pgelinfdnk2tzxzuud/A_Rated_-_District_DN.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1761756005/gilbertschoolsnet/y4pgelinfdnk2tzxzuud/A_Rated_-_District_DN.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1761756005/gilbertschoolsnet/y4pgelinfdnk2tzxzuud/A_Rated_-_District_DN.png","width":1080}])
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about Gilbert Public Schools Demonstrates Academic Excellence with Another A-Rating from the State (opens in new window/tab)
![Monsters, Math, and Memories: GPS Schools Celebrate Fall Fun]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761756118/gilbertschoolsnet/vbdk7z74doovbdy6zoby/HalloweenupdatedActivitiesGOLDSquare.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761756118/gilbertschoolsnet/vbdk7z74doovbdy6zoby/HalloweenupdatedActivitiesGOLDSquare.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1761756118/gilbertschoolsnet/vbdk7z74doovbdy6zoby/HalloweenupdatedActivitiesGOLDSquare.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1761756118/gilbertschoolsnet/vbdk7z74doovbdy6zoby/HalloweenupdatedActivitiesGOLDSquare.png","width":1080}])
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about Monsters, Math, and Memories: GPS Schools Celebrate Fall Fun
![Students Lead the Way: Campo Verde Seniors Take Ownership of PLTW Showcase]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762439955/gilbertschoolsnet/pcyzki9vunuqu0x2s5qz/PLTWCVBioMedThumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762439955/gilbertschoolsnet/pcyzki9vunuqu0x2s5qz/PLTWCVBioMedThumbnail.png","width":512}])
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about Students Lead the Way: Campo Verde Seniors Take Ownership of PLTW Showcase
![Lights On: Celebrating Before and Afterschool Programs at GPS]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761678533/gilbertschoolsnet/mrfgmvguntp0ldznrn43/LightonAfterSchoolThumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1761678533/gilbertschoolsnet/mrfgmvguntp0ldznrn43/LightonAfterSchoolThumbnail.png","width":512}])
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about Lights On: Celebrating Before and Afterschool Programs at GPS
![GPS VIK Club Earns 100% Accreditation and Excellence Award from AzCASE]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761161213/gilbertschoolsnet/ie3qaxdqzepzdrxkh9zg/VIKAccreditationSquare.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1761161213/gilbertschoolsnet/ie3qaxdqzepzdrxkh9zg/VIKAccreditationSquare.png","width":512}])
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about GPS VIK Club Earns 100% Accreditation and Excellence Award from AzCASE
![Gilbert Public Schools Superintendent Search]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1760996965/gilbertschoolsnet/nrtuxoonlhaeymaglurd/GA-OakTree.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1760996965/gilbertschoolsnet/nrtuxoonlhaeymaglurd/GA-OakTree.png","width":512}])
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about Gilbert Public Schools Superintendent Search
![Advocacy and Action Plans: GPS Student Leaders Develop Real-World STEM Solutions]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1760460212/gilbertschoolsnet/brk6ehap6u78ypriekl7/CSOsGOLDSquare.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1760460212/gilbertschoolsnet/brk6ehap6u78ypriekl7/CSOsGOLDSquare.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1760460212/gilbertschoolsnet/brk6ehap6u78ypriekl7/CSOsGOLDSquare.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1760460212/gilbertschoolsnet/brk6ehap6u78ypriekl7/CSOsGOLDSquare.png","width":1080}])
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about Advocacy and Action Plans: GPS Student Leaders Develop Real-World STEM Solutions
![GPS Junior High Bands Unite in Performance at Chase Field]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759778248/gilbertschoolsnet/p9iilirupwgvxp7noenc/JrHighBandsChaseFieldSquare.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759778248/gilbertschoolsnet/p9iilirupwgvxp7noenc/JrHighBandsChaseFieldSquare.png","width":512}])
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about GPS Junior High Bands Unite in Performance at Chase Field
![Walk4Hearing - 5k, Silent Auction, and Community Event]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1758899055/gilbertschoolsnet/puulqsdnqzurvlqatlv9/Walk4Hearing.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1758899055/gilbertschoolsnet/puulqsdnqzurvlqatlv9/Walk4Hearing.png","width":500}])
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about Walk4Hearing - 5k, Silent Auction, and Community Event