Desert Hills High School made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in 2008-09, met AIMS testing levels (called annual measurable objectives) for AYP in 2008-09 and is listed as a Performing Plus school by the Arizona Department of Education.

Public schools are listed as making Adequate Yearly Progress according to guidelines of the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Adequate Yearly Progress status is based on the percentage of students who pass the state AIMS reading and mathematics tests and the percentage of students graduating from the high school within four years. Desert Hills High School met these requirements.

Performing Plus status is determined by standards set by the state of Arizona. A high school's status is determined by the performances of its students on the reading, mathematics and writing portions of the AIMS test and by the school's drop-out rate, graduation rate and Adequate Yearly Progress status. Again, Desert Hills High School met these requirements.

NCA Accreditation

Desert Hills High School is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, an independent organization that reviews public schools and colleges. The accreditation process consists of a thorough review, evaluation and graded report of the school's mission, performance goals, courses, teacher instruction, administrative procedures and achievement data, to name a few areas, by a North Central Association team.

To students and parents, accreditation means that student transcripts and grades are accepted by colleges throughout the country.