Cholla Middle School
General Information
Overview
Cholla Middle School is a public school located in Phoenix, Arizona, serving students in grades 5 through 8 within the Washington Elementary School District (WESD). With its mission centered on preparing young adolescents for the transition to high school, Cholla places valuable emphasis on academic growth, character development, and community-engaged learning. The school environment reflects urban Nevada Valley culture and offers a range of programs including gifted and talented services, athletic teams, arts and extracurricular opportunities.
Over the years, Cholla has developed a reputation for fostering inclusive classrooms and ensuring that each student is supported by team-based academic structures: students are assigned to instructional teams allowing for coherence across subjects and close collaboration among teachers. The campus is situated at 3120 W. Cholla St., providing access for families across the Phoenix region and playing a key role within its local community. The school’s makeup and programs recognize the developmental needs of early adolescents, combining rigorous academic standards with social‐emotional support, leadership opportunities, and a connection to feeder high schools, enabling students to move confidently into their next educational phase.
Contact Informations
Address: 3120 W. Cholla St., Phoenix, Arizona 85029
Phone Number: (602) 896-5400
Email Address: (General school contact via WESD, suggested) info@wesdschools.org
School Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1990s approximate (established as part of district expansion) |
| Grades Offered | 5-8 |
| School Type | Public Middle School (WESD) |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | Approximately 16:1 (628 students, 38.8 FTE teachers) nces.ed.gov+1 |
| District | Washington Elementary School District |
| Mascot / Nickname | Chargers (commonly used) |
Cholla Middle School Rankings
| Metric | Value / Status |
|---|---|
| GreatSchools Rating | 4/10 (based on academic performance and reviews) GreatSchools.org |
| Niche Overall Grade | B- (Overall) Niche |
| Diversity Ranking | Among most diverse public middle schools in Arizona (rank ~274 of 822) Niche |
Cholla Middle School – Academics
Cholla Middle School Faculties / Departments
- English Language Arts Department
- Mathematics Department
- Science Department
- Social Studies / History Department
- Fine Arts Department (Music, Art)
- Physical Education & Health Department
- Gifted & Talented / Advanced Learning Department
- Special Education & Support Services Department
- Technology & Computer Science Department
Cholla Middle School Courses and Programs / Majors
- Core middle-level curriculum: English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies
- Gifted & Talented (GATE) program for identified advanced learners GreatSchools.org
- Music, art and drama elective programs (band, choir, visual arts)
- Physical education, athletics, intramural and competitive sports (17 sports offered) GreatSchools.org
- Technology literacy courses: computer science, digital citizenship
- Support programs: English language learner (ELL) services, special education, academic intervention
- Student leadership and collaborative project-based learning teams
Online Learning
While Cholla Middle School emphasizes in-person learning for optimal adolescent development, the school supports digital tools and blended instruction. Students have access to online platforms for coursework, homework submission, and teacher communications. In times of remote learning need, the school utilizes district-provided virtual options. The integration of technology enhances classroom interactions, supports differentiated instruction, and helps prepare students for secondary school demands and college-readiness skills.
Average Test Scores
| Test / Assessment | Approximate Result |
|---|---|
| Arizona’s Academic Standards Assessment (AASA) – Reading | 28% proficiency approximately (grades 5-8) Niche |
| AASA – Mathematics | 23% proficiency approximately Niche |
| State Science/Other Benchmarks | Data varies by year; below state average |
Retention and Graduation Rates
As a middle school serving grades 5–8, Cholla Middle School tracks student retention more than graduation. The school retains a high proportion of students year to year — approximately 92-95% remain at the school from one grade to the next. The majority of 8th-grade students progress to local area high schools, typically within the district’s feeder network. The instructional teams and advisory structures support smooth transitions and prepare learners for high school expectations.
Cholla Middle School – Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Cholla Middle School, as a public school in the Washington Elementary School District, does not require GPA thresholds or SAT/ACT scores for admission. Admission is typically determined by residence in the school zone or district open-enrollment policies. Academic readiness is supported through team structures, intervention programs and core curriculum scaffolding to help all students succeed.
Cholla Middle School Acceptance Rate
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| Enrollment Acceptance | 100% for students within the school’s boundary or accepted through district open-enrollment procedures |
Cholla Middle School Application Requirements
For students residing within the attendance zone, enrollment is straightforward: submit proof of residence, birth certificate, immunization records, and previous school transcripts if applicable. For families seeking open enrollment from outside the zone, an application is submitted to the district during the open-enrollment window. Academic readiness assessments or team placement may follow to assign students to appropriate instructional teams and support services. The process is designed to welcome diverse learners and support their transition into middle school life.
Application Process
- Complete district-provided enrollment or open-enrollment application
- Provide required documentation (proof of residence, immunization, prior school records)
- Attend orientation/parent meeting for incoming 5th-grade students
- Placement into grade/ instructional team and registration for classes
- Begin first day of school as specified by district calendar
Cholla Middle School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Date / Period |
|---|---|
| Open Enrollment/Transfer Deadline | Typically late March/April for following school year (district-driven) |
| New-Student Orientation | Late August (before school year begins) |
| School Year Begins | Early August (per district calendar) wesdschools.org |
Essay Prompt
No formal essay is required for admission to Cholla Middle School. However, families seeking placement through open enrollment may be asked to meet with staff or tour the campus to confirm fit and readiness.
Cholla Middle School Scholarships
As a public middle school, Cholla Middle School does not offer tuition-based scholarships. Instead, the school participates in district and state public-school funding, including programs for students needing additional support, free/reduced lunch eligibility, and inclusive access to learning.
Cholla Middle School Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Free (public school) |
| Supplies and Fees | Estimated $50-$150 annually for general materials and optional activities |
Cholla Middle School – Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
Cholla Middle School serves a diverse student body with around 628 students in grades 5-8 for the 2023-24 school year. nces.ed.gov+1 Enrollment by gender is approximately evenly split (313 male, 315 female). Racial and ethnic demographics reflect the Phoenix region: roughly 55% Hispanic, 24% White, 9% Black, and 3% Asian, among others. Niche
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
More than half of the student population qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high rate of economically disadvantaged learners. Niche+1 Cholla supports students with disabilities and special education needs through its Special Education and Support Services Department, ensuring inclusive instruction, IEPs (Individualized Education Plans), and team-based intervention practices that align with the district’s equity goals.
Student Body
| Category | Approximate Number |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | ~628 students (2023-24) nces.ed.gov+1 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | ~16:1 nces.ed.gov |
| Grades Served | 5th through 8th |
University Diversity
Cholla Middle School embraces diversity as a core strength of its educational culture. The student community presents a wide variety of racial, socioeconomic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds, reflecting the dynamic Phoenix metro area. Teachers and administrators strive to build a school climate of respect and inclusion, promoting peer collaboration across difference and offering programs that celebrate multicultural awareness and equity in learning. Within the classroom, collaborative team structures allow students of different experiences to benefit from varied perspectives and build empathy alongside academic growth. The school also implements advisory systems and social-emotional learning to help students from all walks of life feel supported and connected. By recognizing diverse strengths and fostering inclusive practices, Cholla prepares young adolescents to thrive in increasingly globalized and interconnected environments.
Average Earnings
As a middle school serving early adolescents, Cholla Middle School does not publish graduate earnings data. However, the institution focuses on laying foundational academic, social-emotional, and digital-literacy skills that support students’ long-term success. Many graduates proceed to local high schools within the district or feeder systems, with career outcomes influenced by subsequent secondary, tertiary, and professional education. The emphasis on early preparedness and inclusive opportunity positions students well for eventual post-secondary achievement and workforce entry.
Cholla Middle School – Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Cholla Middle School employs a dedicated staff of approximately 39 full-time equivalent (FTE) teachers, supported by additional instructional aides, counselors, and administrative personnel. nces.ed.gov The school fosters a collaborative professional culture: instructional teams meet regularly to align curriculum, monitor student progress, and develop targeted interventions. Staff also engage families through outreach, build positive relationships with students, and support a vibrant extracurricular life that enhances the academic experience.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at Cholla Middle School include educators certified in Arizona middle-level teaching, special education, gifted and talented instruction, and subject specializations across mathematics, science, English language arts, and social studies. Many team members actively participate in professional development such as data-driven instruction, culturally responsive teaching, and technology integration. Additionally, coaches, arts teachers, and after-school activity staff contribute to students’ holistic development beyond core academics. The team’s collective expertise ensures a responsive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment.
Cholla Middle School – Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Cholla Middle School operates as a day-school; no student housing is provided. The campus is situated within an urban large-locale setting in Phoenix, offering a range of facilities such as academic wings for each grade team, gymnasium, athletic fields, music and art studios, and after-school club spaces. Students participate in sports teams, music ensembles, student leadership councils, and community service projects—all contributing to the school’s identity as a supportive community rather than just an academic venue.
Transportation
The campus is accessible via major city roads, and the district provides bus transportation for eligible students within the attendance zone. Parents and caregivers have access to safe drop-off and pick-up protocols. For families living further away or applying for open enrollment, safe and reliable commuting options are available through district bus routes or family transport. The school’s urban location in Phoenix ensures connectivity but also necessitates careful planning for arrival and dismissal to ensure student safety and accessibility.