As a Waldorf school, Desert Marigold School serves more than 250 students in kindergarten through twelfth grade with a unique approach to education that instills critical thinking and respect from early childhood to young adulthood.
Following the anthroposophical method established more than a century ago by Rudolf Steiner and Emil Molt, this public charter school offers a non-sectarian, non-denominational environment that supports the belief that people possess the wisdom to transform themselves and the world.
On a 12-acre campus at the foot of South Mountain, students not only learn with hands-on lessons in language arts, mythology, history, geography, science, and mathematics, but extend educational experiences into the real world. Most notably, the school hosts its own garden, nature pond, and family of farm animals including mini-horses, chickens, ducks, and goats—all to promote a stronger connection with the natural world.
Other programs outside of the core curriculum include Spanish, handiwork and crafts, woodwork, eurythmic song and dance, community service, and special education services. While many schools offer standard athletics programs, Desert Marigold adds quirky favorites such as ultimate frisbee, circus, and archery club, as complements to soccer, volleyball, and cross country.
Throughout the year, Desert Marigold also hosts a calendar of special events and festivals, from a Greek Pentathlon and Medieval Games to Michaelmas and May Faire.
Desert Marigold School
Charter Elementary, Middle, High School
|
Grade K-12
6210 S 28th St,
Phoenix, AZ
School Details
Head of School
Charles D. Burkam
Student Teacher Ratio
0:1
Math Proficiency
17%
Reading Proficiency
47%
Average GPA
3.62
Niche Grade
C
B
B-
C+
C+
C
B
Source: Niche
Niche Grade Details
Academics
|
Average GPA
3.62
|
Reading Proficiency
47%
|
|
Math Proficiency
17%
|
|
Teachers
|
Student Teacher Ratio
0:1
Teachers
0
|
Teachers in First or Second Year
0%
|
Clubs and Activities
|
Girls Athletic Participation
Very Low
|
Boys Athletic Participation
Very Low
|
GreatSchools Rating
2
Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating Details
Test Scores
|
Math
13%
State Average
44%
|
Science
31%
State Average
31%
|
Teachers and Staff
|
Students Per Counselor
284:1
|
Student Diversity
|
Male
50.9%
|
Female
49.1%
|
|
White
60.4%
|
Male
50.9%
|
|
Female
49.1%
|
Hispanic
26.9%
|
|
Economically disadvantaged
22.3%
|
Two or more races
7.1%
|
Specialty School Programs
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
Colleges Students are Considering
Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
Northern Arizona University
7 Students
Arizona State University
5 Students
Mesa Community College
3 Students
Prescott College
3 Students
Grand Canyon University
2 Students
Arizona State University - West Campus
2 Students
Academy of Art University
2 Students
Ringling College of Art and Design
2 Students
Colorado College
1 Students
Bowdoin College
1 Students
What Students Want to Study
Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
History
3 Students
Psychology
2 Students
Environmental Science
2 Students
English
2 Students
Culinary Arts and Food Service
2 Students
Geology and Earth Science
2 Students
Sustainability Studies
2 Students
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration
1 Students
Dance
1 Students
Animation, Video Graphics and Special Effects
1 Students
This School’s Reviews
Niche Reviews
8/24/2013
If i have ever needed anything i can always go to them. They are very reliable. They have always been my helpers, all the 7 years that i have gone there. Even now if anything they have gotten stronger and more reinforced.
8/24/2013
we don't have a cafeteria but we do sell food on certain days to help with school trips, and senior projects. but the school requires you to bring your own lunch so that you have ur own options and you can eat what you like.
8/24/2013
I can always count on my peers. they are very helpful. And they never can make anything boring aways the life of a party or activity.
GreatSchools Reviews
10/23/2025
My child has been at this school since pre-k. We have had nothing but a good experience. It is not for all kids, the lack of sports and other after school activities can be limiting. It has worked for my child. Early childhood is perfect. We had great teachers for the grades. There has been a lot of...
3/5/2025
Desert Marigold School has been wonderful for our family. It’s a public charter school inspired by Waldorf methods, and we’ve loved how well-rounded and engaging the learning experience has been. Our kids have been here for several years, and we’ve seen them grow creatively, socially, and academical...
2/1/2024
Lots of handwritten work, no phones allowed, screens only for state testing (not sure at what grade they start with screens allowed for typing, if ever). Really nice kids. Socioeconomically diverse. I’ve seen a lot of schools; DMS teaches how to handle a project, to plan and execute and draft toward...
12/14/2023
I am deeply troubled to report an incident at Desert Marigold School that starkly contradicts its proclaimed philosophy of nurturing each child's intellectual, artistic, and moral growth. During a ceremonial event, the Winter Spiral Walk, several children were barred from participating, a clear devi...
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Map
Explore this Neighborhood
List Price Range
$210K - $1.2M
Homes For Sale
322
Average Home Value
$378,908
Median Lot Size
6,098 Sq Ft
% Renters
39%
Average Household Income
$83,039
% of College Grads
18.6%
Median Age
34
Average House Size
2,026 Sq Ft
% Commercial Property
60.7%
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
$2,145 - $2,295 per month
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- 2 - 3 Beds
- 2.5 Baths
- 1,780+ Sq Ft
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- 1 Bath
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- 1 - 3 Beds
- 1-2 Baths
- 832+ Sq Ft
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$1,435 - $2,225 per month
- Parc South Mountain
- 1 - 3 Beds
- 1-2 Baths
- 726+ Sq Ft
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$1,356 - $2,543 per month
- Allure at Tempe Apartments
- 2 - 4 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 948+ Sq Ft
- 1155 W Grove Pkwy
- Tempe, AZ
Additional Schools in the Area
Public Schools shown may be Choice Schools
Choice Schools
Choice schools may not serve this home. Please check the school district website to see all schools serving this home.
- 7th to 12th
- Charter
- 9th to 12th
- Charter
- 7th to 12th
- Charter
Parks in this Area
Hayden Park
- Baseball/Softball
- Basketball
- Grills
Highline Park
- Picnic Area
- Playground
- Parking Lot
El Reposo Park
- Basketball
- Grills
- Picnic Area
Nevitt Park
- Basketball
- Picnic Area
- Tennis
Esteban Park
- Baseball/Softball
- Dog Park
- Picnic Area
Esteban Dog Park
- Dog Park
- Parking Lot
Hermoso Park
- Basketball
- Picnic Area
- Pool
Francisco Highland Park
- Basketball
- Grills
- Picnic Area
Grayson Park
- Picnic Area
- Playground
- Multi-Purpose Field
Additional Neighborhoods in this Area
Central City
The center of the action in Phoenix, from restaurants to entertainment
Garfield
Garfield provides downtown-adjacent living at a relatively accessible price
Marilyn Ann
Walkable neighborhood just over a mile from downtown Tempe and ASU
Desert Marigold School is a charter school for students in grades K-12 located at 6210 S 28th St in Phoenix, AZ. Annual tuition is $0. The school has a total enrollment of 300 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 0:1. Academic records show that 17% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 47% are proficient in reading. Desert Marigold School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of C+ and a GreatSchools Rating of 2 out of 10. The average GPA is 3.62. The average home value in this area is $378,908. Discover additional schools in the area, like Paideia Liberal Arts Academy, Pinnacle High School - Tempe, NFL Yet College Prep Academy, and more. Learn more about what Phoenix has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Desert Marigold School.