Desert Thunder has been an A Rated school since 2018. US News and World Report recognized Desert Thunder as one of the Best Middle Schools in the nation. 

Desert Thunder School is proud to be part of the Best District in the West Valley and Best District in the southwest valley, as voted on by the Best of the Best Awards.

Desert Thunder was awarded the 2023 National Institute for Excellence in Teacher (NIET) Founders Award.  This prestigious award honors five schools in the United States each year for exceptional implementation of NIET's principles to build educator excellence and advance student success.