Desiderata serves Special Education students with needs that are more effectively addressed in a small school environment.  Students are referred to Desiderata by their home school campuses.  The Desiderata program emphasizes academic achievements as well as the social, emotional and behavioral growth of students.  All students are taught District curriculum which meets State of Arizona Standards.  Classroom activities stress student acquisition of literacy skills.   Desiderata, named after the poem by Max Ehrmann, is housed in a 30,000-square foot facility, that opened in 2006.  Designed to be functional and supportive, it has 11 classrooms, library, fitness center, cafetorium, group therapy room, an instructional kitchen, assistive technology and an outdoor recreational area.