Homes for Sale Near Explorer Middle School, Phoenix, AZ

Explorer Middle School is a Paradise Valley Unified School District (PVSchools) middle school for grades 7 and 8 at 22401 N. 40th Street in north Phoenix, just north of Deer Valley Road. Its students go on to Pinnacle High School.

I'm Terry Day with DeLex Realty. Buyers moving to north Phoenix often start with a school name and work outward from there. This page covers the basics about Explorer from the school's and district's own websites, how enrollment and boundaries work, and the homes for sale where listings name Explorer as the middle school.

Explorer Middle School at a glance
  • District: Paradise Valley Unified School District (PVSchools)
  • Grades: 7 and 8
  • Address: 22401 N. 40th St., Phoenix, AZ 85050
  • Phone: 602-449-4200 (attendance 602-449-4201)
  • Mascot and colors: Trailblazers, teal and gold
  • Opened: 1997
  • School day: 9:00 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.; early release days end at 1:00 p.m.
  • High school: Pinnacle High School

See homes near Explorer Middle School Call Terry: 602-483-4665

Where it is

Explorer sits on 40th Street just north of Deer Valley Road in the 85050 ZIP code of north Phoenix. The school office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on school days.

About the school

Explorer opened in 1997 and serves seventh and eighth graders. The school describes its goal as a place where every student feels safe, known and cared for, and it sums up its mission with four words: engage, empower, explore and experience. Students each have a school device, and the school is accredited through Cognia.

Electives. The school lists a wide range of electives. Career and technical choices include yearbook, family and consumer sciences, advanced culinary arts and digital media. Visual art has beginning and advanced classes, and performing arts include drama, choir, stagecraft, guitar, strings, band and piano.

World language and other programs. Spanish is offered at the introductory level and as Spanish I and II; the school notes these classes do not earn high school credit. The academics pages also list STEAM, language acquisition, special education and counseling.

Student life. Explorer uses a schoolwide positive behavior program called "Ride with P.R.I.D.E." Clubs include National Junior Honor Society, Student Government, Peer Ambassadors, Future Leaders of America, Cinema Club, Drama Club and Chew Crew. Sports are fee-based intramurals: basketball, track, passing-league football and wrestling for boys, and softball, track, volleyball and basketball for girls.

Attendance boundaries and enrollment

PVSchools has two kinds of enrollment. Traditional enrollment is for students who live inside the school's boundary. New families fill out the district forms, then register online through the district's Infinite Campus system; the district help line is 602-449-2000.

Open enrollment is for students who live outside the district or outside that school's boundary. Only schools with space accept open enrollment, and full schools keep a waitlist. The district gives priority to groups such as current PVSchools students, children of employees and siblings, uses a lottery when priority applicants outnumber seats, and otherwise goes by application date. Families are responsible for transportation for open-enrolled students. The district posts each school's open enrollment capacity on its website, so check that page for Explorer's current status.

To find the assigned schools for an address, use the interactive boundary map on the PVSchools enrollment page. PVSchools updated boundaries for the 2024-25 school year after closing some schools, so older listing data may be out of date. Always confirm boundaries with the district for the exact address; buying a home near a school does not guarantee assignment to it.

Official PVSchools pages say Wildfire Elementary feeds into Explorer, and Sky Crossing Elementary feeds into either Explorer or Mountain Trail depending on the address. Pinnacle High School says its incoming freshmen come from Explorer and Mountain Trail.

Neighborhoods nearby

Homes in the Explorer area are mostly in north Phoenix's 85050 and nearby ZIP codes. My guide to Desert Ridge homes for sale covers the master-planned area to the south, where Pinnacle High School is located, and my Phoenix city guide covers the wider city. Check the district map for any specific street before you rely on a school assignment.

Homes near Explorer Middle School

The button below shows the newest homes for sale where the MLS listing names Explorer as the middle school. Listing data is entered by agents and is not always complete, so I confirm the school for every home we look at.

See homes near Explorer Middle School

Comparing schools nearby? See my pages for Pinnacle High School, Mountain Trail Middle School and the Paradise Valley Unified School District, or browse my homes by school page. Some homes in the area have FHA or VA loans a qualified buyer may be able to assume; see my assumable mortgage page.

Questions families ask

What grades does Explorer Middle School serve?
Explorer serves grades 7 and 8. Elementary schools in the area, such as Wildfire, go through grade 6.

What high school do Explorer students attend?
Explorer students go on to Pinnacle High School, according to Pinnacle's own website. Confirm the high school for a specific address with PVSchools.

How do I find out if a home is in the Explorer boundary?
Use the interactive boundary map on the PVSchools enrollment page or call the district at 602-449-2000. Boundaries were updated for 2024-25, so I always check the current map for the exact address.

Can my student attend Explorer if we live outside the boundary?
Possibly, through PVSchools open enrollment, but only if the school has space. The district posts open enrollment capacity on its website, priority groups apply, and families provide their own transportation.

Looking at homes near Explorer?
Call Terry Day at DeLex Realty. I will help you check school boundaries and find homes that fit, at 602-483-4665.

School details come from the Explorer Middle School and PVSchools websites and can change. I do not rate or rank schools. Confirm school assignment and enrollment with the district for any address.

Newest Homes for Sale: Explorer Middle School Area

3935 E Rough Rider Road Unit 1144, Phoenix
$495,000
2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 7102602 MLS ⋅ 1,696 SqFt.
Beautifully updated 2 bed + bonus room, 2 bath home in a quiet, gated Desert Ridge community. Ideal for a second home, seasonal retreat or low-maintenance primary residence. Thoughtfully designed open layout with the furnishings available for purchase, makes it move-in ready. Bonus room great for office, media, or guest space. Enjoy two private patios for indoor-outdoor living. Attached 2-car garage with oversized storage area for all your gear. Resort style amenities include pickleball/tennis courts, gym, heated pools, spa, walking/bike paths & beautifully maintained grounds. Minutes to Desert Ridge Marketplace, High Street, golf, dining & the 51/101. Looking for a primary residence, furnished second home, investment property, or move-in ready residence, this one is for you. Welcome to effortless living in one of North Phoenix's most desirable gated communities. This 2-bedroom, 2-bath home with a versatile bonus room offers a rare opportunity to own a fully furnished, turn-key property--ideal for a second home, seasonal retreat, or low-maintenance primary residence. Designed for both comfort and flexibility, the bonus room is perfect for a home office, media space, or additional guest accommodations. The open-concept living area flows seamlessly into a well-appointed kitchen, all thoughtfully furnished to create a warm, inviting space you can enjoy immediately. Enjoy indoor-outdoor living with two private patios--perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The attached 2-car garage includes an oversized storage area large enough for bikes, gear, or even additional vehicle space. Residents enjoy resort-style amenities including a heated pool, spa, and beautifully landscaped grounds--all within a secure, gated setting. Located minutes from Desert Ridge Marketplace, High Street, golf, dining, and Loop 101 access. Whether you're looking for a fully furnished second home, winter getaway, investment property, or move-in ready residence, this home delivers comfort, flexibility, and immediate livability. Villages at Aviano residents enjoy exclusive access to the private Villages at Aviano pool, along with full privileges at the 16,000-square-foot Aviano Community Center, featuring resort-style pools, fitness facilities, parks, basketball and volleyball courts, scenic walking paths, and popular pickleball courts. All of this is just minutes from Desert Ridge's premier shopping, dining, and recreation.

3935 E Rough Rider Road Unit 1144, Phoenix

21626 N 38th Way, Phoenix
$1,360,000
5 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 7100946 MLS ⋅ 3,295 SqFt.
Welcome to this beautifully appointed two-story home in Phoenix, where luxury, comfort, and resort-style living come together! Offering 5 bedrooms, a den, spacious loft, 5 bathrooms, and a 3-car garage, this home is designed for both everyday living and effortless entertaining. Step inside to inviting living spaces featuring tile flooring, plantation shutters, crown molding, contemporary lighting, and a cozy natural gas fireplace. The beautifully upgraded kitchen is a chef's dream, showcasing premium Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, including a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf stove, double ovens, and microwave, along with a stone backsplash, abundant cabinetry, stylish pendant lighting, and a spacious center island. The versatile loft provides additional living space, while the den is ideal for a home office or flex space. Retreat to the impressive primary suite featuring a private sitting area, generous walk-in closet, and spa-inspired bathroom complete with dual vanities, a soaking tub, and a luxurious steam shower. Additional upgrades include an owned reverse osmosis system and water softener, EV charger, split-zone HVAC with five thermostats, and a central vacuum system. Step outside to your own private backyard oasis, complete with a sparkling pool, relaxing spa, built-in BBQ, fire pit, covered patio, and misting system to keep you comfortable while enjoying Arizona's beautiful outdoor lifestyle. Beyond the home, enjoy a fantastic location with access to neighborhood walking trails, the Fireside Community Center, nearby Desert Ridge Marketplace, and the Paradise Valley Unified School District. From its thoughtful upgrades and spacious layout to its incredible outdoor amenities and desirable location, this home offers an exceptional Arizona lifestyle! All furniture may convey with this home.

21626 N 38th Way, Phoenix

20660 N 40th Street Unit 2032, Phoenix
$430,000
2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 7100733 MLS ⋅ 1,440 SqFt.
PRICED TO SELL AND PACKED WITH UPGRADES! Tucked away in a quiet exterior location within Desert Ridge, this move in ready 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,440 sq ft townhome is a total standout! Rare feature alert: enjoy the ultimate convenience of a 2 car attached garage with direct entry! Inside, you will love the high end updates, including two brand new 14 SEER HVAC systems, fresh paint, modern porcelain wood look tile, and plush new carpeting. The updated kitchen features sleek stainless steel appliances, plus a Maytag washer and dryer. Furnishings are available with the right offer, making this an effortless turnkey dream! So many features, incredible location, and unbelievable value, this is a true must see property! Whether you are seeking a year round sanctuary, an easy lock and leave setup, making your move even easier! Step outside your front door and enjoy resort style amenities, including sparkling pools, a relaxing spa, fitness center, scenic walking paths, clubhouse, recreation room and media room. A two car garage adds everyday convenience, while Desert Ridge puts you close to fabulous shopping, dining, golf, entertainment and convenient freeway access. Ideal for full time living, snowbirds, second home owners, or anyone ready to embrace a low maintenance lifestyle. Fresh, comfortable and ready for you! Come see why this Desert Ridge gem deserves a spot at the top of your list!

20660 N 40th Street Unit 2032, Phoenix

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