For the 2026-27 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 3,946 students in Palm Desert, CA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Palm Desert, CA are George Washington Charter, James Earl Carter Elementary School and Palm Desert Charter Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Palm Desert, CA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the California public elementary school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 46% statewide average). Elementary schools in Palm Desert have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of California public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public elementary school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Palm Desert, CA (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
George Washington Charter
Charter School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
45-768 Portola Ave.
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 862-4350
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 862-4350
Gr: K-5 | 746 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #22.
James Earl Carter Elementary School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
74-251 Hovley Ln. East
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 862-4370
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 862-4370
Gr: K-5 | 487 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #33.
Palm Desert Charter Middle School
Charter School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
74-200 Rutledge Way
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 862-4320
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 862-4320
Gr: 6-8 | 1,298 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #44.
Ronald Reagan Elementary School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
39-800 Liberty Dr.
Palm Desert, CA 92211
(760) 772-0456
Palm Desert, CA 92211
(760) 772-0456
Gr: K-5 | 808 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #55.
Abraham Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
74-100 Rutledge Way
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 862-4340
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 862-4340
Gr: K-5 | 607 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Palm Desert, CA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Palm Desert, CA include George Washington Charter, James Earl Carter Elementary School and Palm Desert Charter Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Palm Desert?
5 public elementary schools are located in Palm Desert.
What is the racial composition of students in Palm Desert?
Palm Desert public elementary schools minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public elementary schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Palm Desert are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Palm Desert include: Abraham Lincoln Elementary School vs. James Earl Carter Elementary School, James Earl Carter Elementary School vs. Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School vs. George Washington Charter
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