Serving 358 students in grades Kindergarten-6, Desert Garden Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 28% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 358 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 28% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Desert Garden Elementary serves the southern part of El Centro, CA, covering an area of approximately 1.1 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge being about 1.2 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Desert Garden Elementary School's student population of 358 students has declined by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 16 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-6
Total Students
358 students
Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
16 teachers
Showing 2013–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Year Founded
1961
School Calendar
School Rankings
Desert Garden Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desert Garden Elementary School is 0.04, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#5453 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2011–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
34%
Showing 2011–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
21:1
Showing 2013–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Hispanic
98%
56%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Black
1%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Two or more races
1%
6%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 16-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)39.7%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
72%
54%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 34-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
8%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 27-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Garden Elementary School's ranking?
Desert Garden Elementary School is ranked #5453 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Desert Garden Elementary School often compared to?
Desert Garden Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Harding Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
28% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 35% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Desert Garden Elementary School?
358 students attend Desert Garden Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
98% of Desert Garden Elementary School students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desert Garden Elementary School?
Desert Garden Elementary School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Desert Garden Elementary School offer ?
Desert Garden Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-6
What school district is Desert Garden Elementary School part of?
Desert Garden Elementary School is part of El Centro Elementary School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
It's a really nice school you should enroll your children here.
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