Serving 582 students in grades Kindergarten-6, Desert Knolls 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 15% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 22% (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.
Minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 582 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 76%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 22% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Desert Knolls Elementary serves the northwest part of Apple Valley, CA, covering approximately 9.8 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the average distance to the edge of the attendance zone being about 1.9 miles and the furthest edge reaching 4.2 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Desert Knolls Elementary School's student population of 582 students has grown by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 27 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-6
Total Students
582 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers
Showing 2014–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1961
School Calendar
School Rankings
Desert Knolls 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 Knolls Elementary School is 0.58, 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
#8248 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
34%
Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
22%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
21:1
Showing 2014–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
1%
12%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
60%
56%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
9%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
24%
20%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
5%
6%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)40.4%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
68%
54%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
8%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 09/26/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Knolls Elementary School's ranking?
Desert Knolls Elementary School is ranked #8248 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 22% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Desert Knolls Elementary School?
582 students attend Desert Knolls Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
60% of Desert Knolls Elementary School students are Hispanic, 24% of students are White, 9% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desert Knolls Elementary School?
Desert Knolls Elementary School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Desert Knolls Elementary School offer ?
Desert Knolls Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-6
What school district is Desert Knolls Elementary School part of?
Desert Knolls Elementary School is part of Apple Valley Unified School District.
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