Serving 317 students in grades Kindergarten-12, Desert Learning Academy 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 18% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 85% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 317 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 75-79% (Btm 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 18% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Desert Learning Academy serves the entire school district of Palm Springs, CA, covering an extensive area of approximately 499.9 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 20 to 30 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge located about 27.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Desert Learning Academy's student population of 317 students has grown by 28% over five school years.
The teacher population of 20 teachers has grown by 100% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
Total Students
317 students
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
School Motto
Learning Starts with Students
School Rankings
Desert Learning Academy 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 Learning Academy is 0.44, 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
#6108 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
18%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
21:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
2%
12%
Hispanic
73%
56%
Black
7%
5%
White
15%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
75-79%
87%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)1.9%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
90%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Learning Academy's ranking?
Desert Learning Academy is ranked #6108 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?
18% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 40% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Desert Learning Academy?
The graduation rate of Desert Learning Academy is 75-79%, which is lower than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Desert Learning Academy?
317 students attend Desert Learning Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
73% of Desert Learning Academy students are Hispanic, 15% of students are White, 7% of students are Black, 2% of students are Asian, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desert Learning Academy?
Desert Learning Academy has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Desert Learning Academy offer ?
Desert Learning Academy offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-12
What school district is Desert Learning Academy part of?
Desert Learning Academy is part of Palm Springs Unified School District.
School Reviews
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