Serving 962 students in grades 6-8, Desert Ridge 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 14% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 29% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 23:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 91% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 962 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Minority Enrollment: 91%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 16% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Desert Ridge Academy serves the northeast part of its school district in Indio, CA, covering an extensive attendance area of approximately 558.6 square miles. Families within this zone can expect a typical drive of 20 to 30 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge being about 39.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Desert Ridge Academy's student population of 962 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 41 teachers has grown by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
Total Students
962 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
41 teachers
Showing 2014–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
Average Class Size
25 students
School Motto
Accountability, Integrity, and Respect
School Rankings
Desert Ridge 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 Ridge Academy is 0.27, 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
#7777 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
14%
34%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
47%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
16%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
23:1
21:1
Showing 2014–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
2%
12%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
85%
56%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
Black
1%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
White
9%
20%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
3%
6%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)35.5%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
66%
54%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
16%
8%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Ridge Academy's ranking?
Desert Ridge Academy is ranked #7777 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Desert Ridge Academy often compared to?
Desert Ridge Academyis often viewed alongside schools like Colonel Mitchell Paige Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 29% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Desert Ridge Academy?
962 students attend Desert Ridge Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
85% of Desert Ridge Academy students are Hispanic, 9% of students are White, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desert Ridge Academy?
Desert Ridge Academy has a student ration of 23:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Desert Ridge Academy offer ?
Desert Ridge Academy offers enrollment in grades 6-8
What school district is Desert Ridge Academy part of?
Desert Ridge Academy is part of Desert Sands Unified School District.
School Calendar
View the Desert Ridge Academy yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
No School- Thanksgiving Break
November 23, 2026 (Monday)
Spring Break
April 05, 2027 (Monday)
Last Day of School -Minimum Day
June 04, 2027 (Friday)
School Reviews
1 10/10/2025
This school needs to do something about the threats, that are going on the bulling, the fights, it only is going to get worse from here, if nothing is done about this. Our kids need to feel safe and protected in these public schools.
4 10/10/2025
Both of my kids have had tons of opportunities at this school. There are lots of activities and my kids avoid drama by eating lunch in teachers'' rooms with groups of friends.
Review Desert Ridge Academy. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
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