Desert Sands Charter

44130 20th St. West
Lancaster, CA 93535
2/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 727 students in grades 8-12, Desert Sands Charter 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 ≤5% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
Minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2026)

  • School Type: Charter School
  • Grades: 8-12
  • Enrollment: 727 students
  • Minority Enrollment: 89%
  • : 18% (Btm 50% in CA)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : ≤5% (Btm 50%)
  • : 35-39% (Btm 50%)
  • : 21-39% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education

School Overview

Desert Sands Charter's student population of 727 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 8-12
Total Students
727 students
Total Classroom Teachers (23-24)
37 teachers
Year Founded
2022
School Calendar

School Rankings

Desert Sands Charter 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 Sands Charter is 0.60, 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.
This School
State Level (CA)
#7671 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
≤5%
34%
35-39%
47%
21-39%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
n/a
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
12%
Hispanic
59%
56%
Black
14%
5%
White
11%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
15%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
0.60
18%
87%
(22-23)
72.4%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
72%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
8%
School Statewide Testing

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
1 extracurricular
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
key club

Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education

School Notes

Independent Study / Personalized Learning
  • Grades 9-12
  • Age 16-19
  • Free Tutoring
  • Flexible Weekly Appointments
  • One-on-One Teacher Mentoring

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Desert Sands Charter's ranking?
Desert Sands Charter is ranked #7671 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?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Desert Sands Charter?
The graduation rate of Desert Sands Charter is 18%, which is lower than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Desert Sands Charter?
727 students attend Desert Sands Charter.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
59% of Desert Sands Charter students are Hispanic, 15% of students are Two or more races, 14% of students are Black, 11% of students are White, and 1% of students are Asian.
What grades does Desert Sands Charter offer ?
Desert Sands Charter offers enrollment in grades 8-12
What school district is Desert Sands Charter part of?
Desert Sands Charter is part of Desert Sands Charter School District.

School Reviews

Review Desert Sands Charter. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

Phone Bans Are Expanding: Will They Actually Help Your Child?
Phone Bans Are Expanding: Will They Actually Help Your Child?
Phone bans are spreading in public schools nationwide. Learn how to evaluate whether a school's cellphone policy will improve your child's learning and well-being.
Should You Move for a Better Public School or Stay Put?
Should You Move for a Better Public School or Stay Put?
Considering a move to a higher-rated public school? Learn how to weigh school quality, housing costs, and family priorities before relocating.
How to Compare Public School Value Beyond Test Scores
How to Compare Public School Value Beyond Test Scores
Learn how to evaluate public school value using student support, school climate, opportunities, and outcomes, not just standardized test scores.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • School Type: Charter School
  • Grades: 8-12
  • Enrollment: 727 students
  • Minority Enrollment: 89%
  • : 18% (Btm 50%)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : ≤5% (Btm 50%)
  • : 35-39% (Btm 50%)
  • : 21-39% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education

Request Information

Related School Videos

Quick Links