Desert Winds Continuation High School
Tel:
(661) 948-7555
Desert Winds Continuation High School serves 642 students in grades 9-12.
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤1% (which is lower than the California state average of 39%) for the 2017-18 school year. The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 9% (which is lower than the California state average of 50%) for the 2017-18 school year.
Desert Winds Continuation High School placed in the bottom 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%) for the 2017-18 school year.
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is lower than the California state level of 23:1.
Minority enrollment is 92% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 77% (majority Hispanic).
Top Placements
Desert Winds Continuation High School places among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
- Category Attribute
- Student Attention Lowest teacher:student ratio (Top 20%)
School Overview
Desert Winds Continuation High School's student population of 642 students has declined by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
School Type | Alternative school |
Grades Offered | Grades 9-12 |
Total Students | 642 students |
![]() | |
Gender % |
![]() |
Total Classroom Teachers | 35 teachers |
![]() | |
Students by Grade |
![]() |
School Comparison
Desert Winds Continuation High School is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 9,602 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2017-18 school year.
The diversity score of Desert Winds Continuation High School is 0.60, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.64. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Definition of Terms 2017-2018 School Year Data | This School | State Level (CA) |
Overall Testing Rank | #9583 out of 9602 schools (Bottom 50%) | |
![]() | ||
Math Test Scores (% Proficient) | ≤1% | 39% |
![]() | ||
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient) | 9% | 50% |
![]() | ||
Student : Teacher Ratio | 18:1 | 23:1 |
![]() | ||
American Indian | 1% | 1% |
Asian | 1% | 12% |
Hispanic | 53% | 54% |
Black | 34% | 5% |
White | 8% | 23% |
Hawaiian | n/a | 1% |
Two or more races | 3% | 4% |
All Ethnic Groups |
![]() |
![]() |
Diversity Score | 0.60 | 0.64 |
![]() | ||
Graduation Rate | 29% | 84% |
![]() | ||
Eligible for Free Lunch | 69% | 53% |
Eligible for Reduced Lunch | 2% | 7% |
School Statewide Testing | View Education Department Test Scores | |
School District Name | Antelope Valley Union High School District |
Source: 2017-2018 (latest school year available) NCES, CA Dept. of Education
Nearby Public Schools
The nearest high school to Desert Winds Continuation High School is Antelope Valley High School (0.3 miles away)
The nearest middle school is Piute Middle School (0.6 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Linda Verde Elementary School (0.3 miles away)
Show me:
- School Location Miles Grades Students
- Lancaster Antelope Valley High School Magnet School
Grades: 9-12 | 1,761 student
0.3 miles
44900 N. Division St.
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 948-8552 0.3 9-12 1,761 - Lancaster Linda Verde Elementary School Grades: K-5 | 873 students
0.3 miles
44924 N. Fifth St. E.
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 942-0431 0.3 K-5 873 - Lancaster Piute Middle School Grades: 6-8 | 938 students
0.6 miles
425 E. Ave. H-11
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 942-9508 0.6 6-8 938 - Lancaster El Dorado Elementary School Grades: K-5 | 663 students
0.7 miles
361 E. Pondera
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 942-8487 0.7 K-5 663 - Lancaster Ilead Lancaster Charter Charter School
Grades: K-8 | 706 students
0.9 miles
254 E. Ave. K-4
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 722-4287 0.9 K-8 706
School Reviews
5 This school changed my life. Unfortunately it gets a bad rap for the simple fact that it is a continuation high school. I''d never change a thing. This school, the teachers, principal, guidance counselors, etc., helped me get my life back on track and realize the importance of an education when I had given up on myself. When parents are too busy to care and/or you''re on your own it was truly remarkable to have people who dedicate their lives to your future. DW did just that for me. I earned enough credits in my first of 2 years at DW to go back and graduate from QHHS but I chose to graduate from DW because I was PROUD to be a part of this school and I wanted to represent it by showing my pride being a DWHS graduate. They never gave up on me and I won''t give up on them and all of their hard work. I wasn''t going to give another school credit for everything this school gave me. Get over the stigma of this school, no harm admitting you had a bit of trouble or needed extra help. My life turned out amazing. I have a successful career, marriage & family 30+ years after graduating from here. This school made it possible. Sometimes it just takes a little extra help and people to believe in you and help see you through your goals. - Posted by Student/Alumni - 88` Grad |
Recent Articles
Learn about why technical public high schools are earning attention for their unique career-training opportunities.
In light of an upcoming study on Montessori education in South Carolina, as well as the growing popularity of the Montessori Method in public charter schools, we’ll take a look at the principles behind Montessori education and whether it is an effective method for preparing some students for the professional world or higher education.
Some educators and community leaders are pushing for more math and science at the high school level. Is the move really necessary and if so, how do schools get students more interested in these STEM subjects?