Desert Winds Continuation High School
Desert Winds Continuation High School serves 690 students in grades 9-12.
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 2018-19 school year.
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤1% (which is lower than the California state average of 40%) for the 2018-19 school year. The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 16% (which is lower than the California state average of 51%) for the 2018-19 school year.
The student:teacher ratio of 23:1 is higher than the California state level of 22:1.
Minority enrollment is 91% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 78% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2023)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 690 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Minority Enrollment: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 14% (Btm 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤1% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 16% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Desert Winds Continuation High School's student population of 690 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has declined by 16% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
690 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Desert Winds Continuation High School is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 9,659 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2018-19 school year.
The diversity score of Desert Winds Continuation High School is 0.62, 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
#9539 out of 9659 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤1%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
16%
51%
Student : Teacher Ratio
23:1
22:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
12%
Hispanic
51%
56%
Black
34%
5%
White
9%
22%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(19-20)14%
85%
Eligible for Free Lunch
75%
53%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: 2020-2021 (latest school year available) National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤1% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% CA state average), while 16% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Desert Winds Continuation High School?
The graduation rate of Desert Winds Continuation High School is 14%, which is lower than the California state average of 85%.
How many students attend Desert Winds Continuation High School?
690 students attend Desert Winds Continuation High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
51% of Desert Winds Continuation High School students are Hispanic, 34% of students are Black, 9% of students are White, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Desert Winds Continuation High School?
Desert Winds Continuation High School has a student ration of 23:1, which is higher than the California state average of 22:1.
What grades does Desert Winds Continuation High School offer ?
Desert Winds Continuation High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Desert Winds Continuation High School part of?
Desert Winds Continuation High School is part of Antelope Valley Union High School District.
School Reviews
5 6/29/2019
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.
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