Serving 487 students in grades Kindergarten-5, James Earl Carter Elementary School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 57% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 62% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 487 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 74%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 57% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 62% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: James Earl Carter Elementary serves the west part of Palm Desert, CA, covering an area of approximately 9.9 square miles. Families in the attendance zone can typically reach the school within 5 to 10 minutes, with the furthest edge of the zone being about 2.7 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
James Earl Carter Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
School Overview
James Earl Carter Elementary School's student population of 487 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has declined by 18% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Total Students
487 students
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
School Rankings
James Earl Carter Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of James Earl Carter Elementary School is 0.65, which is more 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
#1586 out of 9523 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
62%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
21:1
Asian
10%
12%
Hispanic
52%
56%
Black
2%
5%
White
26%
20%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
9%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)33.1%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
48%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
15%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James Earl Carter Elementary School's ranking?
James Earl Carter Elementary School is ranked #1586 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in California.
What schools are James Earl Carter Elementary School often compared to?
James Earl Carter Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, James Monroe Elementary School, Gerald R. Ford Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
57% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 62% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend James Earl Carter Elementary School?
487 students attend James Earl Carter Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
52% of James Earl Carter Elementary School students are Hispanic, 26% of students are White, 10% of students are Asian, 9% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of James Earl Carter Elementary School?
James Earl Carter Elementary School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does James Earl Carter Elementary School offer ?
James Earl Carter Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5
What school district is James Earl Carter Elementary School part of?
James Earl Carter Elementary School is part of Desert Sands Unified School District.
School Calendar
View the James Earl Carter Elementary School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
No School (Thanksgiving Break)
November 23, 2026 (Monday)
No School (Spring Break)
April 05, 2027 (Monday)
Last Day of School
June 04, 2027 (Friday)
First Day of School 🌞
August 18, 2027 (Wednesday)
School Reviews
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