Palm Desert High School
Palm Desert High School serves 2,129 students in grades 9-12.
Palm Desert High School placed in the top 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is top 20%) for the 2018-19 school year.
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 34% (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 67% (which is higher than the California state average of 51%) for the 2018-19 school year.
The student:teacher ratio of 28:1 is higher than the California state level of 22:1.
Minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 78% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2023)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,129 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 28:1
- Minority Enrollment: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 97% (Top 5% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 34% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 67% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Palm Desert High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Palm Desert High School's student population of 2,129 students has grown by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 75 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,129 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
75 teachers
Students by Grade
School Calendar
School Rankings
Palm Desert High School is ranked within the top 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 Palm Desert 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
#3216 out of 9659 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
67%
51%
Student : Teacher Ratio
28:1
22:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
6%
12%
Hispanic
48%
56%
Black
2%
5%
White
39%
22%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
97%
84%
Eligible for Free Lunch
38%
53%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: 2020-2021 (latest school year available) National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- Palm Desert High School is a secondary school located in Palm Desert, California. The school is a part of the Desert Sands Unified School District.
- Palm Desert High School was founded in 1986. Many of Palm Desert High School Students come from Palm Desert Middle School. It offers many extra curricular activities, strong academics, and good sport programs.
- Academics: Palm Desert High School is the top school in Riverside County, in terms of academics. It consisently has high standardized test scores, and a vast majority of its students attend some form of college. It offers a multitude of Advanced Placement and Honors courses.
- Sports: Palm Desert's mascot is the Aztec. It has notable Tennis, Golf, Swimming, Baseball,Basketball, Football, and Water Polo teams. Its main rival is La Quinta High School.
- Notable alumni: Alison Lohman - Actress. Josh Homme - Queens of the Stone Age, Eagles of Death Metal, and Kyuss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Palm Desert High School's ranking?
Palm Desert High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for: Highest reading/language arts proficiency (Top 20%) and Highest graduation rate (Top 5%).
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% CA state average), while 67% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Palm Desert High School?
The graduation rate of Palm Desert High School is 97%, which is higher than the California state average of 84%.
How many students attend Palm Desert High School?
2,129 students attend Palm Desert High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
48% of Palm Desert High School students are Hispanic, 39% of students are White, 6% of students are Asian, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Palm Desert High School?
Palm Desert High School has a student ration of 28:1, which is higher than the California state average of 22:1.
What grades does Palm Desert High School offer ?
Palm Desert High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Palm Desert High School part of?
Palm Desert High School is part of Desert Sands Unified School District.
School Reviews
Review Palm Desert High School. 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
Recent Articles
Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps or JROTC
JROTC offers valuable lessons in leadership, character-building and citizenship. Here's a look at the various JROTC programs out there together with a look at the pros and cons of the program.
Choosing Between the SAT and ACT and How to Prepare
Taking the SAT or ACT is a major source of stress for high school students. Keep reading to learn how to choose the right test and how to prepare for it.
Prevent Brain Drain: Keep Your Kids’ Minds Sharp During Vacation
Long periods of time off from school can lead your child to lose valuable knowledge and skills. Learn more about brain drain and 4 ways to keep your child's mind revving, even during vacation. incorporating quality learning exercises into their spring, summer, and winter vacations.
