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.
Serving 2,079 students in grades 9-12, Palm Desert High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 34% (which is equal to the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 72% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 26:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,079 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 26:1
- Minority Enrollment: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 96% (Top 10% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 34% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 72% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 38% (Top 30%)
- 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 2,079 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 80 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,079 students
Total Classroom Teachers
80 teachers
Year Founded
1986
School Calendar
Average Class Size
25 students
School Rankings
Palm Desert High School ranks within the top 30% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Palm Desert High School is 0.63, which is equal to the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2331 out of 9523 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
72%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
26:1
21:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
8%
12%
Hispanic
49%
56%
Black
2%
5%
White
35%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
96%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
45%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
16%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Aztecs
- 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 is ranked #2331 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in California.
What schools are Palm Desert High School often compared to?
Palm Desert High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like La Quinta High School, Rancho Mirage High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 72% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Palm Desert High School?
The graduation rate of Palm Desert High School is 96%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Palm Desert High School?
2,079 students attend Palm Desert High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of Palm Desert High School students are Hispanic, 35% of students are White, 8% of students are Asian, 5% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Palm Desert High School?
Palm Desert High School has a student ration of 26:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
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
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