Skip to main content

Below Average

#8313 of 9,539 schools in CA

Benjamin Franklin Elementary

Elementary School · Desert Sands Unified

77-800 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA 92253

Enrollment

622

Student-Teacher

22.2:1

Score

4.2

Grades

Kindergarten – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#8,313 of 9,539

In La Quinta

#5 of 7

public schools

In district

#21 of 33

Desert Sands Unified

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Benjamin Franklin Elementary?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Benjamin Franklin Elementary

4.2/10

Elementary School in La Quinta · grades Kindergarten – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

La Quinta Christian Fellowship

Nearby

0.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

La Quinta Christian Fellowship School

Nearby

0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Benjamin Franklin Elementary

Benjamin Franklin Elementary is a public elementary school in La Quinta, CA, part of Desert Sands Unified. Benjamin Franklin Elementary serves approximately 622 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 22.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Benjamin Franklin Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10 and ranks #8,313 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Benjamin Franklin Elementary show 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 47% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.3 pts below district
  • This school 4.2 · Below Average
  • District avg 4.5
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Benjamin Franklin Elementary runs 22.2:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

38% of students at Benjamin Franklin Elementary were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress2.7Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-2.54 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics6.2Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency25% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency37.3% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-20.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-5.5 pts
Overall Proficiency31% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)30% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected+1.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile46th
Resources & Environment4.8Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,070
Chronic Absenteeism37.8%

Benjamin Franklin Elementary — Students at Benjamin Franklin Elementary score 31% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 30%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

79.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 39.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
39.4% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 46.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
45.3% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 30 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
71%
ELA
59%
2010
Math
63%
ELA
64%
2011
Math
66%
ELA
61%
2012
Math
61%
ELA
59%
2014
Math
26%
ELA
36%
2015
Math
39%
ELA
55%
2016
Math
36%
ELA
40%
2017
Math
35%
ELA
46%
2018
Math
36%
ELA
45%
2019
Math
36%
ELA
45%
2022
Math
18.4%
ELA
36.3%
2024
Math
24.8%
ELA
37.9%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 2.7/10.

How Benjamin Franklin Elementary Compares

See how Benjamin Franklin Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.2/10
13th percentile in CA
Academic
6.2/10
Average
Growth
2.7/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
4.8/10
Below Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
79%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
28 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
37.8%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

77-800 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA 92253

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Benjamin Franklin Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. James Monroe Elementary (rated 8.1/10, 4.4 miles away, in nearby Bermuda Dunes), which scores notably higher. Another option is PALM DESERT LEARNING TREE CENTER (rated 5.4/10, 4.1 miles away, in nearby Palm Desert), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Mountain Vista Elementary (rated 5.3/10, 3.5 miles away, in nearby Indio), which scores notably higher. For more schools in La Quinta, see our La Quinta schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 5.2 mi
School Distance Rating
LA QUINTA CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP La Quinta 0.7 mi
La Quinta Christian Fellowship School La Quinta 0.8 mi
Harry S. Truman Elementary La Quinta 1.2 mi 4.0
La Quinta Middle La Quinta 1.3 mi 5.5
La Quinta High La Quinta 2.8 mi 6.0
Gerald R. Ford Elementary Indian Wells 3.4 mi 5.1
Amelia Earhart Elementary School of International Studies Indio 3.3 mi 4.7
John Glenn Middle School of International Studies Indio 3.4 mi 4.1
Colonel Mitchell Paige Middle La Quinta 3.7 mi 3.0
Horizon La Quinta 3.8 mi 6.6
Summit High (Continuation) La Quinta 3.8 mi 5.7
TOT STOP PRESCHOOL Palm Desert 4.1 mi
Palm Desert Learning Tree Center Palm Desert 4.1 mi
PALM DESERT LEARNING TREE CENTER Palm Desert 4.1 mi 5.4
Mountain Vista Elementary Indio 3.5 mi 5.3
James Madison Elementary Indio 3.8 mi 3.2
James Monroe Elementary Bermuda Dunes 4.4 mi 8.1
Brilliant Microschool Indio 4.5 mi
Indio Middle Indio 4.4 mi 3.0
DESERT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Bermuda Dunes 5.2 mi 3.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 92253 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$97,397

Median Home Value

$612,800

Median Rent

$1,741/mo

Population

38,281

College Educated

38.9%

Homeownership

74.8%

Avg Commute

26.3 min

Poverty Rate

9.1%

Median Age

52.1

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Alice Birney Elementary Colton, CA 4.2
Allen at Steinbeck San Jose, CA 4.2
Alpine Elementary Littlerock, CA 4.2
Amy B. Seibert Elementary Bakersfield, CA 4.2
Bahia Vista Elementary San Rafael, CA 4.2
Bay View Academy Monterey, CA 4.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Benjamin Franklin Elementary

What grades does Benjamin Franklin Elementary serve?

Benjamin Franklin Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.

How many students attend Benjamin Franklin Elementary?

Benjamin Franklin Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 622 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Benjamin Franklin Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Benjamin Franklin Elementary is 22.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Benjamin Franklin Elementary rank in CA?

Benjamin Franklin Elementary ranks #8,313 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Benjamin Franklin Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Benjamin Franklin Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Benjamin Franklin Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Benjamin Franklin Elementary has 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 47% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Benjamin Franklin Elementary a charter school?

No, Benjamin Franklin Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Benjamin Franklin Elementary a Title I school?

No, Benjamin Franklin Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Benjamin Franklin Elementary?

79.1% of students at Benjamin Franklin Elementary qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
78 Very Walkable
Bike Score
50 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
622
Student-Teacher Ratio
22.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
28
Free/Reduced Lunch
79.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Riverside County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
37.8%

District

Desert Sands Unified
District Enrollment
25,898
Schools in District
35
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,070
District Rank
#21 of 33

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.