Average
#4008 of 9,533 schools in CA
Top 42% in state
Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy
Middle School · Palmdale Elementary
3243 East Ave. R-8, Palmdale, CA 93550
Enrollment
845
Student-Teacher
22.2:1
Score
6.7
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
845
Student-Teacher
22.2:1
Score
6.7
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Palmdale
#8 of 43
public schools
California middle schools
#572 of 1,349
In district
#4 of 29
Palmdale Elementary
Academic growth
8.9 / 10
Exceptional
About Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy
Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy is a middle school serving grades 6–8 in Palmdale, located in Los Angeles County's large suburban area. The school enrolls 845 students with a student-teacher ratio of 22.2:1, supported by 38 full-time equivalent teachers. Academically, the school is working with significant challenges.
In English language arts, 24% of students tested proficient or above, while math proficiency sits at 9% across grade levels. These results reflect substantial room for academic growth, and the school is positioned in the 25th percentile statewide among California middle schools. The school's magnet focus on medical health and technology offers students specialized pathway opportunities within these career-focused areas.
This thematic approach can provide engaging learning experiences and real-world connections for students interested in healthcare and STEM fields. The dedicated magnet program, combined with the school's location in a well-established suburban community, creates a distinct educational setting for Palmdale families seeking alternative school options.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
The student-teacher ratio at Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy is 22.2:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy — Students at Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy score 17% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 22%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
92.4%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 10 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 8.9/10.
How Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy Compares
See how Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 8% (2019) to 9% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 20% (2019) to 24.52% (2024).
Location
3243 East Ave. R-8, Palmdale, CA 93550
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad (rated 5.8/10, 1.6 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy (rated 5.2/10, 1.4 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Palmdale, see our Palmdale schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Il Giardino Montessori Palmdale | 0.6 mi | — |
| Desert Rose Elementary Palmdale | 0.6 mi | 4.1 |
| Oak Tree Community Day Palmdale | 0.7 mi | 6.1 |
| Palmdale Academy Charter Palmdale | 0.7 mi | 7.1 |
| Innovations Academy of Palmdale Palmdale | 0.7 mi | 4.3 |
| Palmdale Aerospace Academy Palmdale | 0.9 mi | 4.5 |
| Joshua Hills Elementary Palmdale | 1.0 mi | 4.2 |
| Manzanita Elementary Palmdale | 1.2 mi | 6.5 |
| Mesquite Elementary Palmdale | 1.0 mi | 4.2 |
| Palmdale High Palmdale | 1.2 mi | 5.6 |
| Barrel Springs Elementary Palmdale | 1.6 mi | 7.4 |
| Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy Palmdale | 1.4 mi | 5.2 |
| Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad Palmdale | 1.6 mi | 5.8 |
| Cimarron Elementary Palmdale | 1.6 mi | 2.9 |
| Antelope Valley Learning Academy Lancaster | 1.6 mi | 3.8 |
| Tamarisk Elementary Palmdale | 1.8 mi | 6.4 |
| St. Mary Elementary Catholic Palmdale | 1.7 mi | — |
| Chaparral Prep Academy Palmdale | 1.8 mi | 5.3 |
| Shepherd Christian School Palmdale | 1.8 mi | — |
| Yellen Learning Center Palmdale | 1.9 mi | 6.3 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 93550 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$63,811
Median Home Value
$378,700
Median Rent
$1,573/mo
Population
79,929
College Educated
10%
Homeownership
52.8%
Avg Commute
42.2 min
Poverty Rate
19.7%
Median Age
31.2
Community Profile
The community surrounding Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy has a median household income of $63,811. It is a community where 10% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $378,700, with a median rent of $1,573/month. The area has a poverty rate of 19.7%. The average commute in the area is 42 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Auburndale Intermediate Corona, CA | 6.7 |
| Cerro Villa Middle Villa Park, CA | 6.7 |
| Douglas MacArthur Fundamental Intermediate Santa Ana, CA | 6.7 |
| Gerald P. Carr Intermediate Santa Ana, CA | 6.7 |
| Isaac L. Sowers Middle Huntington Beach, CA | 6.7 |
| John F. Kennedy Junior High Hanford, CA | 6.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy
What grades does Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy serve?
Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy?
Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy has an enrollment of approximately 845 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy 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 Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy rank in CA?
Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy is ranked #4008 out of 9,533 schools in CA.
What is Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy has a composite rating of 6.7 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy has 8.8% math proficiency and 23.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy a charter school?
No, Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy a Title I school?
No, Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy?
92.4% of students at Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (2,441/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Palmdale). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 845
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 22.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 38
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 92.4%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Los Angeles County
- Phone
- (661) 273-0847
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Palmdale Elementary- District Enrollment
- 17,935
- Schools in District
- 29
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,861
- District Rank
- #4 of 29
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
- Best Elementary Schools in America: 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Public Schools in California 2026: Top-Ranked Elementary, Middle & High Schoolsbest schools
- Best School Districts to Move To in 2026: A Data-Driven Guidebest schools
- Best Schools in Los Angeles, CA — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Schools in San Diego, CA — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
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.