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#4932 of 9,539 schools in CA

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

6.3

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#4,932 of 9,539

In Palmdale

#7 of 43

public schools

In district

#6 of 29

Palmdale Elementary

Academic growth

7.8 / 10

Very Good

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Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy

6.3/10

Middle School in Palmdale · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Il Giardino Montessori

Nearby

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

Desert Rose Elementary

4.7/10

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

About Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy

Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy is a public middle school in Palmdale, CA, part of Palmdale Elementary. Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy serves approximately 845 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 22.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.3 out of 10 and ranks #4,932 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy show 13% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 27% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.5 pts above district
  • This school 6.3 · Average
  • District avg 5.8
  • CA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

Test scores at Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.

Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress7.8Very Good40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-0.88 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendStable
Academics3.9Needs Improvement35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency9% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency24.5% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-25.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-21.4 pts
Overall Proficiency17% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)22% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-5.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile20th
Resources & Environment7.3Very Good25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,861
Chronic Absenteeism20.9%

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%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

92.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 12.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
33.9% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 26.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
46.6% (2024 CAASPP)

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

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
15%
ELA
27%
2010
Math
21%
ELA
34%
2011
Math
30%
ELA
38%
2012
Math
23%
ELA
33%
2014
Math
10%
ELA
27%
2015
Math
11%
ELA
24%
2016
Math
11%
ELA
24%
2017
Math
10%
ELA
22%
2018
Math
8%
ELA
20%
2019
Math
8%
ELA
20%
2022
Math
7%
ELA
30.5%
2024
Math
9%
ELA
24.6%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 7.8/10.

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.

Overall Score
6.3/10
48th percentile in CA
Academic
3.9/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
7.8/10
Very Good
Environment
7.3/10
Very Good
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
92%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
38 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
20.9%

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

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. Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy (rated 5.8/10, 1.4 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad (rated 5.6/10, 1.6 miles away), with a comparable rating. 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 4.7
Oak Tree Community Day Palmdale 0.7 mi 7.2
Palmdale Academy Charter Palmdale 0.7 mi 5.7
Innovations Academy of Palmdale Palmdale 0.7 mi 6.2
Palmdale Aerospace Academy Palmdale 0.9 mi 5.9
Joshua Hills Elementary Palmdale 1.0 mi 3.7
Manzanita Elementary Palmdale 1.2 mi 4.4
Mesquite Elementary Palmdale 1.0 mi 4.9
Palmdale High Palmdale 1.2 mi 3.8
Barrel Springs Elementary Palmdale 1.6 mi 6.2
Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy Palmdale 1.4 mi 5.8
Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad Palmdale 1.6 mi 5.6
Cimarron Elementary Palmdale 1.6 mi 2.9
Antelope Valley Learning Academy Lancaster 1.6 mi 3.9
Tamarisk Elementary Palmdale 1.8 mi 6.0
St. Mary Elementary Catholic Palmdale 1.7 mi
Chaparral Prep Academy Palmdale 1.8 mi 4.4
Shepherd Christian School Palmdale 1.8 mi
Yellen Learning Center Palmdale 1.9 mi 6.4

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

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Bidwell Junior High Chico, CA 6.3
Cesar Chavez Middle Union City, CA 6.3
Dr. Manuel M. Lopez Academy of Arts & Sciences Oxnard, CA 6.3
Fred L. Thompson Junior High Bakersfield, CA 6.3
Hillside Middle Simi Valley, CA 6.3
Las Colinas Middle Camarillo, CA 6.3

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 ranks #4,932 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.3 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 Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy has 13% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 27% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
32 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
30 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

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
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
20.9%

District

Palmdale Elementary
District Enrollment
17,935
Schools in District
29
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,861
District Rank
#6 of 29

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