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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

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 metrics
Student Progress8.9Excellent40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change+0.56 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendStable
Academics4.0Below Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency9%
Reading/ELA Proficiency24.5%
Math vs. State Avg-25.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-21.4 pts
Overall Proficiency17%
Expected (poverty-adj.)22%
vs. Expected-5.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile21th
Resources & Environment6.8Above Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,847

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 8.8%
School
State
33.9%
ELA Proficiency 23.7%
School
State
46.6%

Based on 10 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2019
Math
8%
ELA
20%
2024
Math
9%
ELA
24.6%

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.

Overall Score
6.7/10
58th percentile in CA
Academic
4.0/10
4.0/10
Growth
8.9/10
Above average
Environment
6.8/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
92%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
38 teachers

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

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
Data Year
2023–2024

District

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

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 methodology

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