Average
#6075 of 9,533 schools in CA
Desert Learning Academy
School · Palm Springs Unified
2248 East Ramon Rd., Palm Springs, CA 92264
Enrollment
378
Student-Teacher
18.9:1
Score
5.8
Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
378
Student-Teacher
18.9:1
Score
5.8
Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Palm Springs
#4 of 8
public schools
California schools
#248 of 475
In district
#17 of 27
Palm Springs Unified
School environment
8.5 / 10
Exceptional
About Desert Learning Academy
Desert Learning Academy is an alternative school located in Palm Springs, California. With a student body of 378 students spanning kindergarten through twelfth grade, the school offers a unique educational environment designed to meet the diverse needs of its community. The student-to-teacher ratio at Desert Learning Academy stands at 18.9:1, providing a relatively personalized learning experience for each student.
Academically, Desert Learning Academy currently ranks in the 51st percentile among California schools with a MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 out of 10 and an academic score of 4.3 out of 10. In terms of proficiency levels, 38% of students are proficient or above in English Language Arts (ELA) reading, while 20% are proficient or above in math. These scores indicate areas where the school is focusing on student development and growth.
Desert Learning Academy is situated in a large suburban area, providing a supportive community atmosphere for its students to thrive. The setting offers a blend of urban amenities and suburban tranquility, making it an ideal location for students who benefit from an alternative educational approach.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Desert Learning Academy — Students at Desert Learning Academy score 29% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 22%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
92.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 20 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 7.4/10.
How Desert Learning Academy Compares
See how Desert Learning Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 17% (2019) to 18.97% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 42% (2019) to 38.28% (2024).
Location
2248 East Ramon Rd., Palm Springs, CA 92264
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Desert Learning Academy may also want to explore other schools in the area. Cathedral City High (rated 8.8/10, 4.2 miles away, in nearby Cathedral City), which scores notably higher. Another option is Sunny Sands Elementary (rated 7.9/10, 4.0 miles away, in nearby Cathedral City), which scores notably higher. Additionally, MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF PALM SPRINGS (rated 7.5/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Palm Springs, see our Palm Springs schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 4.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Springs High Palm Springs | 0.1 mi | 7.0 |
| Desert Chapel Christian Palm Springs | 0.4 mi | — |
| ST THERESA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Palm Springs | 0.4 mi | 6.7 |
| Cahuilla Elementary Palm Springs | 1.1 mi | 5.5 |
| Cielo Vista Charter Palm Springs | 1.3 mi | 6.4 |
| Katherine Finchy Elementary Palm Springs | 1.7 mi | 5.6 |
| MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF PALM SPRINGS Palm Springs | 2.0 mi | 7.5 |
| Virtual Pre Palm Springs | 1.7 mi | — |
| Raymond Cree Middle Palm Springs | 2.1 mi | 7.5 |
| Agua Caliente Elementary Cathedral City | 2.0 mi | 6.6 |
| Vista del Monte Elementary Palm Springs | 2.9 mi | 4.3 |
| King's Schools of the Desert Palm Springs | 2.8 mi | — |
| KING'S SCHOOLS OF THE DESERT Palm Springs | 2.9 mi | 5.6 |
| Mt. San Jacinto High Cathedral City | 2.8 mi | 5.9 |
| Landau Elementary Cathedral City | 2.9 mi | 6.3 |
| Rio Vista Elementary Cathedral City | 3.5 mi | 5.4 |
| Sunny Sands Elementary Cathedral City | 4.0 mi | 7.9 |
| James Workman Middle Cathedral City | 4.2 mi | 6.0 |
| Cathedral City High Cathedral City | 4.2 mi | 8.8 |
| Cathedral City Elementary Cathedral City | 4.3 mi | 5.3 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 92264 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$75,246
Median Home Value
$498,200
Median Rent
$1,581/mo
Population
20,250
College Educated
48.1%
Homeownership
68.4%
Avg Commute
24.2 min
Poverty Rate
9.8%
Median Age
60.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding Desert Learning Academy has a median household income of $75,246. It is a well-educated community where 48% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $498,200, with a median rent of $1,581/month. The local poverty rate of 9.8% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 24 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| BETHEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS Riverside, CA | 5.8 |
| California Pacific Charter- Los Angeles Costa Mesa, CA | 5.8 |
| Hart-Ransom Charter Modesto, CA | 5.8 |
| STONE RIDGE CHRISTIAN ELEMENTARY Merced, CA | 5.8 |
| Valley Robotics Academy Lodi, CA | 5.8 |
| Yuba City Charter Yuba City, CA | 5.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Desert Learning Academy
What grades does Desert Learning Academy serve?
Desert Learning Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.
How many students attend Desert Learning Academy?
Desert Learning Academy has an enrollment of approximately 378 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Desert Learning Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Desert Learning Academy is 18.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Desert Learning Academy rank in CA?
Desert Learning Academy is ranked #6075 out of 9,533 schools in CA.
What is Desert Learning Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Desert Learning Academy has a composite rating of 5.8 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 Desert Learning Academy?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Desert Learning Academy has 19.6% math proficiency and 38.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Desert Learning Academy a charter school?
No, Desert Learning Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Desert Learning Academy a Title I school?
No, Desert Learning Academy is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Desert Learning Academy?
92.3% of students at Desert Learning 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 (3,837/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Palm Springs). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 12th
- Enrollment
- 378
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 20
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 92.3%
- Type
- alternative
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Riverside County
- Phone
- (760) 778-0487
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Palm Springs Unified- District Enrollment
- 20,416
- Schools in District
- 28
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $20,811
- District Rank
- #17 of 27
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.
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