Average
#7531 of 9,533 schools in CA
Desert Trails Preparatory Academy
Elementary School · Desert Trails Preparatory Academy District
PO Box 400880, Hesperia, CA 92345
Enrollment
442
Student-Teacher
17.7:1
Score
5.0
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
442
Student-Teacher
17.7:1
Score
5.0
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Hesperia
#11 of 29
public schools
California elementary schools
#4,464 of 5,817
School environment
7.3 / 10
Strong
About Desert Trails Preparatory Academy
Desert Trails Preparatory Academy is a charter school located in Hesperia, California, within San Bernardino County. Serving kindergarten through eighth grade students, this regular public school offers a supportive learning environment with an enrollment of 442 students and a student-teacher ratio of 17.7:1. The school has 25 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to its diverse curriculum and educational programs.
Desert Trails Preparatory Academy’s academic performance is in the process of improvement, as indicated by its MySchoolScout rating of 4.5 out of 10 and a state ranking of #6132 out of 9566 schools in California (placing it in the 36th percentile). While proficiency rates are currently at 41% for ELA/Reading and 25% for Math, the school is working diligently to enhance academic outcomes for its students. Located in a large suburban area, Desert Trails Preparatory Academy benefits from a community setting that supports both educational and extracurricular activities.
The school’s location offers a blend of suburban amenities, making it an appealing choice for families looking for a nurturing environment with room for growth and development.
What Parents Should Know
Desert Trails Preparatory Academy is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Desert Trails Preparatory Academy — Students at Desert Trails Preparatory Academy score 34% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 29%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
79.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 18 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 3.1/10.
How Desert Trails Preparatory Academy Compares
See how Desert Trails Preparatory Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 41% (2019) to 25.22% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 52% (2019) to 42.29% (2024).
Location
PO Box 400880, Hesperia, CA 92345
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Desert Trails Preparatory Academy may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Gus Franklin Jr. (rated 7.8/10, 3.1 miles away, in nearby Victorville), which scores notably higher. Another option is Discovery School of the Arts (rated 6.9/10, 3.4 miles away, in nearby Victorville), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Vista Verde Elementary (rated 6.8/10, 1.4 miles away, in nearby Phelan), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Hesperia, see our Hesperia schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Theodore Vick Elementary Adelanto | 0.8 mi | 4.9 |
| Columbia Middle Adelanto | 0.9 mi | 5.6 |
| Donald F. Bradach Elementary Adelanto | 1.4 mi | 5.9 |
| Vista Verde Elementary Phelan | 1.4 mi | 6.8 |
| Mojave River Academy - Oro Grande Oro Grande | 1.5 mi | 6.0 |
| Adelanto High Adelanto | 1.9 mi | 5.4 |
| Victoria Magathan Elementary Adelanto | 2.1 mi | 2.8 |
| Morgan Kincaid Preparatory Victorville | 2.1 mi | 3.8 |
| Mesa Linda Middle Victorville | 2.4 mi | 5.3 |
| Cobalt Institute of Math and Science Victorville | 2.2 mi | 6.5 |
| Silverado High Victorville | 2.5 mi | 5.7 |
| Eagle Ranch Elementary Adelanto | 2.8 mi | 5.9 |
| Melva Davis Academy of Excellence Victorville | 2.9 mi | 7.6 |
| Gus Franklin Jr. Victorville | 3.1 mi | 7.8 |
| Taber Academy Victorville | 3.0 mi | — |
| West Creek Elementary Victorville | 3.1 mi | 6.0 |
| University Preparatory Victorville | 3.2 mi | 5.9 |
| Discovery School of the Arts Victorville | 3.4 mi | 6.9 |
| Liberty Elementary Victorville | 3.5 mi | 5.8 |
| Hollyvale Elementary Victorville | 3.9 mi | 4.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 92345 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$65,949
Median Home Value
$359,700
Median Rent
$1,499/mo
Population
87,906
College Educated
11.2%
Homeownership
64.9%
Avg Commute
40.8 min
Poverty Rate
18.5%
Median Age
33.2
Community Profile
The community surrounding Desert Trails Preparatory Academy has a median household income of $65,949. It is a community where 11% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $359,700, with a median rent of $1,499/month. The area has a poverty rate of 18.5%. The average commute in the area is 41 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 |
|---|---|
| Abraham Lincoln Elementary Santa Rosa, CA | 5.0 |
| Alisal Community Salinas, CA | 5.0 |
| Almond Acres Charter Academy Paso Robles, CA | 5.0 |
| Arovista Elementary Brea, CA | 5.0 |
| Aspire Rosa Parks Academy Oakland, CA | 5.0 |
| Barranca Elementary Covina, CA | 5.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Desert Trails Preparatory Academy
What grades does Desert Trails Preparatory Academy serve?
Desert Trails Preparatory Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.
How many students attend Desert Trails Preparatory Academy?
Desert Trails Preparatory Academy has an enrollment of approximately 442 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Desert Trails Preparatory Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Desert Trails Preparatory Academy is 17.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Desert Trails Preparatory Academy rank in CA?
Desert Trails Preparatory Academy is ranked #7531 out of 9,533 schools in CA.
What is Desert Trails Preparatory Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Desert Trails Preparatory Academy has a composite rating of 5.0 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 Trails Preparatory Academy?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Desert Trails Preparatory Academy has 25.1% math proficiency and 40.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Desert Trails Preparatory Academy a charter school?
Yes, Desert Trails Preparatory Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is Desert Trails Preparatory Academy a Title I school?
No, Desert Trails Preparatory Academy is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Desert Trails Preparatory Academy?
79.9% of students at Desert Trails Preparatory 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.
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (1,970/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Hesperia). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 8th
- Enrollment
- 442
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 25
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 79.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- San Bernardino County
- Phone
- (760) 530-7680
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Desert Trails Preparatory Academy District- District Enrollment
- 442
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,884
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
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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