Skip to main content

Below Average

#7912 of 9,539 schools in CA

Desert Trails Preparatory Academy

Elementary School · Desert Trails Preparatory Academy District

PO Box 400880, Hesperia, CA 92345

Charter

Enrollment

442

Student-Teacher

17.7:1

Score

4.5

Grades

Kindergarten – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#7,912 of 9,539

In Hesperia

#14 of 29

public schools

School environment

7.2 / 10

Very Good

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Desert Trails Preparatory Academy?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Desert Trails Preparatory Academy

4.5/10

Elementary School in Hesperia · grades Kindergarten – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Theodore Vick Elementary

3.4/10

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

Columbia Middle

4.2/10

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

About Desert Trails Preparatory Academy

Desert Trails Preparatory Academy is a public elementary school in Hesperia, CA, part of Desert Trails Preparatory Academy District. Desert Trails Preparatory Academy serves approximately 442 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-8th, and has a 17.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Desert Trails Preparatory Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.5 out of 10 and ranks #7,912 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Desert Trails Preparatory Academy show 26% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024) and 40% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024).

How it compares1.7 pts below CA schools
  • This school 4.5 · Below Average
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Desert Trails Preparatory Academy is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.

31% of students at Desert Trails Preparatory Academy were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress2.2Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data6
Annual Change-2.85 pts/yr
Data Period2018–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics6.7Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency25.2% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency42.3% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-20.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-0.5 pts
Overall Proficiency34% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)29% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected+4.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile53th
Resources & Environment7.2Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,884
Chronic Absenteeism30.8%

Desert Trails Preparatory Academy — Students at Desert Trails Preparatory Academy score 34% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 29%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

79.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 25.8% (multi-year average, 2018-2024)
School
State
36.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 39.6% (multi-year average, 2018-2024)
School
State
45.8% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 24 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2018
Math
41%
ELA
52%
2019
Math
41%
ELA
52%
2020*
Math
18%
ELA
27%
2021*
Math
18%
ELA
27%
2022
Math
24.5%
ELA
31.9%
2024
Math
23.8%
ELA
40.8%

* 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: 2.2/10.

How Desert Trails Preparatory Academy Compares

See how Desert Trails Preparatory Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.5/10
17th percentile in CA
Academic
6.7/10
Average
Growth
2.2/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
7.2/10
Very Good

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
80%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
25 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
30.8%

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 8.4/10, 3.1 miles away, in nearby Victorville), which scores notably higher. Another option is Discovery School of the Arts (rated 5.6/10, 3.4 miles away, in nearby Victorville), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Liberty Elementary (rated 3.5/10, 3.5 miles away, in nearby Victorville), with a comparable rating. 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 3.4
Columbia Middle Adelanto 0.9 mi 4.2
Donald F. Bradach Elementary Adelanto 1.4 mi 2.1
Vista Verde Elementary Phelan 1.4 mi 3.4
Mojave River Academy - Oro Grande Oro Grande 1.5 mi 7.2
Adelanto High Adelanto 1.9 mi 6.1
Victoria Magathan Elementary Adelanto 2.1 mi 2.9
Morgan Kincaid Preparatory Victorville 2.1 mi 2.8
Mesa Linda Middle Victorville 2.4 mi 2.8
Cobalt Institute of Math and Science Victorville 2.2 mi 8.0
Silverado High Victorville 2.5 mi 5.2
Eagle Ranch Elementary Adelanto 2.8 mi 2.9
Melva Davis Academy of Excellence Victorville 2.9 mi 8.0
Gus Franklin Jr. Victorville 3.1 mi 8.4
Taber Academy Victorville 3.0 mi
West Creek Elementary Victorville 3.1 mi 2.6
University Preparatory Victorville 3.2 mi 7.5
Discovery School of the Arts Victorville 3.4 mi 5.6
Liberty Elementary Victorville 3.5 mi 3.5
Hollyvale Elementary Victorville 3.9 mi 3.1

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

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Allen (Decima M.) Elementary San Bruno, CA 4.5
Anna Hause Elementary Beaumont, CA 4.5
Bandini Elementary City Of Commerce, CA 4.5
Barbara Benson Elementary Tustin, CA 4.5
Barrett Elementary Morgan Hill, CA 4.5
Beckman Elementary Lodi, CA 4.5

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 ranks #7,912 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Desert Trails Preparatory Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Desert Trails Preparatory Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.5 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 Desert Trails Preparatory Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Desert Trails Preparatory Academy has 26% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024) and 40% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024).

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
13 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
28 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

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
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
30.8%

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

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related reading

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.