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Average

#6285 of 9,539 schools in CA

Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad

Middle School · Palmdale Elementary

36555 Sunny Ln., Palmdale, CA 93550

Enrollment

1,020

Student-Teacher

24.9:1

Score

5.6

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#6,285 of 9,539

In Palmdale

#17 of 43

public schools

In district

#14 of 29

Palmdale Elementary

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Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad

5.6/10

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

Joshua Hills Elementary

3.7/10

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

Barrel Springs Elementary

6.2/10

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

About Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad

Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad is a public middle school in Palmdale, CA, part of Palmdale Elementary. Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad serves approximately 1,020 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 24.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.6 out of 10 and ranks #6,285 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad show 18% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 32% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 5.6 · Average
  • District avg 5.8
  • CA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad runs 24.9:1 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 Progress6.4Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-1.33 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics4.5Below Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency11.1% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency28.7% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-23.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-17.2 pts
Overall Proficiency20% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)23% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-3.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile26th
Resources & Environment5.9Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio24.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,861
Chronic Absenteeism15.8%

Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad — Students at Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad score 20% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 23%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

90.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 18.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
33.9% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 32.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
46.6% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 32 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
28%
ELA
41%
2010
Math
26%
ELA
39%
2011
Math
25%
ELA
43%
2012
Math
25%
ELA
36%
2013
Math
54.5%
ELA
44.5%
2014
Math
13%
ELA
27%
2015
Math
13%
ELA
28%
2016
Math
12%
ELA
25%
2017
Math
12%
ELA
30%
2018
Math
13%
ELA
30%
2019
Math
13%
ELA
30%
2022
Math
9.5%
ELA
26.8%
2024
Math
11.1%
ELA
28.6%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 6.4/10.

How Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad Compares

See how Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.6/10
34th percentile in CA
Academic
4.5/10
Below Average
Growth
6.4/10
Average
Environment
5.9/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
91%
Teaching Staff
25:1 student-teacher ratio
41 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
15.8%

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

36555 Sunny Ln., Palmdale, CA 93550

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy (rated 6.3/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy (rated 5.8/10, 2.0 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Palmdale, see our Palmdale schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Joshua Hills Elementary Palmdale 0.6 mi 3.7
Barrel Springs Elementary Palmdale 0.9 mi 6.2
Shepherd Christian School Palmdale 1.1 mi
Desert Rose Elementary Palmdale 1.6 mi 4.7
Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy Palmdale 1.6 mi 6.3
Innovations Academy of Palmdale Palmdale 1.5 mi 6.2
St. Mary Elementary Catholic Palmdale 1.9 mi
Il Giardino Montessori Palmdale 2.0 mi
Palmdale High Palmdale 2.0 mi 3.8
Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy Palmdale 2.0 mi 5.8
Oak Tree Community Day Palmdale 2.3 mi 7.2
Cimarron Elementary Palmdale 1.9 mi 2.9
Palmdale Academy Charter Palmdale 2.2 mi 5.7
Tumbleweed Elementary Palmdale 2.2 mi 5.4
Mesquite Elementary Palmdale 2.2 mi 4.9
Palmdale Aerospace Academy Palmdale 2.4 mi 5.9
Tamarisk Elementary Palmdale 2.7 mi 6.0
Antelope Valley Learning Academy Lancaster 2.4 mi 3.9
Manzanita Elementary Palmdale 2.8 mi 4.4
Yellen Learning Center Palmdale 2.4 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
Cesar Chavez Middle Lynwood, CA 5.6
Kunst (Tommie) Junior High Santa Maria, CA 5.6
Lompoc Valley Middle Lompoc, CA 5.6
Mae Hensley Junior High Ceres, CA 5.6
Mann Middle San Diego, CA 5.6
Mesa View Middle Calimesa, CA 5.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad

What grades does Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad serve?

Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad?

Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad has an enrollment of approximately 1,020 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad?

The student-teacher ratio at Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad is 24.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad rank in CA?

Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad ranks #6,285 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad's MySchoolScout rating?

Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.6 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 Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad has 18% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 32% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad a charter school?

No, Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad a Title I school?

No, Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad?

90.8% of students at Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad 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
8 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
17 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
1,020
Student-Teacher Ratio
24.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
41
Free/Reduced Lunch
90.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Los Angeles County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
15.8%

District

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

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