Average
#6076 of 9,533 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
5.8
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
1,020
Student-Teacher
24.9:1
Score
5.8
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Palmdale
#18 of 43
public schools
California middle schools
#887 of 1,349
In district
#12 of 29
Palmdale Elementary
Academic growth
7.5 / 10
Very strong
About Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad
Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Academy serves 1,020 middle school students in grades 6-8 in Palmdale, California. As a magnet school focusing on fine arts, science, and technology, it operates with 41 full-time equivalent teachers, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 24.9:1. The school is working to strengthen academic outcomes, with 29% of students demonstrating proficiency in English Language Arts and 11% in mathematics.
These results place Desert Willow in the lower performance range statewide, ranking in the 10th percentile among California middle schools, indicating significant room for academic growth as the school develops its specialized programs. The school draws from a diverse community where the median household income is $61,394 and nearly one in five families faces economic challenges. The surrounding neighborhood has a college graduation rate of 9%, suggesting Desert Willow plays an important role in expanding educational opportunities for local students through its arts, science, and technology focus.
Located on Sunny Lane in Palmdale, Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Academy sits within Los Angeles County's large suburban landscape, serving families in a growing community where the median home value reaches $345,200.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad is 24.9:1, 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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
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%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
90.8%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 10 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 7.5/10.
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.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 13% (2019) to 11.05% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 30% (2019) to 28.68% (2024).
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 6.7/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy (rated 5.2/10, 2.0 miles away), with a comparable 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 | 4.2 |
| Barrel Springs Elementary Palmdale | 0.9 mi | 7.4 |
| Shepherd Christian School Palmdale | 1.1 mi | — |
| Desert Rose Elementary Palmdale | 1.6 mi | 4.1 |
| Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy Palmdale | 1.6 mi | 6.7 |
| Innovations Academy of Palmdale Palmdale | 1.5 mi | 4.3 |
| St. Mary Elementary Catholic Palmdale | 1.9 mi | — |
| Il Giardino Montessori Palmdale | 2.0 mi | — |
| Palmdale High Palmdale | 2.0 mi | 5.6 |
| Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy Palmdale | 2.0 mi | 5.2 |
| Oak Tree Community Day Palmdale | 2.3 mi | 6.1 |
| Cimarron Elementary Palmdale | 1.9 mi | 2.9 |
| Palmdale Academy Charter Palmdale | 2.2 mi | 7.1 |
| Tumbleweed Elementary Palmdale | 2.2 mi | 5.6 |
| Mesquite Elementary Palmdale | 2.2 mi | 4.2 |
| Palmdale Aerospace Academy Palmdale | 2.4 mi | 4.5 |
| Tamarisk Elementary Palmdale | 2.7 mi | 6.4 |
| Antelope Valley Learning Academy Lancaster | 2.4 mi | 3.8 |
| Manzanita Elementary Palmdale | 2.8 mi | 6.5 |
| Yellen Learning Center Palmdale | 2.4 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 Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad 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 |
|---|---|
| Colton Middle Colton, CA | 5.8 |
| Cope Middle Redlands, CA | 5.8 |
| Creekside Middle Patterson, CA | 5.8 |
| Ethel Dwyer Middle Huntington Beach, CA | 5.8 |
| Lodi Middle Lodi, CA | 5.8 |
| Lorbeer Middle Diamond Bar, CA | 5.8 |
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 is ranked #6076 out of 9,533 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 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 Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad has 11.5% math proficiency and 28.9% reading/ELA proficiency.
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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Palmdale). Data >1 year old.
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
- Phone
- (661) 285-5866
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Palmdale Elementary- District Enrollment
- 17,935
- Schools in District
- 29
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,861
- District Rank
- #12 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.
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