Skip to main content

Needs Improvement

#8829 of 9,539 schools in CA

Desert Winds Continuation High

High School · Antelope Valley Union High

415 East Kettering St., Lancaster, CA 93535

Enrollment

623

Student-Teacher

23.1:1

Score

3.7

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#8,829 of 9,539

In Lancaster

#31 of 47

public schools

In district

#12 of 13

Antelope Valley Union High

Academic growth

8.5 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Desert Winds Continuation High?

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 Winds Continuation High

3.7/10

High School in Lancaster · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Linda Verde Elementary

4.8/10

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

Antelope Valley High

5.1/10

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

About Desert Winds Continuation High

Desert Winds Continuation High is a public high school in Lancaster, CA, part of Antelope Valley Union High. Desert Winds Continuation High serves approximately 623 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 23.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Desert Winds Continuation High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.7 out of 10 and ranks #8,829 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Desert Winds Continuation High show 4% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 12% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.1 pts below district
  • This school 3.7 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 4.8
  • CA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

Test scores at Desert Winds Continuation High sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.

Desert Winds Continuation High runs 23.1:1 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.5Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data9
Annual Change-0.57 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendStable
Academics1.6Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency0.7% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency7.6% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-27.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-48.3 pts
Overall Proficiency4% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)30% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-26.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile2th
College Readiness2.0Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate17%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.9Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio23.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,984

Desert Winds Continuation High — Students at Desert Winds Continuation High score 4% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 30%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

78.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 3.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
31.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 12.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
51.5% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 20 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
12%
ELA
12%
2010
Math
12%
ELA
17%
2011
Math
9%
ELA
11%
2015
Math
0.5%
ELA
13%
2016
Math
0.5%
ELA
13%
2017
Math
0.5%
ELA
9%
2018
Math
0.5%
ELA
16%
2019
Math
0.5%
ELA
16%
2024
Math
0.7%
ELA
7.6%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 8.5/10.

How Desert Winds Continuation High Compares

See how Desert Winds Continuation High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.7/10
8th percentile in CA
Academic
1.6/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
8.5/10
Excellent
Environment
2.9/10
Needs Improvement

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
79%
Teaching Staff
23:1 student-teacher ratio
27 teachers

Location

415 East Kettering St., Lancaster, CA 93535

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Desert Winds Continuation High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Phoenix High Community Day (rated 6.5/10, 0.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Antelope Valley High (rated 5.1/10, 0.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Lancaster, see our Lancaster schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Linda Verde Elementary Lancaster 0.2 mi 4.8
Antelope Valley High Lancaster 0.4 mi 5.1
Piute Middle Lancaster 0.6 mi 4.8
El Dorado Elementary Lancaster 0.7 mi 3.5
Phoenix High Community Day Lancaster 0.7 mi 6.5
EMPOWERED CHURCH INTERNATIONAL/ LEARNING ACADEMY Lancaster 0.8 mi
League of Angels Learning Center Lancaster 0.9 mi
Seton, Inc. Lancaster 1.1 mi
Journey Int'l Cultural STEAM Academy Lancaster 1.2 mi
Life Source International Charter Lancaster 1.2 mi 6.2
Joshua Elementary Lancaster 1.4 mi 2.9
ANTELOPE VALLEY ADVENTIST SCHOOL Lancaster 1.2 mi 3.3
ANTELOPE VALLEY ADVENTIST SCHOOL Lancaster 1.2 mi 6.8
Antelope Valley Adventist School Lancaster 1.2 mi
GRACE LUTHERAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Lancaster 1.4 mi 6.9
Grace Lutheran Elementary Lancaster 1.4 mi
Discovery Lancaster 1.4 mi 3.6
RISE Lancaster 1.5 mi
The Leadership Academy Lancaster 1.5 mi 3.0
Promise Academy Lancster 1.6 mi 6.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 93535 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$65,989

Median Home Value

$336,200

Median Rent

$1,650/mo

Population

80,478

College Educated

14.2%

Homeownership

65%

Avg Commute

33.5 min

Poverty Rate

15.6%

Median Age

31.9

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Aspire Langston Hughes Academy Oakland, CA 3.7
Escuela Popular/Center for Training and Careers Family Lrng San Jose, CA 3.7
Opportunity Youth Academy San Jose, CA 3.8
Options for Youth-San Juan Covina, CA 3.8
Mission Academy Lancaster, CA 3.6
R. Rex Parris High Palmdale, CA 3.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Desert Winds Continuation High

What grades does Desert Winds Continuation High serve?

Desert Winds Continuation High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Desert Winds Continuation High?

Desert Winds Continuation High has an enrollment of approximately 623 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Desert Winds Continuation High?

The student-teacher ratio at Desert Winds Continuation High is 23.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Desert Winds Continuation High rank in CA?

Desert Winds Continuation High ranks #8,829 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Desert Winds Continuation High's MySchoolScout rating?

Desert Winds Continuation High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.7 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 Winds Continuation High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Desert Winds Continuation High has 4% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 12% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Desert Winds Continuation High a charter school?

No, Desert Winds Continuation High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Desert Winds Continuation High a Title I school?

No, Desert Winds Continuation High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Desert Winds Continuation High?

78.5% of students at Desert Winds Continuation High 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
39 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
39 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
623
Student-Teacher Ratio
23.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
27
Free/Reduced Lunch
78.5%
Type
alternative
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Los Angeles County
4-Year Graduation
17.0%

District

Antelope Valley Union High
District Enrollment
21,737
Schools in District
13
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,984
District Rank
#12 of 13

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.