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#7094 of 9,539 schools in CA

Gerald R. Ford Elementary

Elementary School · Desert Sands Unified

44-210 Warner Trail, Indian Wells, CA 92210

Enrollment

615

Student-Teacher

24.6:1

Score

5.1

Grades

Kindergarten – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#7,094 of 9,539

In district

#14 of 33

Desert Sands Unified

Equity

9.3 / 10

Excellent

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Gerald R. Ford Elementary

5.1/10

Elementary School in Indian Wells · grades Kindergarten – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Colonel Mitchell Paige Middle

3.0/10

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

Tot Stop Preschool

Nearby

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

About Gerald R. Ford Elementary

Gerald R. Ford Elementary is a public elementary school in Indian Wells, CA, part of Desert Sands Unified. Gerald R.

Ford Elementary serves approximately 615 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 24.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Gerald R. Ford Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 out of 10 and ranks #7,094 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Gerald R. Ford Elementary show 59% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 62% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.6 pts above district
  • This school 5.1 · Average
  • District avg 4.5
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Gerald R. Ford Elementary runs 24.6:1 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 Progress3.1Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-2.33 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics9.2Excellent30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency56.5% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency63.6% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg+10.8 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+20.8 pts
Overall Proficiency60% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)39% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected+21.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile88th
Resources & Environment4.2Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio24.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,070
Chronic Absenteeism27.6%

Gerald R. Ford Elementary — Students at Gerald R. Ford Elementary score 60% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 39%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

63.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 59.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
39.4% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 61.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
45.3% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 34 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
84%
ELA
70%
2010
Math
86%
ELA
75%
2011
Math
85%
ELA
80%
2012
Math
86%
ELA
76%
2014
Math
57%
ELA
63%
2015
Math
54%
ELA
60%
2016
Math
55%
ELA
60%
2017
Math
59%
ELA
67%
2018
Math
61%
ELA
69%
2019
Math
61%
ELA
69%
2020*
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2021*
Math
25%
ELA
25%
2022
Math
47.3%
ELA
55.6%
2024
Math
56%
ELA
63.1%

* 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 Gerald R. Ford Elementary Compares

See how Gerald R. Ford Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.1/10
26th percentile in CA
Academic
9.2/10
Excellent
Growth
3.1/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
4.2/10
Below Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
64%
Teaching Staff
25:1 student-teacher ratio
25 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
27.6%

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

44-210 Warner Trail, Indian Wells, CA 92210

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Gerald R. Ford Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. James Monroe Elementary (rated 8.1/10, 1.3 miles away, in nearby Bermuda Dunes), which scores notably higher. Another option is Ronald Reagan Elementary (rated 5.7/10, 2.2 miles away, in nearby Palm Desert), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, PALM DESERT LEARNING TREE CENTER (rated 5.4/10, 0.8 miles away, in nearby Palm Desert), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Indian Wells, see our Indian Wells schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Colonel Mitchell Paige Middle La Quinta 0.6 mi 3.0
TOT STOP PRESCHOOL Palm Desert 0.8 mi
Palm Desert Learning Tree Center Palm Desert 0.8 mi
PALM DESERT LEARNING TREE CENTER Palm Desert 0.8 mi 5.4
Horizon La Quinta 0.8 mi 6.6
Summit High (Continuation) La Quinta 0.8 mi 5.7
James Monroe Elementary Bermuda Dunes 1.3 mi 8.1
DESERT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Bermuda Dunes 1.9 mi 3.9
Ronald Reagan Elementary Palm Desert 2.2 mi 5.7
La Quinta High La Quinta 2.1 mi 6.0
Amelia Earhart Elementary School of International Studies Indio 2.1 mi 4.7
Head2Heart Scholars Palm Desert 2.5 mi
John Glenn Middle School of International Studies Indio 2.2 mi 4.1
La Quinta Middle La Quinta 3.1 mi 5.5
Palm Desert High Palm Desert 2.7 mi 6.9
Harry S. Truman Elementary La Quinta 3.2 mi 4.0
Benjamin Franklin Elementary La Quinta 3.4 mi 4.2
Coachella Valley Arts Institute Palm Desert 3.0 mi
LA QUINTA CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP La Quinta 3.5 mi
Brilliant Microschool Indio 3.0 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 92210 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$145,313

Median Home Value

$1,002,200

Median Rent

$1,029/mo

Population

4,830

College Educated

59.3%

Homeownership

77.3%

Poverty Rate

3.9%

Median Age

67.5

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Ada Givens Elementary Merced, CA 5.1
Addams Elementary Fresno, CA 5.1
Alcott Elementary Riverside, CA 5.1
Allan Orrenmaa Elementary Riverside, CA 5.1
Alta Vista Elementary Porterville, CA 5.1
Antelope Meadows Elementary Antelope, CA 5.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Gerald R. Ford Elementary

What grades does Gerald R. Ford Elementary serve?

Gerald R. Ford Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.

How many students attend Gerald R. Ford Elementary?

Gerald R. Ford Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 615 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Gerald R. Ford Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Gerald R. Ford Elementary is 24.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Gerald R. Ford Elementary rank in CA?

Gerald R. Ford Elementary ranks #7,094 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Gerald R. Ford Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Gerald R. Ford Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 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 Gerald R. Ford Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Gerald R. Ford Elementary has 59% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 62% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Gerald R. Ford Elementary a charter school?

No, Gerald R. Ford Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Gerald R. Ford Elementary a Title I school?

No, Gerald R. Ford Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Gerald R. Ford Elementary?

63.6% of students at Gerald R. Ford Elementary 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
23 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
27 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
615
Student-Teacher Ratio
24.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
25
Free/Reduced Lunch
63.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Riverside County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
27.6%

District

Desert Sands Unified
District Enrollment
25,898
Schools in District
35
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,070
District Rank
#14 of 33

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