Average
#4289 of 9,539 schools in CA
Top 45% in state
Horizon
School · Desert Sands Unified
43-330 Palm Royale Dr., La Quinta, CA 92253
Enrollment
356
Student-Teacher
20.9:1
Score
6.6
Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
356
Student-Teacher
20.9:1
Score
6.6
Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
California schools
#4,289 of 9,539
In La Quinta
#1 of 7
public schools
In district
#5 of 33
Desert Sands Unified
Academic growth
9.5 / 10
Excellent
Shortlisting around Horizon?
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.
Horizon
School in La Quinta · grades Kindergarten – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Summit High (continuation)
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Colonel Mitchell Paige Middle
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Horizon
Horizon is a public school in La Quinta, CA, part of Desert Sands Unified. Horizon serves approximately 356 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-12th, and has a 20.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Horizon has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.6 out of 10 and ranks #4,289 of 9,539 schools in CA.
Structured state assessment records for Horizon show 19% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 42% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 6.6 · Average
- District avg 4.8
- CA avg 6.3
What Parents Should Know
Horizon runs 20.9:1 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 · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Horizon — Students at Horizon score 26% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 28%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
83.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 36 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 9.5/10.
How Horizon Compares
See how Horizon performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
43-330 Palm Royale Dr., La Quinta, CA 92253
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Horizon may also want to explore other schools in the area. James Monroe Elementary (rated 8.1/10, 0.6 miles away, in nearby Bermuda Dunes), which scores notably higher. Another option is La Quinta High (rated 6.0/10, 1.8 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Summit High (Continuation) (rated 5.7/10), with a comparable rating. For more schools in La Quinta, see our La Quinta schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Summit High (Continuation) La Quinta | 0.0 mi | 5.7 |
| Colonel Mitchell Paige Middle La Quinta | 0.1 mi | 3.0 |
| TOT STOP PRESCHOOL Palm Desert | 0.4 mi | — |
| Palm Desert Learning Tree Center Palm Desert | 0.5 mi | — |
| PALM DESERT LEARNING TREE CENTER Palm Desert | 0.5 mi | 5.4 |
| James Monroe Elementary Bermuda Dunes | 0.6 mi | 8.1 |
| Gerald R. Ford Elementary Indian Wells | 0.8 mi | 5.1 |
| DESERT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Bermuda Dunes | 1.4 mi | 3.9 |
| Amelia Earhart Elementary School of International Studies Indio | 1.7 mi | 4.7 |
| La Quinta High La Quinta | 1.8 mi | 6.0 |
| John Glenn Middle School of International Studies Indio | 1.7 mi | 4.1 |
| Head2Heart Scholars Palm Desert | 2.0 mi | — |
| Ronald Reagan Elementary Palm Desert | 2.0 mi | 5.7 |
| Desert Ridge Academy Indio | 2.6 mi | 4.0 |
| Brilliant Microschool Indio | 2.4 mi | — |
| Shadow Hills High Indio | 2.8 mi | 5.4 |
| La Quinta Middle La Quinta | 3.2 mi | 5.5 |
| Carrillo Ranch Elementary Indio | 2.7 mi | 3.7 |
| Harry S. Truman Elementary La Quinta | 3.3 mi | 4.0 |
| James Madison Elementary Indio | 3.0 mi | 3.2 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 92253 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$97,397
Median Home Value
$612,800
Median Rent
$1,741/mo
Population
38,281
College Educated
38.9%
Homeownership
74.8%
Avg Commute
26.3 min
Poverty Rate
9.1%
Median Age
52.1
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| HILLCREST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Thousand Oaks, CA | 6.6 |
| Horizons School: Independent Study Pleasant Hill, CA | 6.6 |
| Mountain Oaks San Andreas, CA | 6.6 |
| PROVIDENCE SCHOOL Santa Barbara, CA | 6.6 |
| SUMMERFIELD WALDORF SCHOOL AND FARM Santa Rosa, CA | 6.6 |
| SOUTHLANDS CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS Rowland Heights, CA | 6.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Horizon
What grades does Horizon serve?
Horizon serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.
How many students attend Horizon?
Horizon has an enrollment of approximately 356 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Horizon?
The student-teacher ratio at Horizon is 20.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Horizon rank in CA?
Horizon ranks #4,289 of 9,539 schools in CA.
What is Horizon's MySchoolScout rating?
Horizon has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.6 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 Horizon?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Horizon has 19% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 42% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Horizon a charter school?
No, Horizon is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Horizon a Title I school?
No, Horizon is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Horizon?
83.1% of students at Horizon 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 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 12th
- Enrollment
- 356
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 20.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 17
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 83.1%
- Type
- alternative
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Riverside County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 23.9%
- Phone
- (760) 238-9720
- 4-Year Graduation
- 84.5%
Resources & Links
District
Desert Sands Unified- District Enrollment
- 25,898
- Schools in District
- 35
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,070
- District Rank
- #5 of 33
Other Schools in This District
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 rateRelated reading
- Best Elementary Schools in America: 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Public Schools in California 2026: Top-Ranked Elementary, Middle & High Schoolsbest schools
- Best School Districts to Move To in 2026: A Data-Driven Guidebest schools
- Best Schools in Los Angeles, CA — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Schools in San Diego, CA — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
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.