Below Average
#7859 of 9,539 schools in CA
La Contenta Middle
Middle School · Morongo Unified
PO Box 1209, Twenty Nine Palms, CA 92277
Enrollment
645
Student-Teacher
18.4:1
Score
4.6
Grades
7th – 8th
Enrollment
645
Student-Teacher
18.4:1
Score
4.6
Grades
7th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
California schools
#7,859 of 9,539
In district
#8 of 16
Morongo Unified
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La Contenta Middle
Middle School in Twenty Nine Palms · grades 7th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Black Rock Alternative/continuation
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Onaga Elementary
1.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About La Contenta Middle
La Contenta Middle is a public middle school in Twenty Nine Palms, CA, part of Morongo Unified. La Contenta Middle serves approximately 645 students, and covers grades 7th-8th, and has a 18.4:1 student-teacher ratio. La Contenta Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.6 out of 10 and ranks #7,859 of 9,539 schools in CA.
Structured state assessment records for La Contenta Middle show 29% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 43% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 4.6 · Below Average
- District avg 4.8
- CA avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
La Contenta Middle sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
49% of students at La Contenta Middle were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
La Contenta Middle — Students at La Contenta Middle score 25% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 34%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
71.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 34 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 3.4/10.
How La Contenta Middle Compares
See how La Contenta Middle 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
PO Box 1209, Twenty Nine Palms, CA 92277
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering La Contenta Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Painted Hills Middle (rated 6.0/10, 12.9 miles away, in nearby Desert Hot Springs), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Desert Springs Middle (rated 4.8/10, 14.2 miles away, in nearby Desert Hot Springs), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Twenty Nine Palms, see our Twenty Nine Palms schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 14.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Black Rock Alternative/Continuation Twentynine Palms | 0.3 mi | 5.3 |
| Onaga Elementary Twentynine Palms | 1.7 mi | 3.6 |
| Friendly Hills Elementary Twentynine Palms | 2.0 mi | 5.7 |
| Kuhlman Academy Yucca Valley | 2.5 mi | — |
| Joshua Springs Academy Yucca Valley | 3.0 mi | — |
| CUSTODIO HOME ACADEMY Yucca Valley | 2.9 mi | — |
| Yucca Valley High Twentynine Palms | 3.2 mi | 5.2 |
| Yucca Mesa Elementary Twentynine Palms | 4.8 mi | 4.1 |
| Joshua Tree Elementary Twentynine Palms | 4.5 mi | 3.8 |
| Yucca Valley Elementary Twentynine Palms | 4.6 mi | 4.0 |
| Landers Elementary Twentynine Palms | 10.5 mi | 4.9 |
| Julius Corsini Elementary Desert Hot Springs | 13.0 mi | 3.0 |
| Bella Vista Elementary Desert Hot Springs | 12.8 mi | 3.7 |
| Painted Hills Middle Desert Hot Springs | 12.9 mi | 6.0 |
| Cabot Yerxa Elementary Desert Hot Springs | 13.4 mi | 5.3 |
| Desert Hot Springs High Desert Hot Springs | 13.8 mi | 7.1 |
| Desert Springs Middle Desert Hot Springs | 14.2 mi | 4.8 |
| Bubbling Wells Elementary Desert Hot Springs | 14.4 mi | 4.5 |
| Morongo Valley Elementary Twentynine Palms | 13.1 mi | 5.7 |
| Two Bunch Palms Elementary Desert Hot Springs | 14.6 mi | 5.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 92277 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$55,515
Median Home Value
$224,300
Median Rent
$1,267/mo
Population
27,742
College Educated
25%
Homeownership
42.4%
Avg Commute
18.9 min
Poverty Rate
16.6%
Median Age
27.4
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Castle Park Middle Chula Vista, CA | 4.6 |
| Central Middle Riverside, CA | 4.6 |
| Cesar E. Chavez Middle Watsonville, CA | 4.6 |
| Compton Junior High Bakersfield, CA | 4.6 |
| Delta Sierra Middle Stockton, CA | 4.6 |
| Equitas Academy 4 Los Angeles, CA | 4.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about La Contenta Middle
What grades does La Contenta Middle serve?
La Contenta Middle serves students in grades 7th through 8th.
How many students attend La Contenta Middle?
La Contenta Middle has an enrollment of approximately 645 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at La Contenta Middle?
The student-teacher ratio at La Contenta Middle is 18.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does La Contenta Middle rank in CA?
La Contenta Middle ranks #7,859 of 9,539 schools in CA.
What is La Contenta Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
La Contenta Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.6 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 La Contenta Middle?
Based on loaded state assessment records, La Contenta Middle has 29% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 43% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is La Contenta Middle a charter school?
No, La Contenta Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is La Contenta Middle a Title I school?
No, La Contenta Middle is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for La Contenta Middle?
71.9% of students at La Contenta Middle qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
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Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 7th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 645
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 35
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 71.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- San Bernardino County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 49.1%
- Phone
- (760) 228-1802
Resources & Links
District
Morongo Unified- District Enrollment
- 7,359
- Schools in District
- 17
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,247
- District Rank
- #8 of 16
How we rate schools
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