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Needs Improvement

#8746 of 9,539 schools in CA

Palmdale High

High School · Antelope Valley Union High

2137 East Avenue R, Palmdale, CA 93550

Enrollment

2,358

Student-Teacher

22.7:1

Score

3.8

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#8,746 of 9,539

In Palmdale

#34 of 43

public schools

In district

#10 of 13

Antelope Valley Union High

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Palmdale High

3.8/10

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

Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy

5.8/10

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

Desert Rose Elementary

4.7/10

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

About Palmdale High

Palmdale High is a public high school in Palmdale, CA, part of Antelope Valley Union High. Palmdale High serves approximately 2,358 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 22.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Palmdale High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.8 out of 10 and ranks #8,746 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Palmdale High show 18% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 37% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.0 pts below district
  • This school 3.8 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 4.8
  • CA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

Palmdale High is a large school: 2,358 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.

Palmdale High runs 22.7:1 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.

37% of students at Palmdale High 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress3.6Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-2.17 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics3.3Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency5.2% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency31.2% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-22.8 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-24.7 pts
Overall Proficiency18% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)33% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-14.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile14th
College Readiness4.4Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate71%
AP Participation19.9%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment4.0Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,984
Chronic Absenteeism37.4%

Palmdale High — Students at Palmdale High score 18% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

73.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 18.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
31.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 37.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
51.5% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 26 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
34%
ELA
44%
2010
Math
37%
ELA
48%
2011
Math
37%
ELA
40%
2012
Math
38%
ELA
46%
2013
Math
38%
ELA
41%
2014
Math
13%
ELA
42%
2015
Math
8%
ELA
39%
2016
Math
6%
ELA
37%
2017
Math
6%
ELA
28%
2018
Math
6%
ELA
28%
2019
Math
6%
ELA
28%
2024
Math
5.3%
ELA
31.2%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.6/10.

How Palmdale High Compares

See how Palmdale High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.8/10
8th percentile in CA
Academic
3.3/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
3.6/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
4.0/10
Below Average
AP Courses
3
State avg: 2.6
Sports
19
10 boys' · 9 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
74%
Teaching Staff
23:1 student-teacher ratio
104 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
37.4%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
19.9% participation·State avg: 2.6 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics19sports offered
10 boys'·9 girls'·32 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

2137 East Avenue R, Palmdale, CA 93550

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Palmdale High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Oak Tree Community Day (rated 7.2/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy (rated 6.3/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Innovations Academy of Palmdale (rated 6.2/10, 1.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Palmdale, see our Palmdale schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy Palmdale 0.2 mi 5.8
Desert Rose Elementary Palmdale 0.6 mi 4.7
Tamarisk Elementary Palmdale 0.7 mi 6.0
Il Giardino Montessori Palmdale 0.8 mi
St. Mary Elementary Catholic Palmdale 0.8 mi
Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy Palmdale 1.2 mi 6.3
Palmdale Aerospace Academy Palmdale 1.2 mi 5.9
Tumbleweed Elementary Palmdale 1.2 mi 5.4
Oak Tree Community Day Palmdale 1.3 mi 7.2
Manzanita Elementary Palmdale 1.3 mi 4.4
Shepherd Christian School Palmdale 1.5 mi
Joshua Hills Elementary Palmdale 1.7 mi 3.7
Palmdale Academy Charter Palmdale 1.6 mi 5.7
Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad Palmdale 2.0 mi 5.6
Innovations Academy of Palmdale Palmdale 1.9 mi 6.2
R. Rex Parris High Palmdale 2.0 mi 3.6
Palm Tree Elementary Palmdale 2.0 mi 4.8
Mesquite Elementary Palmdale 2.2 mi 4.9
Barrel Springs Elementary Palmdale 2.5 mi 6.2
Yucca Elementary Palmdale 2.3 mi 4.7

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

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
BELLARMINE COLLEGE PREPARATORY San Jose, CA 3.8
Lancaster High Lancaster, CA 3.8
Assurance Learning Academy Lancaster, CA 3.7
Alta Vista Innovation High Hesperia, CA 3.9
Highland High Palmdale, CA 3.9
Options for Youth-Acton Covina, CA 3.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Palmdale High

What grades does Palmdale High serve?

Palmdale High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Palmdale High?

Palmdale High has an enrollment of approximately 2,358 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Palmdale High?

The student-teacher ratio at Palmdale High is 22.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Palmdale High rank in CA?

Palmdale High ranks #8,746 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Palmdale High's MySchoolScout rating?

Palmdale High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.8 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 Palmdale High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Palmdale High has 18% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 37% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Palmdale High a charter school?

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

Is Palmdale High a Title I school?

No, Palmdale High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Palmdale High?

73.8% of students at Palmdale 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
40 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,358
Student-Teacher Ratio
22.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
104
Free/Reduced Lunch
73.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Los Angeles County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
37.4%
4-Year Graduation
71.0%

District

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

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