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#7252 of 9,533 schools in CA

Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy

Middle School · Palmdale Elementary

38060 20th St. East, Palmdale, CA 93550

Enrollment

786

Student-Teacher

26.2:1

Score

5.2

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Palmdale

#28 of 43

public schools

California middle schools

#1,092 of 1,349

In district

#19 of 29

Palmdale Elementary

Academic growth

7.8 / 10

Very strong

About Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy

Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy is a public middle school serving grades 6 through 8 in Palmdale, California. With 786 students and 30 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 26.2:1. Located on 20th Street East in a large suburban area, it serves the surrounding Palmdale community.

Academically, the school is currently facing significant challenges. State test results show that only 18% of students are proficient or above in English language arts and reading, while just 7% meet proficiency standards in math. These results place the school in the 10th percentile statewide, with an academic score of 1.7 out of 10 and an overall MySchoolScout rating of 3.0 out of 10.

This indicates the school has considerable room for academic growth and improvement in core subject areas. The magnet academy designation suggests the school may offer specialized programming or thematic curriculum centered around aerospace and exploration topics, though the specific details of these programs are not available. For parents considering this school, it's important to understand these academic performance metrics and to have conversations with school leadership about improvement initiatives and support systems in place for students.

What Parents Should Know

While current test scores at Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.

The student-teacher ratio at Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy is 26.2:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress7.8Very Good40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change-0.17 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendStable
Academics3.1Fair35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency7.3%
Reading/ELA Proficiency17.1%
Math vs. State Avg-27.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-28.8 pts
Overall Proficiency12%
Expected (poverty-adj.)22%
vs. Expected-10.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile13th
Resources & Environment4.0Below Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio26.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,847

Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy — Students at Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy score 12% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 22%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

92%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 7.0%
School
State
33.9%
ELA Proficiency 17.6%
School
State
46.6%

Based on 10 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2019
Math
6%
ELA
20%
2024
Math
7.3%
ELA
17%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 7.8/10.

How Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy Compares

See how Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.2/10
24th percentile in CA
Academic
3.1/10
3.1/10
Growth
7.8/10
Above average
Environment
4.0/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
92%
Teaching Staff
26:1 student-teacher ratio
30 teachers

Location

38060 20th St. East, Palmdale, CA 93550

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy (rated 6.7/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad (rated 5.8/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Palmdale, see our Palmdale schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Palmdale High Palmdale 0.2 mi 5.6
St. Mary Elementary Catholic Palmdale 0.6 mi
Tamarisk Elementary Palmdale 0.7 mi 6.4
Desert Rose Elementary Palmdale 0.8 mi 4.1
Tumbleweed Elementary Palmdale 1.0 mi 5.6
Il Giardino Montessori Palmdale 1.0 mi
Shepherd Christian School Palmdale 1.4 mi
Cactus Medical Health and Technology Magnet Academy Palmdale 1.4 mi 6.7
Palmdale Aerospace Academy Palmdale 1.4 mi 4.5
Oak Tree Community Day Palmdale 1.5 mi 6.1
Manzanita Elementary Palmdale 1.6 mi 6.5
Joshua Hills Elementary Palmdale 1.8 mi 4.2
Desert Willow Fine Arts Sci and Tech Magnet Acad Palmdale 2.0 mi 5.8
R. Rex Parris High Palmdale 1.8 mi 4.5
Palm Tree Elementary Palmdale 1.8 mi 6.6
Palmdale Academy Charter Palmdale 1.9 mi 7.1
Innovations Academy of Palmdale Palmdale 2.1 mi 4.3
Yucca Elementary Palmdale 2.0 mi 3.6
Palmdale Learning Plaza Palmdale 2.1 mi 7.2
Barrel Springs Elementary Palmdale 2.6 mi 7.4

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

Community Profile

The community surrounding Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy has a median household income of $63,811. It is a community where 10% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $378,700, with a median rent of $1,573/month. The area has a poverty rate of 19.7%. The average commute in the area is 42 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Acacia Middle Hemet, CA 5.2
Arden Middle Sacramento, CA 5.2
Canyon Lake Middle Lake Elsinore, CA 5.2
Chalone Peaks Middle King City, CA 5.2
Curtis Middle San Bernardino, CA 5.2
Delta Vista Middle Oakley, CA 5.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy

What grades does Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy serve?

Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy?

Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy has an enrollment of approximately 786 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy is 26.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy rank in CA?

Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy is ranked #7252 out of 9,533 schools in CA.

What is Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy has a composite rating of 5.2 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy has 7.0% math proficiency and 17.6% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy a charter school?

No, Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy a Title I school?

No, Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy?

92.0% of students at Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy 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

City Safety
High (2,441/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Palmdale). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
786
Student-Teacher Ratio
26.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
30
Free/Reduced Lunch
92.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Los Angeles County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Palmdale Elementary
District Enrollment
17,935
Schools in District
29
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,861
District Rank
#19 of 29

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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