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Below Average

#8469 of 9,539 schools in CA

Yucca Mesa Elementary

Elementary School · Morongo Unified

PO Box 1209, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

Enrollment

389

Student-Teacher

22.9:1

Score

4.1

Grades

Kindergarten – 6th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#8,469 of 9,539

In Twentynine Palms

#9 of 15

public schools

In district

#10 of 16

Morongo Unified

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Yucca Mesa Elementary

4.1/10

Elementary School in Twentynine Palms · grades Kindergarten – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Black Rock Alternative/continuation

5.3/10

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

Custodio Home Academy

Nearby

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

About Yucca Mesa Elementary

Yucca Mesa Elementary is a public elementary school in Twentynine Palms, CA, part of Morongo Unified. Yucca Mesa Elementary serves approximately 389 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-6th, and has a 22.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Yucca Mesa Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.1 out of 10 and ranks #8,469 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Yucca Mesa Elementary show 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 44% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 4.1 · Below Average
  • District avg 4.1
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Yucca Mesa Elementary runs 22.9:1 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.

Yucca Mesa Elementary 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.

37% of students at Yucca Mesa Elementary 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 metrics
Student Progress3.0Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.37 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.7Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency31.1% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency34.1% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-14.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-8.7 pts
Overall Proficiency33% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)38% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-5.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile39th
Resources & Environment4.5Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,247
Chronic Absenteeism36.8%

Yucca Mesa Elementary — Students at Yucca Mesa Elementary score 33% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 38%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

64.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 40.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
38.4% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 43.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
45.4% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 38 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
54%
ELA
47%
2010
Math
62%
ELA
54%
2011
Math
59%
ELA
54%
2012
Math
64%
ELA
64%
2013
Math
69.5%
ELA
90%
2014
Math
37%
ELA
46%
2015
Math
38%
ELA
48%
2016
Math
32%
ELA
49%
2017
Math
38%
ELA
43%
2018
Math
34%
ELA
45%
2019
Math
34%
ELA
45%
2020*
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2021*
Math
25%
ELA
25%
2022
Math
31.8%
ELA
29.7%
2024
Math
31.5%
ELA
33.8%

* 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: 3.0/10.

How Yucca Mesa Elementary Compares

See how Yucca Mesa Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.1/10
11th percentile in CA
Academic
5.7/10
Average
Growth
3.0/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
4.5/10
Below Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
65%
Teaching Staff
23:1 student-teacher ratio
17 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
36.8%

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

PO Box 1209, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Yucca Mesa Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Two Bunch Palms Elementary (rated 5.8/10, 18.3 miles away, in nearby Desert Hot Springs), which scores notably higher. Another option is Friendly Hills Elementary (rated 5.7/10, 5.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Morongo Valley Elementary (rated 5.7/10, 14.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Twentynine Palms, see our Twentynine Palms schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 18.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Black Rock Alternative/Continuation Twentynine Palms 4.5 mi 5.3
CUSTODIO HOME ACADEMY Yucca Valley 4.6 mi
La Contenta Middle Twenty Nine Palms 4.8 mi 4.6
Onaga Elementary Twentynine Palms 5.5 mi 3.6
Joshua Tree Elementary Twentynine Palms 4.9 mi 3.8
Yucca Valley High Twentynine Palms 5.8 mi 5.2
Friendly Hills Elementary Twentynine Palms 5.7 mi 5.7
Landers Elementary Twentynine Palms 5.8 mi 4.9
Kuhlman Academy Yucca Valley 6.4 mi
Joshua Springs Academy Yucca Valley 6.7 mi
Yucca Valley Elementary Twentynine Palms 6.4 mi 4.0
Morongo Valley Elementary Twentynine Palms 14.7 mi 5.7
Bella Vista Elementary Desert Hot Springs 16.2 mi 3.7
Painted Hills Middle Desert Hot Springs 16.3 mi 6.0
Julius Corsini Elementary Desert Hot Springs 17.1 mi 3.0
Cabot Yerxa Elementary Desert Hot Springs 17.2 mi 5.3
Desert Hot Springs High Desert Hot Springs 17.3 mi 7.1
Desert Springs Middle Desert Hot Springs 18.0 mi 4.8
Bubbling Wells Elementary Desert Hot Springs 18.3 mi 4.5
Two Bunch Palms Elementary Desert Hot Springs 18.3 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
Anderson (Alex) Elementary San Jose, CA 4.1
Aspire Summit Charter Academy Oakland, CA 4.1
Berylwood Elementary Simi Valley, CA 4.1
Casa de Oro Elementary La Mesa, CA 4.1
Christine Sipherd Elementary Modesto, CA 4.1
Craig Williams Elementary Bellflower, CA 4.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Yucca Mesa Elementary

What grades does Yucca Mesa Elementary serve?

Yucca Mesa Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 6th.

How many students attend Yucca Mesa Elementary?

Yucca Mesa Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 389 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Yucca Mesa Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Yucca Mesa Elementary is 22.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Yucca Mesa Elementary rank in CA?

Yucca Mesa Elementary ranks #8,469 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Yucca Mesa Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Yucca Mesa Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.1 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 Yucca Mesa Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Yucca Mesa Elementary has 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 44% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Yucca Mesa Elementary a charter school?

No, Yucca Mesa Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Yucca Mesa Elementary a Title I school?

No, Yucca Mesa Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Yucca Mesa Elementary?

64.5% of students at Yucca Mesa 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
3 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
24 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 6th
Enrollment
389
Student-Teacher Ratio
22.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
17
Free/Reduced Lunch
64.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
San Bernardino County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
36.8%

District

Morongo Unified
District Enrollment
7,359
Schools in District
17
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,247
District Rank
#10 of 16

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