For the 2025-26 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 848 students in Needles, CA (there are , serving 38 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in Needles, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Needles, CA are Needles Community Day, Chemehuevi Valley Elementary School and Vista Colorado Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Needles, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 21% (versus the California public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 27% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Needles have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Needles, CA (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Needles Community Day
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
600 Cibola St.
Needles, CA 92363
(760) 326-3891
Needles, CA 92363
(760) 326-3891
Gr: 6-12 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #22.
Chemehuevi Valley Elementary School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
81 Mill Rd.
Needles, CA 92363
(760) 858-4222
Needles, CA 92363
(760) 858-4222
Gr: K-5 | 33 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #33.
Vista Colorado Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
700 Bailey Ave.
Needles, CA 92363
(760) 326-2167
Needles, CA 92363
(760) 326-2167
Gr: K-5 | 327 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #44.
Needles High School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1600 Washington St.
Needles, CA 92363
(760) 326-2191
Needles, CA 92363
(760) 326-2191
Gr: 9-12 | 267 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #55.
Needles Middle School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
720 Bailey Ave.
Needles, CA 92363
(760) 326-3894
Needles, CA 92363
(760) 326-3894
Gr: 6-8 | 206 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Needles, California Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Educational Training Center (Closed 2024)
Alternative School
1600 Washington St.
Needles, CA 92363
(760) 326-2092
Needles, CA 92363
(760) 326-2092
Gr: 9-12 | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
600 Cibola St
Needles, CA 92363
(760) 326-2177
Needles, CA 92363
(760) 326-2177
Gr: K-1 | 185 students Minority enrollment: 43%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Needles, CA?
The top-ranked public schools in Needles, CA include Needles Community Day, Chemehuevi Valley Elementary School and Vista Colorado Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Needles?
5 public schools are located in Needles.
What percentage of students in Needles go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in Needles are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Needles?
Needles public schools minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
School Vouchers: Updated Pros and Cons (2025 Review)
Comprehensive 2025 analysis of school vouchers, weighing benefits and challenges for families, funding, outcomes, and policy directions.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Homework in 2025
Explore updated 2025 insights on homework鈥檚 benefits, drawbacks, mental health impact, best practices, and policy trends in U.S. public schools.
Charter Schools vs Public Schools 2025: Key Differences & Trends
Explore updated 2025 insights comparing charter schools vs public schools, enrollment, academic outcomes, funding, and real-world examples for families and educators.