Top Rankings
Needles Unified School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in California for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Most diverse schools (Top 1%)
For the 2025-26 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 291 students in Needles Unified School District. This district's average middle testing ranking is 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public middle schools in California.
Public Middle Schools in Needles Unified School District have an average math proficiency score of 19% (versus the California public middle school average of 32%), and reading proficiency score of 22% (versus the 46% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public middle school average of 78% (majority Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (CA)
# Schools
6 Schools
3,495 Schools
# Students
918 Students
1,852,730 Students
# Teachers
49 Teachers
87,758 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
19:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Needles Unified School District, which is ranked #1458 of all 1,908 school districts in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 95% has increased from 85-89% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#1416 out of 1932 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
22%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
29%
Graduation Rate
(21-22)≥95%
87%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.69
0.64
% American Indian
12%
1%
% Asian
1%
11%
% Hispanic
35%
55%
% Black
4%
5%
% White
43%
22%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $25,862 is higher than the state median of $19,979. The school district revenue/student has grown by 5% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $20,278 is higher than the state median of $18,400. The school district spending/student has grown by 5% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$24 MM
$116,387 MM
Spending
$19 MM
$107,188 MM
Revenue / Student
$25,862
$19,979
Spending / Student
$20,278
$18,400
Best Needles Unified School District Public Middle Schools (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.
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%
Rank: n/an/a
149123 New North Rd.
Earp, CA 92242
(760) 326-3891
Earp, CA 92242
(760) 326-3891
Gr: K-8 | 70 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Recent Articles
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.
Are Public Schools Ready for the 21st Century? 2025 Update
Explore 2025 insights on whether public schools are ready for the 21st century, covering performance, technology, equity, funding, and future-ready learning.
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide
A parent-focused guide to the public school open house and enrollment season, with expert questions, timelines, and decision tips.
