For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 6,112 students in Palm Desert, CA (there are , serving 1,812 private students). 77% of all K-12 students in Palm Desert, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in Palm Desert, CA are George Washington Charter, James Earl Carter Elementary School and Palm Desert High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Palm Desert, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the California public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Palm Desert have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Palm Desert, CA (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
George Washington Charter
Charter School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
45-768 Portola Ave.
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 862-4350
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 862-4350
Grades: K-5
| 756 students
Rank: #22.
James Earl Carter Elementary School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
74-251 Hovley Ln. East
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 862-4370
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 862-4370
Grades: K-5
| 517 students
Rank: #33.
Palm Desert High School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
74-910 Aztec Rd.
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 862-4300
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 862-4300
Grades: 9-12
| 2,039 students
Rank: #44.
Palm Desert Charter Middle School
Charter School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
74-200 Rutledge Way
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 862-4320
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 862-4320
Grades: 6-8
| 1,389 students
Rank: #55.
Ronald Reagan Elementary School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
39-800 Liberty Dr.
Palm Desert, CA 92211
(760) 772-0456
Palm Desert, CA 92211
(760) 772-0456
Grades: K-5
| 818 students
Rank: #66.
Abraham Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
74-100 Rutledge Way
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 862-4340
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 862-4340
Grades: K-5
| 593 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Palm Desert, CA?
The top ranked public schools in Palm Desert, CA include George Washington Charter, James Earl Carter Elementary School and Palm Desert High School.
How many public schools are located in Palm Desert?
6 public schools are located in Palm Desert.
What percentage of students in Palm Desert go to public school?
77% of all K-12 students in Palm Desert are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Palm Desert?
Palm Desert public schools minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Palm Desert are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Palm Desert include: Abraham Lincoln Elementary School vs. James Earl Carter Elementary School, James Earl Carter Elementary School vs. Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School vs. George Washington Charter
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.