For the 2025 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 4,073 students in Palm Desert, CA.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Palm Desert, CA are George Washington Charter, James Earl Carter Elementary School and Palm Desert Charter Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Palm Desert, CA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the California public elementary school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 45% statewide average). Elementary schools in Palm Desert have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of California public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public elementary school average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary 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: 60% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%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: 53% | 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 Charter Middle School
Charter School
(Math: 37% | 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: #44.
Ronald Reagan Elementary School
(Math: 37% | 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: #55.
Abraham Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 21% | 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 elementary schools in Palm Desert, CA?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Palm Desert, CA include George Washington Charter, James Earl Carter Elementary School and Palm Desert Charter Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Palm Desert?
5 public elementary schools are located in Palm Desert.
What is the racial composition of students in Palm Desert?
Palm Desert public elementary schools minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public elementary schools average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Palm Desert are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary 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, George Washington Charter vs. Abraham Lincoln Elementary School
Recent Articles

Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.

2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.

Will Single Sex Classrooms Save Public Schools?
Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.