La Quinta High School is one of six public high schools, grades 9-12, in the Desert Sands Unified School District. It is located in La Quinta, California. The school was a California Distinguished Schools award winner in 1999, 2003 and 2011.
Serving 2,488 students in grades 9-12, La Quinta High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 24% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 47% (which is equal to the California state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 26:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,488 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 26:1
- Minority Enrollment: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 95% (Top 30% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 47% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 29% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
La Quinta High School's student population of 2,488 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 97 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,488 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
97 teachers
Year Founded
1994
Colors
Navy Blue, Burgundy
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Motto
The Blackhawk Way
School Rankings
La Quinta High School ranks within the top 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of La Quinta High School is 0.40, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#4689 out of 9523 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
26:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
3%
12%
Hispanic
76%
56%
Black
1%
5%
White
17%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
95%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
56%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
17%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Edp 445
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is La Quinta High School's ranking?
La Quinta High School is ranked #4689 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are La Quinta High School often compared to?
La Quinta High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Palm Desert High School, Coachella Valley High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 47% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of La Quinta High School?
The graduation rate of La Quinta High School is 95%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend La Quinta High School?
2,488 students attend La Quinta High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
76% of La Quinta High School students are Hispanic, 17% of students are White, 3% of students are Asian, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of La Quinta High School?
La Quinta High School has a student ration of 26:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does La Quinta High School offer ?
La Quinta High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is La Quinta High School part of?
La Quinta High School is part of Desert Sands Unified School District.
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