Serving 378 students in grades Kindergarten-12, Desert Learning Academy ranks in the bottom 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 18% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is lower 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)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 378 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 75-79% (Btm 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 18% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Desert Learning Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Desert Learning Academy's student population of 378 students has grown by 73% over five school years.
The teacher population of 21 teachers has grown by 61% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
Total Students
378 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
School Rankings
Desert Learning Academy ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,602 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desert Learning Academy is 0.48, 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
#5969 out of 9602 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(22-23)18%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
21:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
2%
12%
Hispanic
70%
56%
Black
7%
5%
White
17%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(22-23)75-79%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
91%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Learning Academy's ranking?
Desert Learning Academy is ranked #5969 out of 9,602 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
18% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 40% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Desert Learning Academy?
The graduation rate of Desert Learning Academy is 75-79%, which is lower than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Desert Learning Academy?
378 students attend Desert Learning Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
70% of Desert Learning Academy students are Hispanic, 17% of students are White, 7% of students are Black, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Desert Learning Academy?
Desert Learning Academy has a student ration of 18:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Desert Learning Academy offer ?
Desert Learning Academy offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-12
What school district is Desert Learning Academy part of?
Desert Learning Academy is part of Palm Springs Unified School District.
School Calendar
View the Desert Learning Academy below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
First Day of School
August 06, 2025 (Wednesday)
Last Day of School
June 05, 2026 (Friday)
School Reviews
Review Desert Learning Academy. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Understanding Self-Contained Classrooms in Public Schools
Learn about the history of public schools incorporating self-contained classrooms, and whether they are right for your child.
Can Naviance Succeed Improve College and Career Readiness?
Learn about a new student assessment system, Naviance Succeed, which provides tools and support to increase student college and career readiness. A number of school districts are using the tool this year in hopes of improving student performance through more accurate assessment process than are currently available.
Do You Need After School Day Care? Public Schools May Be the Solution
Learn about how your child's public school may be the best source of after school and vacation day care.
