Serving 358 students in grades Kindergarten-6, Desert Garden Elementary School 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 28% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 358 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 28% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Desert Garden Elementary School's student population of 358 students has declined by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 16 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-6
Total Students
358 students
Total Classroom Teachers
16 teachers
Year Founded
1961
Colors
Blue and Gold
School Calendar
School Motto
Together, we will succeed!
School Rankings
Desert Garden Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desert Garden Elementary School is 0.04, 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
#5453 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
21:1
Hispanic
98%
56%
Black
1%
5%
Two or more races
1%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
72%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Garden Elementary School's ranking?
Desert Garden Elementary School is ranked #5453 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Desert Garden Elementary School often compared to?
Desert Garden Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Harding Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
28% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 35% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Desert Garden Elementary School?
358 students attend Desert Garden Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
98% of Desert Garden Elementary School students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desert Garden Elementary School?
Desert Garden Elementary School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Desert Garden Elementary School offer ?
Desert Garden Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-6
What school district is Desert Garden Elementary School part of?
Desert Garden Elementary School is part of El Centro Elementary School District.
School Reviews
Review Desert Garden Elementary School. 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
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.
