For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 6,112 students in Palm Desert, CA (there are 11 private schools, serving 1,962 private students). 76% 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 (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
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
Gr: K-5 | 756 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
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
Gr: K-5 | 517 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
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
Gr: 9-12 | 2,039 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
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
Gr: 6-8 | 1,389 student Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
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
Gr: K-5 | 818 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
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
Gr: K-5 | 593 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
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?
76% 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, George Washington Charter vs. Abraham Lincoln Elementary School