Best Palm Desert Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 6,025 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 69% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).