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School District

Desert Sands Unified School District

  • B-
    Overall Grade
  • La Quinta, CA
  • 54 reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Academics
    B-
  2. Diversity
    A-
  3. Teachers
    B
  4. College Prep
    B+
  5. Clubs & Activities
    B-
  6. Health & Safety
    B
  7. Administration
    B
  8. Sports
    B+
  9. Food
    B-
  10. Resources & Facilities
    B-
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Desert Sands Unified School District is a public school district located in La Quinta, CA. It has 28,719 students in grades K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 27 to 1. According to state test scores, 33% of students are at least proficient in math and 49% in reading.
Address
47-950 Dune Palms Rd.
La Quinta, CA 92253
Telephone
(760) 777-4200
Website
dsusd.us

Desert Sands Unified School District Rankings

Niche ranks nearly 100,000 schools and districts based on statistics and millions of opinions from students and parents.
  • Elementary
  • Middle
  • High

Academics

Percent Proficient - Reading
49%
Percent Proficient - Math
33%
Average Graduation Rate
91%
Average SAT
1090
1,067 responses
Average ACT
24
267 responses
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Students

Diversity
A-
Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.
Students
28,719
Free or Reduced Lunch
65.6%
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Teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio
27:1
National
17:1
Average Teacher Salary
$85,754
Teachers in First/Second Year
9.5%

Finances

Total Expenses
$326,952,000
Expenses Per Student
$11,741/ student
National
$12,239
Education Expenses
  • Instruction
    61%
  • Support Services
    35%
  • Other
    4%

Desert Sands Unified School District Reviews

54 reviews
All Categories
Desert Sands Unified is an amazing district, consisting of IB schools, which I was able to attend elementary, middle and now High school level, our district scores are the best in the Coachella Valley, and in my opinion I think it’s due to the various school programs the diversity in academic learning, my teachers have been amazing part of my growth, so much so I joined my ASB student council middle school year and have given back to my community through volunteering. There have always been so many options with clubs to join , such as key club, Christian club, ASB, cheer, volunteering, culinary classes! So many those are just a few. I’ve found that I’ve always had options in each of my schools, and it helped me grow and find what I am really passionate about.
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DSUSD offers all students many opportunities to participate in programs geared towards a college degree. In my case, AVID classes were offered at our middle school( Colonel Mitchell Paige ). I applied and started my college path in 6th grade. After successfully completing my 3 years at Colonel Paige middle school, I applied as a freshman for La Quinta High School's International Baccalaureate program. I was accepted. I will be graduating in June of 2019 with honors and with a STEM education. My major will be in AEROSPACE ENGINEERING. My family and I are grateful and appreciative to Desert Sand's teachers,principals ,counselors ,support staff , board members and superintendent who continue to serve and provide opportunities and resources to all students and families. Thank you!!!
I have been in the Desert Sands Unified School District ever since my first day of kindergarten at James Monroe Elementary. Throughout my schooling, I've had a very pleasant experience (other than maybe when Michelle Obama's nutrition act took away Wentzel Pretzel Wednesdays at my HighSchool). All of the staff I have been in contact with, which have been numerous due to my participation in numerous school counsels, have acted very professionally and generously. My classwork always seemed vigorous and helpful in preparing me for college!