2020 Best Schools in the Palm Springs AreaAbout this List

Palm Valley School

• Private School
• Rancho Mirage, CA
• PK, K-12
• 66 reviews

Parent: Palm Valley is a wonderful school! I am a graduate and now my son attends, with my daughter joining next year. From personal experience I know the academics and college preparation are unparalleled in the Coachella Valley. When I started college I was more than prepared to excel my freshman year.

The small school atmosphere requires you to foster relationships with a diverse group of classmates that you may not otherwise. I still speak to and see my classmates regularly and see them as family. As children our families bonded, we attended each others milestones (like graduations from undergraduate, graduate and medical school) and now we are still a part of each others lives as we have started our own families.

The teachers that really impacted my life as a student are still teaching there today and it brings me so much joy that one day my children can be taught by them too!
Read 66 Reviews

• A+

• 275 Students
• 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Xavier College Preparatory High School

• Private School
• Palm Desert, CA
• 9-12
• 173 reviews

Parent: Xavier College Prep has provided an amazing high school experience for our son which has prepared him for college, as well his continued journey of growth. The teachers and staff encourage the students to seek opportunities that will allow students to stretch their minds, imagination, feelings and religious consciousness. The strong academics and programs intertwined with life-changing retreats and volunteer opportunities really set the school apart from other high schools. The Jesuit philosophy has taught Timothy to live as a person for others and to go out and make a difference in this world. Beyond the incredible education, these students are learning how to become competent and responsible members of society.
Read 173 Reviews

• A

• 570 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

James Monroe Elementary School

• Desert Sands Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A

• 657 Students
• 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Palm Desert High School

• Desert Sands Unified School District, CA
• 9-12
• 491 reviews

Alum: I enjoyed attending Palm Desert High School for the most part. They have great academics, clubs, activities and teachers. I did have a few teachers who seemed like they did not really care about their students which was unfortunate as it made their teaching less quality. I was on the track and field team and really enjoyed being a part of the athletic department at Palm Desert. Overall I feel like Palm Desert prepared me academically for college!
Read 491 Reviews

• A

• 1,986 Students
• 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

George Washington Charter School

• Desert Sands Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A-

• 838 Students
• 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

James Earl Carter Elementary School

• Desert Sands Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A-

• 683 Students
• 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Gerald R. Ford Elementary School

• Desert Sands Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A-

• 779 Students
• 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Palm Desert Charter Middle School

• Desert Sands Unified School District, CA
• 6-8
• 1 review

• B+

• 1,412 Students
• 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

La Quinta High School

• Desert Sands Unified School District, CA
• 9-12
• 650 reviews

Junior: I am currently a Junior at La Quinta High school. LQ is a very open, sociable school. The Administration encourage being nice to one another, and we have activities that connect to that. For example, in the morning as soon as you are walking inside the gates to school, you are welcomed by staff and ASB! They offer smiley stickers, jolly ranchers, and encourage you to tell someone your glad they’re there. Our school’s enviorment is healthy, and greatly appreciated. As always, you do have those kids who are up to no good, but the school quickly takes care of them! Our school is the only school in our district that hasn’t been pored money into. The school has not been remodeled from the outside, but it is still very beautiful. I am very satisfied with my school!
Read 650 Reviews

• B+

• 2,666 Students
• 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Desert Christian Academy

• Private School
• Bermuda Dunes, CA
• PK, K-12
• 14 reviews

Senior: Desert Christian Academy is a excellent school for kids all ages! The teachers and staff strive for excellence and take time out of their personal lives to help you excel in your studies and social life, the administration at DCA are very nice and helpful to find a way for your child to attend at a great price! Our chaplain is also very dedicated to the student body and is loving and kind. I have gone to DCA since my freshman year and have won homecoming princess my freshman and senior year, I also participated on the cheer team my senior year and was blessed by a wonderful cheer coach. The sports here are also very different, they put Christ first and I love it! Overall, this is a great school and I highly recommend it! I love knowing I will be graduating this year and will accomplished in getting my College Prep Diploma!
Read 14 Reviews

• B+

• 511 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

John Glenn Middle School

• Desert Sands Unified School District, CA
• 6-8
• 5 reviews

Alum: This school has gone downhill for a while now. It just is not the same as it once was. The administration lacks many skills and many kids complain due to their comprtment.
Read 5 Reviews

• B+

• 1,392 Students
• 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Ronald Reagan Elementary School

• Desert Sands Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• B+

• 941 Students
• 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Palm Springs High School

• Palm Springs Unified School District, CA
• 9-12
• 378 reviews

Alum: Really cool and diverse learning atmosphere! I am really happy I spent my four years learning here, but there are a few things that should be worked on. The school is very outdated for being in a very popular, well-known, and modern area of California. The teachers are very good, IF you are in honors or AP classes. Teachers for CP are incredibly low-grade, lazy, teaching very minimal, and creating an unpleasant learning environment, but hey it's easy if they don't do anything and you can just mess around all class period. I was a favorite by administration and most teachers, but it's all a system of kissing butt and favoritism so beware. EEK and watch out for the curly-haired librarian - she has a bad reputation for being VERY MEAN and UNCARING!
Read 378 Reviews

• B+

• 1,756 Students
• 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Amelia Earhart Elementary School Of International

• Desert Sands Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• B+

• 953 Students
• 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Rancho Mirage High School

• Palm Springs Unified School District, CA
• 9-12
• 117 reviews

Senior: Overall, my experience in Rancho Mirage High School has been memorable. Activities are fairly student inclusive and quite entertaining. Often, there are times where unity between each class can be seen. Those are the times where I truly enjoy my time at Rancho Mirage. However, there are times where a few students act foolish and prevent other students from certain privileges, causing tension and a sense of separation within the school. Ultimately, Rancho Mirage High School has it’s highs and lows, as all high schools do; however, I do not regret attending this school and experiencing the things that I did.
Read 117 Reviews

• B+

• 1,661 Students
• 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Cielo Vista Charter School

• Palm Springs Unified School District, CA
• K-8
• 1 review

Alum: I like Cielo Vista Charter because principles are on teachers to provide amazing education. Also form popular events to earn money for non-profit. This money goes towards the school for new repairs, and technology.
Read 1 Review

• B+

• 913 Students
• 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Harry S. Truman Elementary School

• Desert Sands Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• B+

• 617 Students
• 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Martin Van Buren Elementary School

• Desert Sands Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• B+

• 624 Students
• 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Horizon

• Desert Sands Unified School District, CA
• K-12
• 9 reviews

Senior: Horizon is a great school for those who are willing to learn but need to learn at their own pace. The alternative education style makes it easier to connect with teachers and truly understand the course material you are studying. The teachers are all very sweet and amazing!
Read 9 Reviews

• B+

• 241 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Shadow Hills High School

• Desert Sands Unified School District, CA
• 9-12
• 384 reviews

Senior: I love my school! I've had the best high school experience so far. Starting high school, I was very nervous but the staff and students at SHHS quickly relieved that stress. Everyone is so welcoming and all of my teachers are very supportive. I can certainly thank my success to many teachers on campus. The only suggestion I have is for my school to offer more classes relating to career readiness like most schools in my district have. There are high schools with numerous classes that help students to prepare for their future careers. I would like to feel that I am given the same opportunities as any other student in my school district.
Read 384 Reviews

• B

• 2,096 Students
• 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Katherine Finchy Elementary School

• Palm Springs Unified School District, CA
• K-5
• 3 reviews

Niche User: My overall experience with this school was great, had great staff loving parent groups in which they'd motivate us to accomplish our goals and succeed in our education.
Read 3 Reviews

• B

• 648 Students
• 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Sunny Sands Elementary School

• Palm Springs Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• B

• 768 Students
• 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Rancho Mirage Elementary School

• Palm Springs Unified School District, CA
• K-5
• 4 reviews

Niche User: I when to Rancho Mirage Elementary school, I enjoy ever moment of it. The teachers are very nice and caring for their students. We had fun programs and event happening. They help us explain our knowledge and dreams to the next level. I recommend this school to all my friends and family.
Read 4 Reviews

• B

• 446 Students
• 28:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Rio Vista Elementary School

• Palm Springs Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• B

• 720 Students
• 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Dr. Reynaldo J. Carreon Jr. Academy

• Desert Sands Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• B

• 712 Students
• 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio