School overview
At a glance
Reported students
2,079
NCES CCD 2024–25, where reported
Teachers (FTE)
79.96
NCES CCD 2024–25
Student–teacher ratio
26:1
Calculated, not a class-size measure
Grades served
09–12
NCES preliminary directory 2025–26
School benchmarks
California high enrollment
89th percentile
Compared with 2,196 same-level schools reporting enrollment.
District median enrollment
595
Palm Desert High: 2,079 reported students.
State peer staffing position
94th percentile
26:1 reported; state peer median 19.2:1. Ratio is not class size.
Profile interpretation
What the reported data says about Palm Desert High
Palm Desert High is a public high school serving grades 09–12 in Palm Desert. It is one of 35 current school records connected to Desert Sands Unified. NCES reports 2,079 students for 2024–25.
Among 2,196 high schools in California with comparable records, this school is larger than the reported median of 414.5 students. Its enrollment is at approximately the 89th percentile for that peer group. Size describes the campus, not instructional quality.
The reported student–teacher ratio is 26:1, above the California median of 19.2:1 for the same school level. This ratio uses total enrollment and teacher FTE; it is not an average classroom headcount and can be affected by special programs or part-time staffing.
The two largest reported race and ethnicity groups are Hispanic or Latino (48.5%) and White (35.3%). English learners represent 8.1% of enrollment. Students served under IDEA represent 9.6%. These figures help families understand who the school serves; they are not rating inputs.
The 2021–22 civil-rights collection reports access to Advanced Placement, gifted and talented programming, computer science. The school reported 21 AP courses. Program availability changes, so families should confirm the current catalog and participation rules directly with the school.
Turn data into a school visit
Questions worth asking Palm Desert High
- 1How do the reported 26:1 student–teacher ratio and 79.96 teacher FTE translate into actual class sizes by grade?
- 2Have the reported academic programs changed since the 2021–22 CRDC collection?
- 3How are the school's 2.21 counselor FTE allocated across grades and student needs?
- 4Does community eligibility provide breakfast and lunch to every enrolled student, and are summer meals available?
Student context
Enrollment needs
- English learners
- 8.1%
- Students with disabilities
- 9.6%
- Free/reduced-price lunch
- 60.2%
- Lunch program
- Yes under Community Eligibility Option (CEO)
People available to students
Support staff
- Counselors (FTE)
- 2.21
- Nurses (FTE)
- 0.4
- Psychologists (FTE)
- 1.11
- Social workers (FTE)
- 0.43
Student demographics
Race and ethnicity share of reported enrollment
- White35.3%
- Hispanic48.5%
- Black1.9%
- Asian8.4%
- American Indian / Alaska Native0.5%
- Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander0.1%
- Multiracial5.2%
Race/ethnicity: NCES CCD 2024–25 where reported, otherwise CRDC 2021–22. English learner and disability context: CRDC 2021–22. Privacy rules can produce missing values.
Learning opportunities
Programs reported by the school
Advanced Placement
Offered
21 courses reported
Gifted and talented
Offered
Computer science
Offered
Program availability is from CRDC 2021–22 and can change. Confirm current courses and eligibility with the school.
Continue exploring
Other schools in Desert Sands Unified
Start with campuses at the same school level or with similar reported enrollment.
Indio High
High · Grades 09–12
1,962 reported students
La Quinta High
High · Grades 09–12
2,425 reported students
Shadow Hills High
High · Grades 09–12
1,650 reported students
Summit High (Continuation)
High · Grades 10–12
195 reported students
Amistad High (Continuation)
High · Grades 09–12
192 reported students
Desert Sands A.T.L.A.S.
High · Grades 12–12
69 reported students