Palm Desert High School

Palm Desert High School

Public High School | Grade 9-12
74910 Aztec Rd,  Palm Desert, CA
Desert Sands Unified School District
3.6
3.0
2,122 Students
A
Niche Grade

School Details

Head of School
Robert Hicks
Student Teacher Ratio
25:1
Average SAT Score
1210
Average ACT Score
27
Math Proficiency
36%
Reading Proficiency
72%
Average GPA
3.56
Graduation Rate
98.4%

Niche Grade

A-
Academics
A
Teachers
A-
College Prep
B
Administration
B-
Resources/Facilities
B-
Clubs and Activities
B+
Sports
B-
Food
Source: Niche
Niche Grades

Niche grades and rankings are calculated using dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews. Niche data scientists and user researchers rigorously analyze data and user opinions to assess the key aspects of K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Places to Live. Every month, millions of students and families use the Niche grades and report cards to find the right school or neighborhood.

Niche Grade Details

Academics
Average GPA
3.56
Reading Proficiency
72%
Math Proficiency
36%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
25:1
Teachers
85
Full Time Teachers
85
Teachers in First or Second Year
3.9%
College Prep
Average SAT
1210
Math
600
Verbal
610
Average ACT
27
Math
26
English
27
Reading
28
Science
26
Number of AP Courses
20
AP Pass Rate
57.1%
AP Math Enrollment
Very High
AP Science Enrollment
High
Other AP Enrollment
Very High
Four-Year Matriculation Rate
31%
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Low
Boys Athletic Participation
Low

GreatSchools Rating

Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

GreatSchools Rating Details

Test Scores

Math
13.6%
State Average
17.9%
Science
12.2%
State Average
9.9%
GreatSchools Test Scores Rating
GreatSchools
The Test Score Rating reflects annual state test results for this school compared with scores statewide.

Teachers and Staff

Students Per Counselor
413:1

Student Diversity

Male
51%
Female
49%
Hispanic
49.3%
White
36.8%
Asian or Pacific Islander
7.3%
Two or more races
4.4%
Black
2%
Native American
<1%
Interested in learning more about homes nearby? Reach out to Jonathan Brier, an experienced agent in this school's attendance zone.

School Rankings

#187 Best Public HS Teachers in California
Source: Niche

Specialty School Programs

AP Programs Offered
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
Athletics Program

Colleges Students are Considering

Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
University of California - Los Angeles 422 Students
University of California - San Diego 419 Students
University of California - Irvine 359 Students
San Diego State University 350 Students
University of Southern California 284 Students
College of the Desert 276 Students
University of California - Santa Barbara 273 Students
University of California - Berkeley 266 Students
University of San Diego 221 Students
University of California - Davis 211 Students

What Students Want to Study

Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Business 184 Students
Biology 165 Students
Psychology 133 Students
Nursing 107 Students
Computer Science 76 Students
Political Science and Government 75 Students
Pre-Medicine Studies 72 Students
Kinesiology and Exercise Science 59 Students
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 56 Students
Engineering 48 Students

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.6 498 Reviews
5.0 Senior
8/28/2024
Some changes that I would like to be seen within Palm Desert High School is a stronger passion for learning. Majority of students are seen to be unmotivated to pursue academics and only focus on outside activities. I believe that the main cause of this is that teachers have a lack of passion and care. I would like to see teachers encourage students more to become more dedicated with school.
4.0 Alum
8/9/2023
The teachers aren't the best, but the support staff such as counselors and advisors are attentive and helpful.
4.0 Senior
6/28/2023
the best part about my high school experience is definitely all the events and games i went to. my least favorite part was when covid interfered with my experience, it changed everything.
GreatSchools Reviews
3.0 6 Reviews
5.0 parent
7/14/2022
Outstanding program with immense opportunities unparalleled at comparable high schools in any state.
1.0 parent
3/2/2022
INCOMPETANCE AT IT'S FINEST! I seriously don't know how this office is functioning. After trying to get assistance from teachers and coming up short, I tried the counselor. When our issues were swept under the rug, I went to the vice principal. She tried to blame teachers' responses on the amount of...
1.0 parent
8/2/2021
Horrendous communication across the board. Office. Teachers. Counselors. Sports. They truly do not prioritize the needs of the student. When my student asked for help, he got shamed or they wouldn’t help. Such a disgrace.
5.0 parent
7/16/2021
Three of our children have been enrolled, two currently. One gone on scholarships and two attending. Three nephews graduated from PDHS. All three moved on and are doing extremely well today. Safe environmentBest athletics in the valley- nearly all sports are dominant- football, baseball, golf, tenni...

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