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
3.3
2,122 Students
A
Niche Grade

School Details

Head of School
Robert Hicks
Student Teacher Ratio
26:1
Average SAT Score
1210
Average ACT Score
27
Math Proficiency
36%
Reading Proficiency
72%
Average GPA
3.57
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
3.57
Reading Proficiency
72%
Math Proficiency
36%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
26:1
Teachers
78
Full Time Teachers
78
Teachers in First or Second Year
3.9%
College Prep
Average SAT
1210
Math
600
Verbal
610
Average ACT
27
Math
25
English
27
Reading
28
Science
26
Number of AP Courses
21
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%

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 440 Students
University of California - San Diego 433 Students
University of California - Irvine 370 Students
San Diego State University 365 Students
University of Southern California 291 Students
University of California - Santa Barbara 285 Students
College of the Desert 276 Students
University of California - Berkeley 271 Students
University of San Diego 220 Students
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo 213 Students

What Students Want to Study

Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Business 189 Students
Biology 175 Students
Psychology 139 Students
Nursing 112 Students
Pre-Medicine Studies 80 Students
Computer Science 76 Students
Political Science and Government 71 Students
Kinesiology and Exercise Science 64 Students
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 58 Students
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration 50 Students

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.6 504 Reviews
5.0 Senior
5/9/2025
I enjoyed school here. I don't think there was ever a moment where I truly hated going to school everyday. It may have gotten tiresome but I always found the dedication to come back.
3.0 Alum
3/9/2025
Lunch lines were long and not enough time to get food and eat within 30 minutes. Some problems with getting from one side of campus downstairs to across campus going upstairs. A few teachers would lock and close classroom doors early before the bells would ring making students late for class.
4.0 Senior
4/9/2024
Palm Desert High School efficiently prepares students for college or the desired career path of each student. Its sports are some of the top performing ones in the district. Its facilities and teachers are great.
GreatSchools Reviews
3.3 7 Reviews
5.0 parent
7/13/2025
Great academics. Great opportunity for motivated students to obtain associate degree from College of the Desert. Highly recommend this school. Robust amount of AP course offerings. Teachers seem really caring and supportive. Student life experience seems well balanced with many really nice students...
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.

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Palm Desert High School is a public school for students in grades 9-12 in Palm Desert, CA and is served by the Desert Sands Unified School District in California. The school has a total enrollment of 2,122 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 26:1. Academic records show that 36% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 72% are proficient in reading. Palm Desert High School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of A and a GreatSchools Rating of 9 out of 10. The average GPA is 3.57, the graduation rate is 98.4%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1210 and an ACT score of 27. Discover additional schools in the area, like Horizon School, Jewish Community School of the Desert, Desert Christian Academy, and more. Learn more about what Palm Desert has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Palm Desert High School.

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