SA
Elementary SchoolsGrades K-5

James Earl Carter Elementary

Desert Sands Unified · Riverside County · 74-251 Hovley Lane East, Palm Desert, CA 92260-1700

(760) 862-4370 · www.dsusd.us

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8/10
#1379
Rank 1379 out of 5,722
Top 24%
English Language Arts8/10 · #1500 · 74th percentile
Mathematics8/10 · #1422 · 75th percentile
Science8/10 · #1165 · 79th percentile

English Language Arts

Math Trend

Science Trend

School Overview

Tucked into the sunny heart of Palm Desert, Carter Elementary sits in one of the Coachella Valley's more established residential pockets, where families are drawn to the area's outdoor lifestyle and tight-knit community feel. The school consistently performs above the state average across English, math, and science, making it a solid choice for families who want strong academics without the pressure-cooker intensity of a hyper-competitive district. Desert Sands Unified has a good reputation throughout the valley, and Carter reflects that — it's the kind of neighborhood school where parents tend to stay engaged and kids genuinely know their teachers.

Student Demographics

250 students tested · 2024-25 school year

Ethnicity

Hispanic
119 (48%)
White
77 (31%)
Filipino
11 (4%)
Asian
10 (4%)
African American
7 (3%)
Multiple Races
6 (2%)
Other
20 (8%)

Key Indicators

English Learners40 (16%)
Socioeconomically Disadvantaged168 (67%)
Students with Disabilities37 (15%)

Staff & Teachers(2024-25)

487
Enrollment
24.2
Teachers (FTE)
20.2:1
Student-Staff Ratio
2
Administrators (FTE)
15.8
Avg Class Size*(2023-24)

Community Enrichment Programs

This supplementary score measures the availability of enrichment programs — such as tutoring, music, dance, sports, and arts — within 3 miles of the school. Schools in communities with more diverse and accessible programs score higher.

Nearby Programs5/10 · #3525 · 42nd percentile

78 programs within 3 miles. Ranked among Elementary Schools in California.

Nearby Libraries

No programs found