700 Summit Cv
Palm Desert, CA 92260

As a Charter School, my expectations were much higher. My child had been struggling in some areas, but I never received any kind of communication from the teachers. I get constant emails from Band and Color Guard begging parents to volunteer and provide donations, but NEVER from teachers regarding the progress/struggles of my child. In my opinion, they are more concerned with receiving money and the student uniform policy, rather than the student's education. Despite having security guards everywhere, there are still fights happening regularly. On one occasion, my child was pulled from class twice by a security guard for something that was, in my opinion, a misunderstanding. My child was given lunch detention and yet, I never received a note or a call from the school about the incident, or that my child was receiving detention. Of all the schools in the district, this is the only school that doesn't provide scholarships to local Summer camps...even Washington Charter provides a limited number of spots for their students. I had concerns regarding my child having any kind of online access and emailed the teachers about it...I will say that I was happy with how each of them responded to my email and supported me, but I included the Principal in the email and I never received a response from her. I have an older child that has attended other public schools in the district, and I honestly can't say the experience going to PDCMS has been any different.

This school is just ok. Academics are alright. Counselors not that great. Kids not very accepting or friendly. When we moved to the area we were told PD is a great school. After a few months we realized it’s not. The principal and school leadership do not enforce the rules or the dress code. Girls come to school in bras and their butt hanging out of their shorts. The sports programs aren't as great as they seem… the so called coaches aren’t really coaching anymore. They are on autopilot but they will still charge you for an outside lesson. It’s all about money and power for the coaches. They don't play the best players. They play whoever is in their clique.La Quinta HS is a much better school. They are very strict about the rules, dress code, academics. Your child will be better off at LQ.

Hi I am student in this school, I heard that there are lot of fights in this school. But,when I went there, it was fine there were slushy for lunch and soda,chips. And everyone is very nice and respectful!

Gerald R. Ford Elementary is a vibrant, welcoming school community where students thrive both academically and emotionally. The staff is incredibly supportive, and families are truly valued as partners in student success.One of our proudest moments was being named a 2025 California Distinguished School—a testament to the hard work of our entire school community. We also recently unveiled our “Personal Best” Ford Falcon mural, created by local artist and Ford parent John Cueves, which beautifully reflects our school spirit and commitment to excellence.