Florida Ave
Palm Desert, CA 92211

This school is large enough to have something for everybody: academics, sports, clubs, music, and career tracts. All three of my children have attended with great results. Our priorities are academic, social, clubs, art, sports, music, career tract, in that order. They transferred from private to public and still made friends. PDHS had 23 AP courses when my oldest started, which was more than the local, private high school. This metric was one of our main deciding points. The AP Capstone program is now available and its Seminar and Research components really prepare students for the critical thinking and writing required by top colleges. There is an array of clubs and the opportunity for students to form their own club. In some ways PDHS has become a magnet school to draw in families from the surrounding region Another factor that became more important with Covid was the dual - enrollment program with College of the Desert, a top CA community college down the street. Palm Desert High School students can take many types of courses there, for free, and receive college credit. High school students can take some courses at PDHS and many more online or in person at College of the Desert's campus. On average, COD's courses were about as difficult as AP classes, and it is entirely possible for a student to complete high school with one year of college already earned. And if this is the route your student decides to take, transfer students from CA community colleges are more likely to be admitted to a top UC.

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.

LOVED THIS SCHOOL. I LOVED MR POWERS CLASS EVERY DAY. you should go to this school 10000000000000/10