Best Middle Schools in Zip Code 92253

This analysis examines two middle schools (grades 6-8) located in zip code 92253, La Quinta, California, both part of the Desert Sands Unified school district and serving student populations with high levels of economic need.

When comparing the two schools, La Quinta Middle generally performs stronger academically than Colonel Mitchell Paige Middle, with higher proficiency in English and math, a lower rate of chronic student absenteeism, and a more stable performance history in state rankings. Notably, Colonel Mitchell Paige Middle receives significantly more funding per student and has a lower student-teacher ratio, yet has seen a decline in its statewide ranking and has a particularly low mathematics proficiency rate of 11.78%.

Both schools face significant challenges, performing below their district and state averages in all core subjects and grappling with chronic absenteeism rates roughly 50% higher than the state average. A notable exception is science, where Colonel Mitchell Paige Middle outperforms La Quinta Middle. The data suggests families in this area should be aware of these systemic academic struggles within the district, particularly in mathematics, and the impact of high absenteeism on student outcomes.