Photo: Seauton · CC BY-SA 4.0Descanso’s public schools score below 65% of California districts on tests and graduation
In Descanso, 15% of tested students are proficient in math, below the California average (33%). The grade covers the public school district serving Descanso, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within California, not nationally.
From California state tests taken in spring 2022, when 96% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Descanso’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 536 California towns with household incomes within a quarter of Descanso’s, its schools beat 13%, lower than their 35% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 29% of tested students were proficient in reading and 15% in math, against 47% and 33% statewide; 96% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
90–94% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86% across California (the state reports Descanso’s rate as a range). Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $20,129 per student, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle and one high school
From grade 7 the district’s path is Mountain Empire Junior High, then Mountain Empire High. Enrollment is up 11% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Descanso’s grade
C+: better than 35% of California school districts. Graduation is above the California average; test scores are below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Descanso, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Descanso
Descanso Elementary
Grades K–6 · 188 students · 21:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Descanso
Descanso Elementary
Grades K–6 · 188 students · 21:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Descanso
Descanso Elementary
Grades K–6 · 188 students · 21:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Descanso
Descanso Elementary
Grades K–6 · 188 students · 21:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Descanso
Descanso Elementary
Grades K–6 · 188 students · 21:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Descanso
Descanso Elementary
Grades K–6 · 188 students · 21:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Descanso
Descanso Elementary
Grades K–6 · 188 students · 21:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Descanso
Mountain Empire Junior High
Grades 7–8 · 245 students · 21:1 students per teacher · in Pine Valley
8th grade in Descanso
Mountain Empire Junior High
Grades 7–8 · 245 students · 21:1 students per teacher · in Pine Valley
9th grade in Descanso
Mountain Empire High
Grades 9–12 · 412 students · 19:1 students per teacher · in Pine Valley
10th grade in Descanso
Mountain Empire High
Grades 9–12 · 412 students · 19:1 students per teacher · in Pine Valley
Descanso’s public schools are run by Mountain Empire Unified School District. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Descanso vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share Descanso’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Descanso | C+ | Mountain Empire Unified |
Every school in Descanso
3 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with California’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Descanso’s schools
Are Descanso’s schools good?
On California’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Descanso children attend score below 65% of California’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C+ Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 13%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Descanso in?
Mountain Empire Unified School District, which runs grades K–12 and enrolls 1,738 students in 8 schools (2024–25).
Where do Descanso kids go to high school?
Mountain Empire High in Pine Valley, with 412 students; its own test results earn a C−.
What is Descanso’s graduation rate?
90–94% of the class of 2023 in Mountain Empire Unified School District graduated in four years, against 86% across California.
How much does Descanso spend per student?
$20,129 in Mountain Empire Unified School District (FY2024), against $21,206 across California. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Descanso families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Descanso → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within California. Stars are from neighbors.