Photo: sachoben · CC BY-SA 2.0Indio’s public schools outscore 56% of California districts
The grade covers the public school district serving Indio, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. In Indio, 25% of tested students are proficient in math, below the California average (33%). 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 97% 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.
Indio’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 532 California towns with household incomes within a quarter of Indio’s, its schools beat 66%, higher than their 56% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 40% of tested students were proficient in reading and 25% in math, against 47% and 33% statewide; 97% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
94% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86% across California. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $19,599 per student, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
11 elementary schools, then four middle and two high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. Enrollment is down 5% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Our Lady of Perpetual Help School (private) is in town. Every school ↓
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 Indio’s grade
B: better than 56% of California school districts, #406 of 847 California towns. 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 Indio, with each school’s own grade.
9th grade in Indio · depends on your address
Indio High
Grades 9–12 · 1,962 students · 24:1 students per teacher
Shadow Hills High
Grades 9–12 · 1,650 students · 23:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Indio · depends on your address
Indio High
Grades 9–12 · 1,962 students · 24:1 students per teacher
Shadow Hills High
Grades 9–12 · 1,650 students · 23:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Indio · depends on your address
Indio High
Grades 9–12 · 1,962 students · 24:1 students per teacher
Shadow Hills High
Grades 9–12 · 1,650 students · 23:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Indio · depends on your address
Indio High
Grades 9–12 · 1,962 students · 24:1 students per teacher
Shadow Hills High
Grades 9–12 · 1,650 students · 23:1 students per teacher
Indio’s public schools are run by Desert Sands Unified School District, which also serves Coachella, Indian Wells, La Quinta and Palm Desert. Parts of Indio (12% of its land) are served by Coachella Valley Unified instead. 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
Indio vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share Indio’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Indio | B | Desert Sands Unified |
| La Quinta | C+ | Desert Sands Unified K–12 · Coachella Valley Unified K–12 |
| Coachella | C+ | Coachella Valley Unified K–12 · Desert Sands Unified K–12 |
All 2 neighbors share Desert Sands Unified with Indio, so their letters differ mainly through other districts.
Every school in Indio
21 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 Indio’s schools
Are Indio’s schools good?
They sit near the middle of California: the public schools Indio children attend outscore 56% of California’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B Schools grade, #406 of 847 California towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 66%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Indio in?
Desert Sands Unified School District, which runs grades K–12 and enrolls 25,613 students in 34 schools (2024–25). Small parts of Indio are served by Coachella Valley Unified.
Where do Indio kids go to high school?
One of 2 high schools, depending on your address: Indio High and Shadow Hills High.
What is Indio’s graduation rate?
94% of the class of 2023 in Desert Sands Unified School District graduated in four years, against 86% across California.
How much does Indio spend per student?
$19,599 in Desert Sands Unified School District (FY2024), against $21,206 across California. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Indio?
Yes: Our Lady of Perpetual Help School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 248 students).
Parents talk
What Indio families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Indio → 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.