K-12 Education in Greater Palm Springs

Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders with Innovation, Inclusion, and Community Support

The school system in Greater Palm Springs is rooted in a tradition of close community ties and active local engagement, providing a nurturing environment where every student can grow. Across the region, educators inspire curiosity and resilience by prioritizing STEM learning alongside creative problem-solving and critical thinking, skills designed for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow’s workforce.

Students here benefit from a wealth of innovative educational choices, including programs in project-based learning, digital media, bilingual education, and entrepreneurship, all fostering broader perspectives and new possibilities. As a result, the region boasts high graduation rates and academic success that consistently outpaces statewide averages, ensuring that young people are ready to excel in an ever-changing, global society.

Local partnerships with organizations such as OneFuture Coachella Valley and College of the Desert drive college and career readiness, offering mentorship programs, scholarship opportunities, and dual enrollment courses for high school students, helping to bridge the gap between education and careers.

Public School Districts

Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD)

Serving the western portion of the Coachella Valley — including Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, and Rancho Mirage — PSUSD welcomes over 20,000 students across a network of elementary, middle, and high schools and boasts a 96.6% graduation rate. Highlights include:

Palm Springs High School’s Renowned Band and Performing Arts Programs have received regional and state awards, with students regularly performing at festivals and prestigious parades throughout California.
PSUSD is a leader in Sustainability Education, with schools implementing award-winning green practices, comprehensive recycling programs, and hands-on student gardens, promoting environmental stewardship districtwide.
Several schools, such as Cielo Vista Charter and Katherine Finchy Elementary, have earned “California Distinguished School” status, showcasing innovation and high achievement.
Community partnerships with the Palm Springs Art Museum and the Palm Springs International Film Festival bring art residencies, workshops, and exposure to world-class artists directly into classrooms.
PSUSD’s robust LGBTQ+ student support services—including clubs, student leadership programs, and districtwide equity initiatives—ensure every student feels welcome and empowered.

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Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD)

Extending through the heart of the valley, DSUSD enrolls nearly 27,000 students in cities like Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, and Indian Wells. Highlights include:

La Quinta High School Blackhawk Robotics Team has earned national recognition through their success in the FIRST Robotics Competition, showcasing students’ talents in engineering, coding, and teamwork.
Multiple DSUSD schools, including Shadow Hills High, Palm Desert Charter Middle, and George Washington Charter, have been honored as "California Distinguished Schools" for academic excellence and innovative teaching practices.
The district’s Visual and Performing Arts programs flourish, with initiatives like the “Desert Sands Arts Festival,” annual student art showcases, and robust music, dance, and theater offerings at both elementary and high school levels.
Innovative STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) Labs, found at several district campuses, give students hands-on experience with 3D printing, coding, robotics, and collaborative design challenges.
Annual district-wide events like the “DSUSD Student Film Festival” celebrate student creativity and digital storytelling skills, earning accolades at county and state competitions.

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Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD)

Covering the eastern Coachella Valley, including Coachella, Thermal, Mecca, and North Shore, CVUSD serves approximately 17,000 students. The district is known for its inclusive approach, innovative learning initiatives, and commitment to serving a multilingual, multicultural community. Highlights include:

CVUSD’s award-winning Dual Immersion Programs foster bilingualism and biliteracy in English and Spanish from an early age, preparing students to thrive in a multicultural world.
Several CVUSD schools have received recognition as California Distinguished Schools and Gold Ribbon Schools, reflecting a strong commitment to academic excellence and student support.
The district’s “Arts for All” initiative expands access to visual and performing arts, ensuring students in elementary through high school can participate in music, dance, and art classes as part of a well-rounded education.
Multiple campuses host hands-on, career pathway academies, including Health Sciences, Renewable Energy, Tourism, and Agri-Science, where students gain industry insights through internships, fieldwork, and real-world projects.

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Private School Opportunities

In addition to robust public school options, the Coachella Valley is home to more than 20 independent and parochial schools. These private schools offer specialized curricula, faith-based instruction, small class sizes, and unique enrichment opportunities, supporting families seeking a more tailored educational path.

Colleges and Universities

In addition to strong K–12 options, Greater Palm Springs offers access to higher education institutions including a community college, and state and UC campus extensions. These schools provide a wide range of degree programs, workforce training, and research opportunities that support regional talent and innovation.

CSUSB Palm Desert Campus

California State University, San Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus is the Coachella Valley’s only full-service public university, offering 40+ bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, credential, and certificate programs. With small classes, flexible schedules, and strong community and entrepreneurship partnerships, it prepares students for local impact.

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UC Riverside Palm Desert Campus

UC Riverside’s Palm Desert Campus, established in 2005, advances regional growth through graduate business, creative writing, teacher education, and conservation research programs. With cutting-edge labs, entrepreneurial partnerships, and community‑engaged learning, it promotes diverse talent and innovation in the Coachella Valley.

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College of the Desert

College of the Desert is a public community college in Palm Desert offering affordable associate degrees, vocational certificates, and transfer pathways. With small classes, modern labs, robust workforce training, multiple satellite campuses, and HSI designation, COD empowers diverse students to succeed locally.

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