Ballington Academy for the Arts and Sciences vs Desert Garden Elementary
A head-to-head comparison of two elementary schools in California, United States, 2.0 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Ballington Academy for the Arts and Sciences
El Centro · Charter elementary · Grades K–6
230 students
Desert Garden Elementary
El Centro · Public elementary · Grades K–6
358 students
| Measure | Ballington Academy for the Arts and Sciences El Centro, California | Desert Garden Elementary El Centro, California |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 23 Lower 50% | 29 Lower 50% |
| State rank | #4028 of 5,693 | #3444 of 5,693 |
| National rank | #42987 of 50,301 | #39390 of 50,301 |
| Sector | Charter | Public |
| Type | Elementary | Elementary |
| Year range | Grades K–6 | Grades K–6 |
| Students | 230 | 358 |
| Enrollment | 230 | 358 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 76.5% | 81.8% |
| Students per teacher | 19.2 | 22.4 |
| Reading proficiency | 32% | 45% |
| Math proficiency | 27% | 33% |
| city | El Centro | El Centro |
| state | California | California |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Desert Garden Elementary scores higher on the Success Index (US) (28.7 vs 22.9).
- •Desert Garden Elementary does better on math proficiency (33% vs 27%).
- •Desert Garden Elementary does better on reading proficiency (45% vs 32%).
- •Ballington Academy for the Arts and Sciences does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (76.5% vs 81.8%).
- •Ballington Academy for the Arts and Sciences does better on students per teacher (19.2 vs 22.4).
- •Desert Garden Elementary is the larger school with 358 students compared with 230.
- •Ballington Academy for the Arts and Sciences is a charter school while Desert Garden Elementary is a public school, so fees and admission rules differ.
The Success Index (US) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Ballington Academy for the Arts and Sciences better than Desert Garden Elementary?
On the Success Index (US), Desert Garden Elementary ranks higher (28.7 vs 22.9 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Ballington Academy for the Arts and Sciences and Desert Garden Elementary?
About 2.0 km in a straight line, between El Centro and El Centro in California.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Ballington Academy for the Arts and Sciences: 230. Desert Garden Elementary: 358. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Ballington Academy for the Arts and Sciences and Desert Garden Elementary rank in California?
Ballington Academy for the Arts and Sciences is 4028th of 5,693 and Desert Garden Elementary is 3444th of 5,693 among elementary schools in California on the 2025 Success Index (US).