Challenger Middle vs Desert Ridge Academy
A head-to-head comparison of two middle schools in California, United States, 125 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Challenger Middle
San Diego · Public middle · Grades 6–8
960 students
Desert Ridge Academy
Indio · Public middle · Grades 6–8
962 students
| Measure | Challenger Middle San Diego, California | Desert Ridge Academy Indio, California |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 66 Top 50% | 22 Lower 50% |
| State rank | #224 of 1,334 | #901 of 1,334 |
| National rank | #4140 of 15,369 | #13395 of 15,369 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | Middle | Middle |
| Year range | Grades 6–8 | Grades 6–8 |
| Students | 960 | 962 |
| Enrollment | 960 | 962 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 48.8% | 81.5% |
| Students per teacher | 24.6 | 24.1 |
| Reading proficiency | 73% | 40% |
| Math proficiency | 64% | 25% |
| city | San Diego | Indio |
| state | California | California |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Challenger Middle scores higher on the Success Index (US) (66.2 vs 22.1).
- •Challenger Middle does better on math proficiency (64% vs 25%).
- •Challenger Middle does better on reading proficiency (73% vs 40%).
- •Challenger Middle does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (48.8% vs 81.5%).
- •Desert Ridge Academy does better on students per teacher (24.1 vs 24.6).
- •Desert Ridge Academy is the larger school with 962 students compared with 960.
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 Challenger Middle better than Desert Ridge Academy?
On the Success Index (US), Challenger Middle ranks higher (66.2 vs 22.1 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 Challenger Middle and Desert Ridge Academy?
About 125 km in a straight line, between San Diego and Indio in California.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Challenger Middle: 960. Desert Ridge Academy: 962. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Challenger Middle and Desert Ridge Academy rank in California?
Challenger Middle is 224th of 1,334 and Desert Ridge Academy is 901st of 1,334 among middle schools in California on the 2025 Success Index (US).