Desert Sands Charter vs Monte Vista Elementary
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in California, United States, 1.9 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Desert Sands Charter
Lancaster · Charter high · Grades 8–12
727 students
Monte Vista Elementary
Lancaster · Public elementary · Grades K–5
788 students
| Measure | Desert Sands Charter Lancaster, California | Monte Vista Elementary Lancaster, California |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 18 Lower 50% | 17 Lower 50% |
| State rank | #1171 of 1,343 | #4712 of 5,693 |
| National rank | #15638 of 16,910 | #46549 of 50,301 |
| Sector | Charter | Public |
| Type | High | Elementary |
| Year range | Grades 8–12 | Grades K–5 |
| Students | 727 | 788 |
| Enrollment | 727 | 788 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 78.7% | 89.6% |
| Students per teacher | – | 25.4 |
| Reading proficiency | 42% | 35% |
| Math proficiency | 2.5% | 26% |
| city | Lancaster | Lancaster |
| state | California | California |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index (US) scores (17.8 vs 17.1).
- •Monte Vista Elementary does better on math proficiency (26% vs 2.5%).
- •Desert Sands Charter does better on reading proficiency (42% vs 35%).
- •Desert Sands Charter does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (78.7% vs 89.6%).
- •Monte Vista Elementary is the larger school with 788 students compared with 727.
- •Desert Sands Charter is a charter school while Monte Vista 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 Desert Sands Charter better than Monte Vista Elementary?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index (US). Differences in sector, size, programmes and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Desert Sands Charter and Monte Vista Elementary?
About 1.9 km in a straight line, between Lancaster and Lancaster in California.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Desert Sands Charter: 727. Monte Vista Elementary: 788. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Desert Sands Charter and Monte Vista Elementary rank in California?
Desert Sands Charter is 1171st of 1,343 and Monte Vista Elementary is 4712th of 5,693 among high schools in California on the 2025 Success Index (US).