Gerald R. Ford Elementary vs Palm Desert Charter Middle
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in California, United States, 5.5 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Gerald R. Ford Elementary
Indian Wells · Public elementary · Grades K–5
598 students
Palm Desert Charter Middle
Palm Desert · Charter middle · Grades 6–8
1,298 students
| Measure | Gerald R. Ford Elementary Indian Wells, California | Palm Desert Charter Middle Palm Desert, California |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 59 Top 50% | 51 Top 50% |
| State rank | #1445 of 5,693 | #403 of 1,334 |
| National rank | #19180 of 50,301 | #7434 of 15,369 |
| Sector | Public | Charter |
| Type | Elementary | Middle |
| Year range | Grades K–5 | Grades 6–8 |
| Students | 598 | 1,298 |
| Enrollment | 598 | 1,298 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 62.9% | 61.4% |
| Students per teacher | 23.9 | 27.6 |
| Reading proficiency | 69% | 65% |
| Math proficiency | 61% | 46% |
| city | Indian Wells | Palm Desert |
| state | California | California |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Gerald R. Ford Elementary scores higher on the Success Index (US) (58.5 vs 51.0).
- •Gerald R. Ford Elementary does better on math proficiency (61% vs 46%).
- •Gerald R. Ford Elementary does better on reading proficiency (69% vs 65%).
- •Palm Desert Charter Middle does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (61.4% vs 62.9%).
- •Gerald R. Ford Elementary does better on students per teacher (23.9 vs 27.6).
- •Palm Desert Charter Middle is the larger school with 1,298 students compared with 598.
- •Gerald R. Ford Elementary is a public school while Palm Desert Charter Middle is a charter 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 Gerald R. Ford Elementary better than Palm Desert Charter Middle?
On the Success Index (US), Gerald R. Ford Elementary ranks higher (58.5 vs 51.0 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 Gerald R. Ford Elementary and Palm Desert Charter Middle?
About 5.5 km in a straight line, between Indian Wells and Palm Desert in California.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Gerald R. Ford Elementary: 598. Palm Desert Charter Middle: 1,298. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Gerald R. Ford Elementary and Palm Desert Charter Middle rank in California?
Gerald R. Ford Elementary is 1445th of 5,693 and Palm Desert Charter Middle is 403rd of 1,334 among elementary schools in California on the 2025 Success Index (US).