Desert Christian Academy (Top Ranked Private School for 2026-27)

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Quick Facts (26-27)

Top Ranked CA School
Grades: Prekindergarten-12
Enrollment: 620 students
Average class size: 17 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Desert Christian Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

School Facts

Religious Affiliation

Christian

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-12

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Desert Christian Academy
Nursery	32
Pre-K	93
Kind	48
1	45
2	49
3	46
4	38
5	24
6	49
7	35
8	25
9	49
10	24
11	34
12	29

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Year Founded

1977

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students

620 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

18%

State avg.: 52%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers

32 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

19:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

60%

Average Class Size

17 students

Average SAT score

1120

(Out of 1600)

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

School uniforms are required

Number of AP Courses

7 courses

Advanced Courses

AP BiologyAP Calculus

AP GovernmentAP Language

AP LiteratureAP Spanish

AP U.S. History

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
Other religious school association(s)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (Accrediting Commission for Schools) (ACS WASC)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

% on Financial Aid

35%

College Acceptance Rate

96%

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Sports

Total Sports Offered

9 sports

Sports

BaseballBasketball

CheeringFlag Football

FootballGolf

SoccerSoftball

Volleyball

School Notes

Desert Christian Academy has served the families of the Coachella Valley for 36 years by providing a learning envinroment that lays a foundation for students to experience life success.
Our Christ centered program emphasizes spiritual development while utilizing academic rigor, athletic opportunity, and social experiences to accomplish that goal.
Our greatest distinctinves are a palpable sense of community and family atmosphere on campus.
We encourage you to discover the experience that awaits your family at Desert Christian Academy!.

OUR MISSION IS TO TRAIN STUDENTS TO GLORIFY JESUS CHRIST BY GROWING SPIRITUALLY, ACADEMICALLY, PHYSICALLY, AND SOCIALLY. At Desert Christian Academy students will grow to their potential in the following ways:
SPIRITUALLY BY
Understanding and being personally challenged to receive the gospel of Christ. Romans 10:9-10
Developing a personal relationship with God through regular Bible study, prayer and fellowship with other believers. Acts 2:42
Maturing in their faith by acquiring knowledge and being able to defend their faith effectively and intelligently. I Peter 3:15
Actively applying God's truth by enjoying God, discerning His will, demonstrating good works, sharing the Gospel message and serving others. James 1:22
ACADEMICALLY BY
Developing into analytical thinkers who examine and evaluate a wide range of information, draw conclusions and apply Biblical truths in making decisions. Romans 12:2
Becoming well-informed and independent learners who love to read, comprehend what is read, and value reading in a broad range of topics and perspectives. Philippians 4:8-9
Writing effectively, applying proper mechanics, in order to express a position in a compelling and logical manner. I Peter 3:15
Learning to speak (and listen) with integrity and accuracy; passionately communicating with confidence, a well- reasoned position to others. James 1:19
ATHLETICALLY BY
Developing life long habits for healthy living and physical fitness in order to glorify God with their bodies. I Corinthians 6:19
Developing motor skills, coordination, knowledge and desire to confidently participate in a variety of games and activities. Colossians 3:23; Titus 1:8
Developing commitment, teamwork, good judgement, sportsmanship and desire to work and play well with others, submitting to the rules and authorities of the game. II Timothy 2:15
Experiencing competitive team sports that allow student athletes to maximize their God-given abilities, cooperatively achieve team goals, and give glory to God in victory or defeat. Hebrews 12:1
SOCIALLY BY
Enjoying life by living it according to God's Word, acting responsibly and becoming confident and caring young people with character and integrity. I Timothy 4:12
Building life-long relationships with others, esteeming others as more important than themselves and broadening their social experiences. Philippians 2:3
Respecting human diversity including cultural, racial, religious and philosophical differences and choosing to resolve conflicts with courtesy and consideration for others. I John 4:7
Becoming respectful and productive citizens, practicing democratic rights and responsibilities and reaching out to those in need. Romans 13:1
2013/14 SCHOOL VERSE
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who beleives.." Romans 1:16

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

What sports does Desert Christian Academy offer?

Desert Christian Academy offers 9 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Flag Football, Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball.

What is Desert Christian Academy's ranking?

Desert Christian Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Largest student body.

When is the application deadline for Desert Christian Academy?

The application deadline for Desert Christian Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

5.00 out of 5 (3 reviews)

5 5/17/2016

I attended K-12 at DCA and went on to double major in college and earn two Master's Degrees. I was more than prepared for the academic rigors of college and more importantly I was prepared for life! My faith, my academic accomplishments, and the life I now live I attribute to the training I received from caring teachers that invested in me during my time as a student at DCA. Go Conquerors!

- Posted by Student/Alumni - tfult

5 12/6/2014

The Desert Christian Academy is an amazing school. They prepare their students for college and life. Its definitely a 5-star school.

- Posted by Parent - sandr

5 2/28/2012

Best school in the desert for students Preschool through High School. I was a student 1977-1983. A parent 1994-2009. And an employee 2000-2011. No regrets!!!

- Posted by Student/Alumni - gibbs

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Riverside County, CA is $7,402 for elementary schools and $13,783 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Riverside County, CA is 92% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).