Top Rankings
Needles Unified School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in California for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
Highest graduation rate (Top 10%)
Diversity
Most diverse schools (Top 1%)
For the 2025 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 651 students in Needles Unified School District. This district's average elementary testing ranking is 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public elementary schools in California.
Public Elementary Schools in Needles Unified School District have an average math proficiency score of 18% (versus the California public elementary school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 28% (versus the 45% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public elementary school average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (CA)
# Schools
6 Schools
7,700 Schools
# Students
918 Students
3,822,920 Students
# Teachers
49 Teachers
174,000 Teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
19:1
19:1
District Rank
Needles Unified School District, which is ranked #1556 of all 1,925 school districts in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2021-2022 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 95% has increased from 85-89% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#1619 out of 1941 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
33%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
29%
Graduation Rate
≥95%
87%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.69
0.64
# American Indian Students
111 Students
16,785 Students
% American Indian Students
12%
1%
# Asian Students
11 Students
454,357 Students
% Asian Students
1%
12%
# Hispanic Students
317 Students
2,114,366 Students
% Hispanic Students
35%
55%
# Black Students
34 Students
189,461 Students
% Black Students
4%
5%
# White Students
393 Students
787,389 Students
% White Students
43%
21%
# Hawaiian Students
2 Students
15,077 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
n/a
# Two or more races Students
50 Students
240,557 Students
% of Two or more races Students
5%
6%
Students by Grade:
# Students in PK Grade:
-
83
# Students in K Grade:
73
519,574
# Students in 1st Grade:
59
396,601
# Students in 2nd Grade:
63
414,466
# Students in 3rd Grade:
68
416,628
# Students in 4th Grade:
86
426,360
# Students in 5th Grade:
66
430,582
# Students in 6th Grade:
66
432,936
# Students in 7th Grade:
75
312,207
# Students in 8th Grade:
85
312,649
# Students in 9th Grade:
57
44,929
# Students in 10th Grade:
79
37,487
# Students in 11th Grade:
84
37,249
# Students in 12th Grade:
57
41,169
# Ungraded Students:
-
-
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $25,862 is higher than the state median of $19,974. The school district revenue/student has grown by 5% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $20,278 is higher than the state median of $18,396. The school district spending/student has grown by 5% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$24 MM
$116,387 MM
Spending
$19 MM
$107,188 MM
Revenue / Student
$25,862
$19,974
Spending / Student
$20,278
$18,396
Best Needles Unified School District Public Elementary Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Chemehuevi Valley Elementary School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
81 Mill Rd.
Needles, CA 92363
(760) 858-4222
Needles, CA 92363
(760) 858-4222
Grades: K-5
| 33 students
Rank: #22.
Needles Community Day
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
600 Cibola St.
Needles, CA 92363
(760) 326-3891
Needles, CA 92363
(760) 326-3891
Grades: 6-12
| 15 students
Rank: #33.
Vista Colorado Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
700 Bailey Ave.
Needles, CA 92363
(760) 326-2167
Needles, CA 92363
(760) 326-2167
Grades: K-5
| 327 students
Rank: #44.
Needles Middle School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
720 Bailey Ave.
Needles, CA 92363
(760) 326-3894
Needles, CA 92363
(760) 326-3894
Grades: 6-8
| 206 students
Recent Articles
What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.
February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.
