We love Desert Christian Academy. We've loved this school ever since we joined. Our son started in first grade and is now heading into middle school. What sets DCA apart is the strong sense of home and family--it's more than just a school. The staff is incredibly supportive and full of love, always there when we need them. We're so grateful to have found not only a great school but a true community. Desert Christian Academy gives you a sense of peace, and honestly, there's nothing negative we can say about it. read more

It's been 2 years since I attended this "Christian" school, 2 years to pick up the pieces of myself that Desert Christian Academy shattered. I can now share my experience with anyone deciding to attend this school; save yourself and your children from the damage. If you still attend this school, my heart goes out to you. La nej Garrison, Matt Garrison, Kirk Scott, Debbie Scott, and Chris Johnson. These are just a few names of Admin who really need a reality check. One day will show how they treat people and how much they truly are not any kind of role model these kids should be looking up to. When I attended this school, I was treated horribly multiple times and brought it to the admin's attention, but they just dismissed it. This school claims to have the values of "family" but when some students are too afraid to keep their heads up and look at the ground when walking it's because of the students and admin. I happened to be one of the students, and they know that. The number of times Chris Johnson and others told me to keep my head up and stop looking at the ground is why, I was avoiding you. When having a meeting about bullying, La Nej Garrison was there, and instead of trying to help me feel comfortable at this school she announced to the students I was having issues with not to worry about her; she has alot of issues(mentally) As a Christian that she claims to be that is absolutely not ok, not only that but the fact that multiple times she called the girls W**** and S***. Do your mother's and father's really want your daughters to be called that? Another big point is that if you don't have money just know your kids will be treated so awfully, and you'll never believe them because the Staff is so good at lying; they will pretend your child has issues but trust me they don't; it's this school and the staff. "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body." -Ephesians 4:25 thought I should throw in a verse so you know what you teach. One year I had inappropriate drawings of private parts drawn in my yearbook, and you know what they said "We will get you a new yearbook" Those were admin/teacher kids who did that. That was harassment, and the school did nothing about it. I am a survivor of Desert Christian Academy and I am not afraid to speak out against this school if that means saving other girls just like me from being absolutely destroyed. But honestly, Desert Christian Academy, thank you, because of everything I experienced at Desert Christian Academy, I am who I am today. I learned not to chase the standards of people I would never want to become. I learned that people can claim to stand for certain values while their actions show otherwise. But most importantly, I learned my worth does not depend on the approval of people who made me feel otherwise. I was able to leave, and today I am the happiest I have ever been. I have grown from my experiences, and I will never allow them to define the person I become. My name is Presley Kavoussi. and I am sharing my experience because I wish someone had helped me understand what I was walking into. If you are a parent considering this school for your kids, I encourage you to look beyond what is presented on the surface. Ask questions, pay attention to how students are treated, and remember that you deserve an environment where you feel respected and valued. read more

I have been very disappointed with my experience at this school. From my perspective, the school seems to put a strong emphasis on fundraising and getting families to donate money. During fundraising campaigns, families are repeatedly encouraged and pressured to contribute, and it can feel like there is a constant expectation to give more. What is especially concerning is the way students are rewarded for fundraising. Students who raise more money or whose families contribute are given incentives such as ice cream, burgers, glow parties, and other rewards. While I understand wanting to encourage fundraising, I don't believe children should feel that they are being rewarded or left out based on how much money their families can contribute. Another thing that I find particularly troubling is how the fundraising is displayed in the classroom. Teachers have a race-style game on the board with all of the students' names, and students move forward as they raise certain amounts of money to earn different rewards. This means that if a family does not donate or is unable to raise as much money, the child can visibly remain behind their classmates on the board, seeing that difference every day. As a parent, I find this very uncomfortable. Whether intentional or not, I believe this can make children feel embarrassed, singled out, or like they are falling behind simply because their families are not contributing as much money. Elementary-age children should not have to carry the emotional burden of their family's ability or inability to donate. Fundraising should be about supporting the school, not creating a visible ranking system among children based on how much money they raise. There are many ways a school can recognize fundraising efforts without making children feel like they are being rewarded or punished based on their family's financial contributions. I hope the school will reconsider this approach and find ways to support its financial needs without putting so much pressure on families or making children feel left out. A school should be a place where children feel included, valued, and supported regardless of how much money their families are able to contribute. read more

I would not suggest thing school. My child left this school recently, hardly anything Christian about it. Most staff is very passive aggressive and your child can be let off the hook if you pay enough money. The teachers aren't great either and my child has hardly learned anything. They talk about kids behind their backs and try to get into their personal business. They want money for everything just for it to be spent on something irrelevant. read more

I'm so thankful for DCA! I attended this school from K through 12 and graduated in 2001, and now I am so grateful to be able to send all 4 of my kids here. The financial sacrifice is well worth the reward, and our family truly has found a home here. Family events at every turn and a whole staff that really cares about each and every child. Keep up the amazing work, DCA! read more

Desert Christian Academy - One of our favorite family days-- DCA's Walk-a-thon - Middle Schools & High Schools Near Me - Bermuda Dunes, California

It saddens me that I have to come on here and write about this school. Especially under a different name, but for my own personal security and comfort I'm going to speak on this school under my terms. Desert Christian Academy is a school that will promise your kids a one of a kinds educational experience while strengthening your child's connection with God. It's sounds great and honestly those two things are true, but it is not done in the way it should. I personally attended DCA from preschool up to the 8th grade, it's fair to say that I grew up at the school along with many of my classmates at the time. Growing up at the school offered a lot of deep connections to be formed with my classmates, but it also created an environment where people were entitled to know everything about your personal life. Never in my life have I experienced the things I did at DCA anywhere else, the students are first of all very close minded, we weren't taught about being a good person to others, how our actions may affect peoples lives such as bullying, we were taught about how if we do wrong apologizing to God is enough. read more

See all

My two children attend the preschool and they are so loved and cared for here. Amazing teachers and staff, very organized and communication is thorough via app to stay informed on how the kids are doing developmental/educational / health and just daily photos of fun and encouragement! Great family friendly environment and excited the kids will be attending here for years to come! My niece attends as well and she is in 4th grade and says every day is the 'best day ever' at pick up! Highly recommend!! read more

Desert Christian Academy - Middle Schools & High Schools Near Me - Bermuda Dunes, California

I payed extra for my child to attend the Basketball season. They came back a few times to me throughout the season and told me how annoyed they were that the coach never acknowledges them. My son never got any playing time at all. Some of the more "popular students" always get chosen first. I would very much not recommend attending this school. read more

worst school ever. dont even waste your time to send kids here. nothing christian about it at ALL. ever one there is stuck up and if you dont have alot of money or dont donate 1000 of dollars your kids will be treated awful. you pay so much to attend this school you pay for uniforms and lunches plus they ask you to raise money for kids who cant afford to go there. teachers are so easy to give cerant kids a demrit. and recently getting uniform are so hard. there used to be a lady that work it and she was so kind and always willing to help my family. but once i found out she doesnt do it any more i was really upset. ever since then i have been so unsure about continuing to send my kids there. read more

Both of my children have attended this absolutely amazing school!! They have the best teachers & staff of any private school my children have ever attended. This school is HIGHLY recommended for any grade from kindergarten to 8th grade. read more

I payed for my daughter to be on varsity but she never got playing time. I am severely displeased with the way this school runs. I put so much money into this school and I expect for my child to be on varsity. They would've won cif this year if she played. read more

An amazing place. Like no other experience I ever had touring schools for our son. Once you join the family here you are welcomed with open arms. This place does things right. Great faculty, great families and great kids. Truly a blessing to have the opportunity to place our boys here. Go Conquerors read more

This is an excellent school with teachers and staff that care about your children. If you are looking for a solid academic and Christ centered education for your children, this is the school for them to attend. Our family is blessed to be a part of the DCA family. read more

By far the best private school in the Coachella Valley/Palm Springs Area. My son is reading and writing at a 2nd grade level and is in kindergarten. I compare his homework to that of the local public schools and other private schools, and there's just not comparison. The academics and moral values taught are top knotch. He computes double digit math in his head with out use of a pencil. And he's HAPPY! He is nourished emotionally. K-12 school and I plan on him staying all 13 years. This school is more like a family. There are only 15 children in his class. I could go on and on. Go check it our for yourself. It's worth the trip. read more

Not a great school if your child has extra needs. The school does not provide any extra help for any kids falling behind. The school does not have a resource room or provide any extra staff for children with difficulties in any subjects. The school does not provide testing to asses childerns needs. My child had fallen behind . Not once was I notified not once did the school schedule a meeting . When I finally did the schools answer mid year was to leave my child back next year . Think twice before attending DCA it lacks in many ways. read more

The school is VERY close-minded. It taught me some good things but, I entered a public high school expected to know more than DCA had taught me in middle school and elementary school. read more

My kids have been at this school for at least 11 years. I wouldn't put my kids anywhere else.. Love the teachers and family atmosphere. Couldn't be prouder to say my kids go to DCA!! read more

We love Desert Christian Academy! Our kids are younger but we've been so happy with the preschool and elementary. The teachers and staff are absolutely amazing and were just blown away with the curriculum. read more

I can confiidently recommend DCA to any family looking for academic and athletic excellence with a Christ-centric focus. We have been part of the DCA family for 11 years and every year my kids have been loved on and challenged by their teachers and coaches to be their best for Christ. Do not miss out on having your kids at this school! read more