Palm Desert High School is located in the Desert Sands School District. It is one of the top schools within Riverside County. PDHS was named a California Distinguished School in 2004. Students are among some of the highest standardized test scores and a majority of graduates end up attending some form of colllege, including top state and private universities.
In addition to being academically focused, PDHS is also known for its athletics programs and is notable for its tennis, golf, swimming, baseball, softball, volleyball, basketball, football, wrestling and water polo teams.