Cactus Magnet Academy
Cactus Magnet Academy – General Information
Overview
Cactus Magnet Academy is a public, technology-and-health themed magnet middle school serving grades 6–8 in the Palmdale Elementary School District in Palmdale, California. Located in the Antelope Valley region, Cactus Magnet Academy blends a standard middle school core curriculum with specialized pathways in medical, health and technology fields to provide students with a rigorous and engaging learning environment. The school emphasizes project-based learning, hands-on STEM activities, and real-world applications through programs such as CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), JUMP (Junior Upcoming Medical Professionals), robotics, coding, anatomy/physiology and video production.
These offerings help students explore future careers, develop critical thinking skills and engage actively in their educational journey. The magnet focus draws students district-wide via a lottery process, and the school cultivates a sense of academic purpose and community with its specialized electives, exploratory labs and structured advisory programs. Students and families are often attracted to Cactus Magnet Academy because it offers more than traditional middle school instruction: it provides thematic immersion, advanced electives and opportunities to connect with peers who share interests in technology and health sciences. The school also supports student wellness, digital literacy and leadership through various extracurriculars and a culture of innovation.
Contact Informations
Address: 3243 East Avenue R-8, Palmdale, California 93550
Phone Number: (661) 273-0847
Email Address: (use district contact via Palmdale Elementary School District information)
School Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1980 (opened as site; magnet theme added later) ed-data.org+1 |
| Grades | 6-8 |
| Type | Public Magnet Middle School |
| District | Palmdale Elementary School District palmdalesd.org+1 |
| Enrollment | Approx. 845 students (2023-24) ed-data.org+1 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | ~22:1 (per Niche) Niche |
Cactus Magnet Academy Rankings
| Category | Performance & Statistics |
|---|---|
| Reading Proficiency | ~29% of students proficient in reading Niche |
| Math Proficiency | ~7% of students proficient in math Niche |
| Overall School Rating (Niche) | Grade: C- (Public, Magnet, 6-8) Niche |
Cactus Magnet Academy – Academics
Cactus Magnet Academy Faculties / Departments
- Core Academic Department (English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies)
- Health & Medical Sciences Department
- Technology & Engineering Department (including coding, robotics, video game programming)
- Applied Arts & Exploring Electives Department
- Language & Literacy Support Department
- Student Support & Counseling Department
- Extracurricular & Enrichment Department
- Special Education & Intervention Services Department
Cactus Magnet Academy Courses and Programs / Majors
- Project Lead The Way (PLTW) modules in design and modeling, energy and environment, coding and robotics palmdalesd.org
- Medical/Health-Pathway electives: anatomy/physiology, healthy culinary arts, science of video production, JUMP (Junior Upcoming Medical Professionals) palmdalesd.org
- Technology and video game programming, flight and space elective, crime scene analysis, STEM oriented courses palmdalesd.org
- Standard middle school courses: ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, with integrated STEM and magnet-theme enrichment
- Exploratory electives: arts, dance, sports technology, leadership, peer mentoring
- Advanced opportunities and gifted program inclusion for students eligible for accelerated or enriched instruction
Online Learning
Cactus Magnet Academy incorporates digital learning tools and blended instruction as part of its magnet program. Students use interactive technology, digital portfolios, coding platforms and robotics software as part of daily instruction. The school’s technology & engineering electives provide hands-on and digital components, preparing students for 21st-century learning. While primarily in-person instruction, the school supports remote learning contingencies and offers online content platforms for assignments, collaborative projects and extended learning opportunities outside class time.
Average Test Scores
| Assessment | Outcome |
|---|---|
| California State Reading Proficiency | ~29% (grades 6-8) Niche |
| California State Math Proficiency | ~7% (grades 6-8) Niche |
Retention and Graduation Rates
As a middle school, Cactus Magnet Academy does not report traditional “graduation” rates, but retention between grades and successful transitions to high school are key indicators. The school’s specialized magnet focus and pathway courses help maintain student engagement and continuity. While specific retention statistics are not publicly listed, the school’s robust electives and magnet enrollment model support strong student retention through the 6–8 grade span, positioning students for success as they enter high school programs aligned with health, technology and engineering.
Cactus Magnet Academy – Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Admission to Cactus Magnet Academy is based on magnet school enrollment criteria rather than GPA or standardized test scores. Students typically apply via the Palmdale Elementary School District magnet lottery process for entrance into the themed academy program. palmdalesd.org+1
Cactus Magnet Academy Acceptance Rate
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Determined via district lottery when oversubscribed – open to all eligible district students |
Cactus Magnet Academy Application Requirements
Prospective students must complete the magnet school application for the Palmdale Elementary School District, indicating their interest in the Cactus Magnet Academy theme pathway. The application process typically includes providing student information, selecting pathway preferences (health/technology), and participating in the lottery if demand exceeds available seats. Families are encouraged to attend information sessions and review the school’s specialized curriculum to ensure alignment with student interests and goals.
Application Process
- Submit the Palmdale Elementary School District magnet application for Cactus Magnet Academy during the stated enrollment window
- Attend an optional school tour or information meeting about the health/technology pathways
- Enter the district lottery if more applicants than seats are available palmdalesd.org
- Receive notification of acceptance or wait-list status
- Complete registration and attend orientation if accepted
Cactus Magnet Academy Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Timing |
|---|---|
| Magnet Application Window | Typically early spring each year |
| Lottery Drawing (if needed) | Shortly after application window closes |
| Acceptance Notification | Spring |
| New Student Orientation | Prior to start of the school year |
Essay Prompt
Not applicable for Cactus Magnet Academy enrollment; admissions are based on magnet application and lottery rather than selective essays.
Cactus Magnet Academy Scholarships
As a public magnet middle school, Cactus Magnet Academy does not charge tuition and therefore does not offer traditional scholarships for enrollment. Students attend tuition-free as part of the public district. However, students may benefit from district programs, enrichment opportunities, and pathway-related supports that may include external grants or resources tied to health/technology pathways.
Cactus Magnet Academy Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Category | Cost Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition | None – public school |
| Activity/Program Fees | Typically none, though elective materials or pathway costs may vary |
Cactus Magnet Academy – Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
Cactus Magnet Academy serves approximately 845 students in grades 6-8. ed-data.org+1 Gender distribution: approximately 48% male and 52% female. Niche Racial/ethnic composition: Hispanic ~79.4%, African American ~12.9%, White ~3.7%, Multiracial ~1.9%, Native American ~0.9%, Asian ~0.8% Niche
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
About 92% of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high proportion of economically disadvantaged students. Niche The school also serves students with disabilities under special education and intervention programs integrated into the magnet theme.
Student Body
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | ~845 students (2023-24) |
| Grades Served | 6-8 |
| Free/Reduced Lunch Eligible | ~92% |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | ~22:1 |
University Diversity
Cactus Magnet Academy is characterized by significant racial, cultural and socioeconomic diversity. With nearly 80% Hispanic enrollment and meaningful representation of other racial groups, the school serves a broad spectrum of student backgrounds. Despite many students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, the magnet model offers equitable access to advanced pathways in health, medical and technology fields. The curriculum fosters cross-cultural collaboration, peer mentorship, and inclusive teams working on robotics, coding and health-science projects. Educators integrate culturally responsive teaching, highlight student voice, and leverage the technological magnet theme to engage all learners, build multilingual and multicultural competence, and prepare students for further study and careers in STEM-related fields. The context of high need co-exists with specialized opportunities, and the school community emphasizes support, ambition and aspiration for every student.
Average Earnings
While a middle school does not track alumni earnings, the focus on preparing students for future high school programs, STEM pathways, health sciences fields and technology careers positions Cactus Magnet Academy graduates to pursue college readiness and longer-term career success. By engaging students in robotics, coding, anatomy, modeling and problem solving at an early age, the school helps create foundational skills—such as critical thinking, collaboration and technical literacy—that translate into improved opportunities for post-secondary education and employment.
Cactus Magnet Academy – Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Faculty and staff at Cactus Magnet Academy include certified middle-school teachers with specialization in STEM, health sciences, and technology, as well as elective instructors for robotics, video game design and medical pathways. The teaching teams participate in professional development aligned with Project Lead The Way standards, magnet pathway integration, technology pedagogy and culturally responsive instruction. The school leadership team includes a principal, assistant principals and counselor support dedicated to the health-technology theme.
Faculty Profiles
Educators at Cactus Magnet Academy have developed notable expertise in implementing project-based learning, STEM integration and health-science electives. For example, students participate in anatomy/physiology labs, flight and space modules, and robotics competitions. Faculty-led programs such as JUMP (Junior Upcoming Medical Professionals) and CERT demonstrate a commitment to real-world career exploration. Staff members engage collaborative planning, data-driven instructional improvement and student mentorship to cultivate both academic and personal growth.
Cactus Magnet Academy – Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
The Cactus Magnet Academy campus is a day-school environment; no student housing is provided. The campus features thematic facilities supporting its magnet focus, including robotics labs, technology workspaces, video production studios, health-science labs, and traditional classrooms. Students engage in exploratory clubs, elective pathways, project fairs, health awareness events, robotics competitions and leadership opportunities. The magnet setting fosters a community of learners with shared interests in medical, health and technology disciplines, promoting student engagement, collaboration and purposeful learning beyond the typical middle school experience.
Transportation
Cactus Magnet Academy is located at 3243 East Avenue R-8 in Palmdale, California. MapQuest The school is accessible via district bus routes, parent drop-off zones and local transit options within the Palmdale Elementary School District. Transportation policies follow district guidelines, and Magnet Academy students often travel from across district attendance boundaries, facilitated by the magnet enrollment process. The campus is situated in a suburban setting, and the school coordinates safe ingress and egress routines for middle-school students, particularly during high-traffic drop-off and pick-up times.