Best Special Needs Schools in Desert Hot Springs, California (2026)

DUC Learning Center grew out of the tutoring help a single mother began offering in Desert Hot Springs in the early 2000s. It became a nonprofit in 2014, has grown from two students to more than 200, and is registered with the California Department of Education as a private school. Much of our work supports families who homeschool or use independent study. We provide online teachers, online media, textbooks and training videos for home schooling, and we coach parents through parent-to-student tutoring training. Students from public schools also come to us for one-on-one tutoring, small groups for elementary and middle school ages, and Teen Excel Workshops. Parent and student life coaching round out the program, because we treat life skills and mentorship as part of learning. Our after-school program mixes academics with arts and crafts, eSports gaming, and outings such as a field trip to the Palm Springs Air Museum. Most of our educators hold advanced degrees in their fields. The office on Palm Drive is open weekdays.

• Private tutoring center and homeschool program
• One-on-one tutoring
• Homeschool support
• Life skills