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GreatSchools Rating

Carmen Dragon Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 536 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
Based on 2 ratings
2010:
No new ratings

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Parent involvement

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17 reviews of this school


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Posted November 8, 2011

The staff at CD is wonderful. Our new principal is very active in eliminating bad behavior by both parents and students. If some parents were more inclined to volunteer, they would realize what an awesome school CD is. Once children leave the school, it is the parent's responsibility to assure their child gets home safely. My child is 10 years old and I would never let her walk home alone. The staff is very dedicated and the kids test scores are improving every year!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 7, 2011

I don't like Carmen Dragon Elementary school!The staff has bad attitudes,we have a different principal every year,for the past two years!They let the students walk across the street by there selfs after school,without nobody at the corner with a stop sign!My kids will be changing school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 11, 2009

All of the teachers really love what they do and they will go above and beyond to help their students.


Posted January 30, 2008

I am sadden to hear that there are parents out there that feel the PTA is no[t] productive. I am a parent who is often ask to volunteer. I enjoy helping out as much as I can. What I notice is that it is always the same parent volunteere and the same PTA board members volunteering there time. Instead of critizing the PTA for the lack of commitment our parents have towards the school you should get on board and help to bring in more parent involvement. I think our children deserve the best and it is up to everybody to help make this happen. We are all busy, but sometimes just making a phone call could be a big help to these ladies who are truley dedicated in making a difference in our childrens lifes. Thank you to all of the PTA board members. You have done a great job!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 29, 2008

I was outraged to see the comment about the PTA. I know that the PTA has struggled with volunteers. They have 6-7 women running everything while still taking care of their kids, families, jobs, and our kids that attend Carmen Dragon. They held a membership drive to motivate kids and parents and teachers to join and out of 650 kids and 35 teachers, only 80 people signed up. They offered an ice cream party and it still didn't work. I feel like if people don't see the PTA 'motivating' people...then get involved and make a change. Six people can not run a lot of functions, but somehow...it comes together. Ladies....hats off to you and keep up the good work. I applaud you for your efforts!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 27, 2007

I love the school, staff, and the direction the school is going. The PTA is fantastic and I see the volunteers working hard to make the school a better place for all the children. All parents are encouraged to get involved especially when they have concerns.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 27, 2007

I was sad to read the most recent review regarding the unproductive PTA. I have been involved in the PTA since the year the school opened. I have been to almost every meeting and I am sad to say that I was almost NEVER more than one of the 6 people there, and that's on a good day. I personally have tried to find people to help with the events and fundraisers, and let me tell you volunteers are scarce. The PTA has tried very hard to pull the school together with picnic's and other events that bring people in, but get little participation. I know for a fact that the PTA board is a group of totally dedicated people, who would welcome anyone with some idea's, and some time, to step forward and help out!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 26, 2007

Love the office staff and principal. Teachers are all wonderful and very open to ideas and concerns. Parent participation can be improved. Only really negative thing I can say about the school is the PTA [seems] very unproductive. Lack motivating the kids/parents to become involved.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 22, 2007

Excellent class, super reading program is great, teachers are very approachable, principal is very awesome, too nice....Very well satisfied
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 18, 2007

The school is great! My son had a wonderful K teacher in Mrs. Allred and now in 1st grade Mrs. Carroll is fabulous as well. The principal is phenomenal and the teacher involvement is great. The playground is a great concern as is the way the younger (K and 1st) grades are let out of school. I'm not sure at this age they should be dismissed to roam freely by the busy road! I love the classroom structure and the teachers we have had have been great!--Sara
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 13, 2006

I think this a great school. My daughter is in 1st grade and had a great k teacher(Mrs. Shandrew) and now a great 1st grade teacher-Mrs.Carroll. The principal is awesome! The atmosphere is truly a family like one.
—Submitted by Kim, a parent


Posted April 13, 2006

My son is in second year at Carmen Dragon, and I love it. He's complained a few times about his new teacher being 'mean', but I know my son - he thinks anything along the lines of discipline is mean. A 'strict' teacher is exactly what he needed. I have no complaints at all, my son is at grade level (or better) in every area and improving daily. They go on great field trips and have wonderful learning programs. Keep up the good work Carmen Dragon!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 16, 2006

The staff is phenomenal. Excellent teaching and knowledge of curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 12, 2006

Principal is awesome. Very professional with parents and great with children I bet she knows the name of all the 700+ students in this school. Good and very helpful teachers and easy to get along staff. Teachers work with parents to put the child in the correct academic level and advanced level if your chld meets the qualifications
—Submitted by reks, a parent


Posted January 11, 2006

This school is on the cutting edge of the new reading strategies. My childrens' teachers (this year and last year)are top notch. Behavior on the playground is a concern. The school has handled the problems as perscribed by the school rules, but improvement in this area won't happen until parental involvement of those students imvolved improves.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 4, 2005

This is a great school! The principal is wonderful and really takes the time to get to know the students individually.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 8, 2005

Quality of the school is excellent the childeren are diverse as well as a well informed staff of all academics
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.

The API reflects year-over-year schools performance based on STAR test score results from spring 2012.

This school's
API score

797

Change from
2011 to 2012

+18

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

4 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

3 / 10


API Growth scores over time

Did this school meet the API goal this year?
The state goal for API is 800. All schools that are below 800 are assigned an API improvement target each year.
  • This school met its schoolwide API target for 2012.
  • This school has not yet met the state goal of 800.

API Growth scores by subgroup

In addition to schoolwide API scores, each student subgroup receives an API score.
Did this school meet all the API goals for student subgroups this year?
The state goal for the API is 800. All the student subgroups at a school that are below 800 are assigned an API improvement target each year.
  • This school met all student subgroup API targets for 2012

This school's
API score

797

What is the API?
The Academic Performance Index (API) is a single number assigned to each school by the California Department of Education to measure overall school performance and improvement over time on statewide testing. The API ranges from 200 and 1000, with 800 as the state goal for all schools.
Change from
2011 to 2012

+18

Change from 2011 to 2012
Comparing the API Growth to the Base shows whether or not this school’s test score performance improved between Spring 2011 and Spring 2012. The API ranges between 200 and 1000, with 800 as the statewide goal for all schools. Schools scoring below an 800 are given at least a 5 point target for the next year.
API Statewide Rank
(2011)

4 / 10

API Statewide Rank (2011)
The API Statewide Rank ranges from 1 to 10. A rank of 10, for example, means that the school’s API fell into the top 10% of all schools in the state with a comparable grade range. The 2011 rank is based on results from tests students took in Spring 2011.
API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

3 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)
The API Similar Schools Rank ranges from 1 to 10. It shows how the school compares to other schools with similar student demographic profiles. The California Department of Education uses parent education level, poverty level, student ethnicity and other data to identify similar schools.
English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 58% in 2012.

73 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
57%

2011

 
 
57%

2010

 
 
46%

2009

 
 
36%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

73 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
67%

2010

 
 
52%

2009

 
 
38%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 48% in 2012.

77 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
39%

2011

 
 
44%

2010

 
 
37%

2009

 
 
47%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

76 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
59%

2010

 
 
49%

2009

 
 
62%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 67% in 2012.

87 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
56%

2011

 
 
55%

2010

 
 
54%

2009

 
 
38%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

85 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
53%

2011

 
 
50%

2010

 
 
58%

2009

 
 
37%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 63% in 2012.

77 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
58%

2011

 
 
53%

2010

 
 
61%

2009

 
 
50%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

76 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
52%

2011

 
 
40%

2010

 
 
63%

2009

 
 
65%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

77 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
22%

2011

 
 
31%

2010

 
 
49%

2009

 
 
29%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

All Students57%
Females64%
Males49%
African American42%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino50%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged49%
Non-economically disadvantaged75%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability60%
English learner53%
Fluent-English proficient and English only57%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)50%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state67%

Math

All Students60%
Females67%
Males54%
African American33%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino65%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged53%
Non-economically disadvantaged80%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability64%
English learner74%
Fluent-English proficient and English only56%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)67%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state63%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

All Students39%
Females35%
Males46%
African American18%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino26%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged31%
Non-economically disadvantaged52%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability41%
English learner15%
Fluent-English proficient and English only47%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate24%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)25%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state53%

Math

All Students68%
Females63%
Males79%
African American48%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino74%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged68%
Non-economically disadvantaged69%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability70%
English learner80%
Fluent-English proficient and English only64%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate63%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)58%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state80%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

All Students56%
Females59%
Males52%
African American35%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino59%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)91%
Economically disadvantaged52%
Non-economically disadvantaged62%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability57%
English learner35%
Fluent-English proficient and English only60%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate47%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)70%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state44%

Math

All Students53%
Females51%
Males54%
African American43%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino53%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)91%
Economically disadvantaged42%
Non-economically disadvantaged75%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability51%
English learner24%
Fluent-English proficient and English only60%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate50%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)64%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state44%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

All Students58%
Females56%
Males58%
African American42%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino53%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged45%
Non-economically disadvantaged70%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability59%
English learner25%
Fluent-English proficient and English only66%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate69%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)32%
Parent education - college graduate82%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state59%

Math

All Students52%
Females53%
Males53%
African American36%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino53%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged46%
Non-economically disadvantaged59%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability56%
English learner44%
Fluent-English proficient and English only55%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate62%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)36%
Parent education - college graduate64%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state63%

Science

All Students22%
Females17%
Males28%
African American15%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino17%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged13%
Non-economically disadvantaged32%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability23%
English learner0%
Fluent-English proficient and English only28%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate31%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)12%
Parent education - college graduate36%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state29%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
African American 34% 7%
Hispanic or Latino 26% 49%
White 18% 28%
Asian 8% 8%
Filipino 8% 3%
Multiple or No Response 4% 3%
American Indian or Alaska Native 1% 1%
Pacific Islander 1% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 121%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 250%N/A52%
Source: 1 CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Source: 2 NCES, 2008-2009

Home languages of english learners

Language This school State average
Spanish 65% 85%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 11% 1%
Urdu 6% 0%
All other non-English languages 5% 1%
Farsi (Persian) 5% 0%
Pashto 2% 0%
Arabic 1% 1%
Korean 1% 1%
Portuguese 1% 0%
Punjabi 1% 1%
Thai 1% 0%
Vietnamese 1% 2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 16N/A11
Average years teaching 18N/A13
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Full credential 97%N/A96%
Emergency credential or waiver 8%N/A2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

4721 Vista Grande Drive
Antioch, CA 94531
Phone: (925) 776-4760

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