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GreatSchools Rating

Discovery Elementary School

Public | K-6 | 825 students

Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 5 ratings

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Parent involvement

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16 reviews of this school


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Posted September 21, 2010

Discovery Elementary School is one of the best schools in the area you could hope to send your kids to. The faculty and staff truly care about their students and making sure they receive the best education they can offer in these formative years. That is what good teaching is all about.


Posted September 21, 2010

Discovery does a great job at creating a safe atmosphere for the kids to learn and grow and feel like they all matter. The entire staff is wonderful and caring. My daughter has really thrived here academically and socially.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 21, 2010

They have a strong emphasis on math and science.


Posted June 23, 2010

This school has been amazing in Aiding my niece with shyness and social issues, She just graduated from 6th grade with Honors. We could not be more proud of her.


Posted April 5, 2010

My 4 children attend Discovery and have for 2 years academically this school is above average, my children enjoy thier classes and have many friends. My only problem is they seem to have very strict policies on behavior, and not enough positive reinforcement for good behavior. I find that the office staff is sometimes ill mannered and will be to busy gossiping rather than paying attention to parents or students in the office.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 15, 2009

My son and daughter go to Discovery, and they love it. My son just started and he is in kindergarten and three weeks into school he can read 22 words and three books. And my daughter is learning to write in cursive, and she loves it. This is the best school in the County. The Principal knows all the students by name and he really cares about the school and the students.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 14, 2009

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this school. The Principal is wonderful and is never in his office because he's out in the classes or walking around the school talking to students. As a parent he always acknowleges me and knows me by name. Wonderful man! This school awards students on many levels from Respect to great math and reading skills. I love that. We know life is more than just reading...you have to respect others and our environment. The Teachers.... WOW! My daughter is in kindergarten, but even the teachers in other grades know her by name. Other students as well. This school has put safety first, from the valet drop off in the mornings to the numbered pick up system in the afternoons. Fantastic School, teachers and staff! PTA could use a little work and more parent involement.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 21, 2009

I've loved this school ever since I discovered it. I wouldn't have my child any where else. Keep up the great work!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 12, 2008

I love this neigborhood school. I hear only good things about Discovery, I'm thrilled to have my son attend.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 25, 2008

Discovery is an amazing school, with wonderful teachers and an excellent prinicipal. She knows every student's name! Great test scores, and a clean and safe place to send my child.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 20, 2007

I am a parent of a Discovery school student. My daughter enjoys going to school everyday. The teachers seem to be very interested in their students in all aspects. The principal knows almost every childs name. The office staff is very friendly and helpful. I would give this school a 10 rating and the scores should back up all the great things about Discovery elementary school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 1, 2006

Amazing teachers, amazing principal...excellent support staff. Clean, welcoming and safe. I know that I am turning my child over to a school where everyone really cares. Most incredible...the principal knows every child's name!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 24, 2005

My daughter attended this school for the fourth and fifth grade. The academic programs were challenging but definatiately educational.My child wasn't offered any music instruments although they did offer choir. The sports activities I feel were above average.Definately a high parental involved school./
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 18, 2005

My child started kindergarten at Discovery school this fall. It is a full day program begining at 8:20 and ending at 2:10. I am very impressed with the quality of the teachers and administration. The class has a wide range of abilities and the teacher manages to challenge those that need advancement as well as remediate those children who need extra help. The school also encourages children to participate in a variety of activities and give opportunites for all intrests to be explored. It seems like everyone gives 110% to make sure the students have a positive learning experiences. My child loves Discovery school and so do I!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 3, 2004

My son recently started attending the special education preschool at Discovery and the teachers are wonderful. He went in with a 50 word vocabulary and after a few short months he uses and understands thousand of words. Amazing! I can't thank them enough. I highly reccomend this program.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 19, 2004

My daughter has been going to Discovery for 4 years now, and we love it the teachers' are so caring and the principal is the best to have in the whole world.
—Submitted by Andrea Lomeli, 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

888

Change from
2011 to 2012

+34

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

8 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

4 / 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 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

888

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

+34

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)

8 / 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)

4 / 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.

134 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
64%

2010

 
 
64%

2009

 
 
77%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

134 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%

2011

 
 
64%

2010

 
 
63%

2009

 
 
73%
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.

108 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
64%

2011

 
 
61%

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
76%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

109 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
80%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
89%
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.

112 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
83%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

112 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
86%
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.

107 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
69%

2009

 
 
78%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

107 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
69%

2010

 
 
68%

2009

 
 
81%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

107 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
73%

2010

 
 
70%

2009

 
 
67%
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 59% in 2012.

114 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
59%

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
82%
Math

The state average for Math was 55% in 2012.

114 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
71%

2011

 
 
59%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
65%
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 Students77%
Females78%
Males76%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino71%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)80%
Economically disadvantaged60%
Non-economically disadvantaged86%
Students with disability35%
Students with no reported disability83%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only78%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate65%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)72%
Parent education - college graduate86%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate91%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students74%
Females63%
Males82%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino61%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)83%
Economically disadvantaged57%
Non-economically disadvantaged83%
Students with disability29%
Students with no reported disability80%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only75%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate65%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)70%
Parent education - college graduate80%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate87%
Parent education - declined to staten/a
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 Students64%
Females67%
Males60%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino59%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)65%
Economically disadvantaged53%
Non-economically disadvantaged69%
Students with disability50%
Students with no reported disability66%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only65%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate39%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)60%
Parent education - college graduate78%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate91%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students79%
Females83%
Males73%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino82%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)78%
Economically disadvantaged76%
Non-economically disadvantaged80%
Students with disability69%
Students with no reported disability80%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only80%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate54%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)75%
Parent education - college graduate93%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to staten/a
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 Students86%
Females87%
Males86%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino90%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)81%
Economically disadvantaged88%
Non-economically disadvantaged86%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability87%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only86%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate80%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)83%
Parent education - college graduate92%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate93%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students88%
Females91%
Males84%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino88%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)86%
Economically disadvantaged88%
Non-economically disadvantaged87%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability89%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only88%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate80%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)83%
Parent education - college graduate88%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to staten/a
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 Students78%
Females81%
Males76%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino74%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)78%
Economically disadvantaged59%
Non-economically disadvantaged86%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability79%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only78%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate54%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)73%
Parent education - college graduate87%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students87%
Females92%
Males83%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino80%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)91%
Economically disadvantaged83%
Non-economically disadvantaged90%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability89%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only88%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate77%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)80%
Parent education - college graduate97%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate94%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students75%
Females72%
Males78%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino63%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)80%
Economically disadvantaged45%
Non-economically disadvantaged86%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability77%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only75%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate54%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)68%
Parent education - college graduate84%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate94%
Parent education - declined to staten/a
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 Students75%
Females73%
Males76%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino75%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)75%
Economically disadvantaged44%
Non-economically disadvantaged87%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability75%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only75%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate65%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)68%
Parent education - college graduate74%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students71%
Females66%
Males78%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino78%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)72%
Economically disadvantaged44%
Non-economically disadvantaged83%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability73%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only72%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate55%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)61%
Parent education - college graduate82%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to staten/a
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
White 58% 28%
Hispanic or Latino 26% 49%
Multiple or No Response 6% 3%
African American 4% 7%
Asian 3% 8%
Filipino 2% 3%
American Indian or Alaska Native 1% 1%
Pacific Islander 0% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 13%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 225%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 77% 85%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 18% 1%
Vietnamese 5% 2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Average class size

  This school District averageState average
Average class size 20N/A25
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 12N/A11
Average years teaching 16N/A13
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Full credential 100%N/A96%
Emergency credential or waiver 0%N/A2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

7500 Vaquero Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93308
Website: Click here
Phone: (661) 589-7336

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