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Donald E. Suburu School

Public | K-5 | 741 students

 

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Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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10 reviews of this school


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Posted January 8, 2013

I have two children at this school and I have mixed emotions. The academics are good but there are other things that are worrisome. There is a lack of communication between the office/principal and the parents. Parents literally find out about drug/alcohol, bully, and "body parts/function" topic assemblies through their kids mouths. And if your child doesn't talk to you then you wouldn't know. You are not given a choice on if your child will be part of that teaching or not. There is definite lack of communication about up coming events/awards assemblies/PTC activities, etc. It appears as if the principal is either overwhelmed or super controlling on how much information goes out. There were several break-ins at the school which were shown on the news and once the suspects were caught was when word went home. My teachers are great and are doing a good job given the lack of school supplies and aid help (which is the normal situation given the economy). Overall the parent participation is kinda lacking and needs a good beefing up. But the office staff and principal are not happy you are there. It's almost like there is lots of secrets kept from the parents.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 23, 2012

We moved to this neighborhood a year ago from another Bakersfield district, and Suburu is a vast improvement over where we came from. Both of my children excelled and were challenged. New leadership is moving the school forward in a positive direction. The teachers are very competent and understanding of the needs of individual students. I'm happy to have my kids enrolled here.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 12, 2012

There are some very caring teachers at this school; however, the school leadership is not competent. It seems like their motto is punish first, ask questions later. An embarassment to the school.


Posted March 22, 2010

I sent my 2 children to this school for a yr. and a half, and the teachers are very nice. However, The lunch is gross, my kids took cold lunch.The craziness to pick up and drop off your kids is insane!!! And when I switched them to another school within the city, they were behind. Not to mention my son went to that school so outgoing and friendly, the kids at that school changed him. They were so mean. I would never put my kids back in this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 9, 2008

our daughter completed her kindergarten year there and had the best time ever. Everyday she was ready and prepared for school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 16, 2007

The cafeteria food is insulting. Each entre is individually packed in its own microwavable container sealed in plastic. How would you like to eat microwaved french fries? Or microwaved peas? Does this really save on costs? What about the waste of all the food containers? I hope this school isn't teaching about conservation because they certainly don't practice it. Other schools in the area (such as Panama-Buena Vista) will serve the kids hot food prepared onsite.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 16, 2007

If you have a child who is a the top of the class, this is not the school for you. This school would rather not help the bright stars shine brighter, instead they will teach your kid at the level of the average children. They have a stick to curriculum ay all costs attitude. Although, the PTC is great and they do have a lot of fun activities for the kids.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 25, 2006

This school is very questionable. They don't have a plan to meet the needs of all students.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 26, 2006

My son has become one of the top readers in his class! He is always rewarded for his accomplishments. I enjoy watching his progress from the beginning of the school year to the end. The teachers work well with the parents to ensure we are on the same page.
—Submitted by Dionne Rice, a parent


Posted June 5, 2004

Suburu has a fantastic staff who are committed to making our students succeed. I feel blessed to have my children in such a school with such a loving and nurturing environment. The Parent Club is fantastic and very active. They have a lot of wonderful activities that involve families and the community. The location of the school is in a great place. Many students walk or ride their bikes to school. If you are looking for high academics, you will have this at Suburu. The students test well because they have been taught well. Suburu is the best!
—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

804

Change from
2011 to 2012

+14

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

4 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

1 / 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

804

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

+14

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)

1 / 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.

103 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
66%

2011

 
 
51%

2010

 
 
52%

2009

 
 
46%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

103 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
63%

2011

 
 
54%

2010

 
 
63%

2009

 
 
49%
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.

117 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
44%

2011

 
 
43%

2010

 
 
42%

2009

 
 
52%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

120 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
58%

2011

 
 
53%

2010

 
 
52%

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.

111 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
62%

2011

 
 
65%

2010

 
 
64%

2009

 
 
59%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

113 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
66%

2010

 
 
64%

2009

 
 
56%
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.

106 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
62%

2011

 
 
52%

2010

 
 
57%

2009

 
 
53%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

105 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
42%

2011

 
 
44%

2010

 
 
49%

2009

 
 
39%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

106 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
39%

2011

 
 
50%

2010

 
 
39%

2009

 
 
31%
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 Students66%
Females71%
Males60%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino57%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)80%
Economically disadvantaged57%
Non-economically disadvantaged79%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability72%
English learner48%
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 graduate52%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)67%
Parent education - college graduate84%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students63%
Females65%
Males60%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino56%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)76%
Economically disadvantaged54%
Non-economically disadvantaged76%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability68%
English learner48%
Fluent-English proficient and English only68%
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)50%
Parent education - college graduate84%
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 Students44%
Females42%
Males45%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino40%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)49%
Economically disadvantaged39%
Non-economically disadvantaged50%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability45%
English learner35%
Fluent-English proficient and English only46%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate41%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)39%
Parent education - college graduate59%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate43%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students58%
Females55%
Males61%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino53%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)64%
Economically disadvantaged54%
Non-economically disadvantaged63%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability60%
English learner46%
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 graduate51%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)64%
Parent education - college graduate71%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate50%
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 Students62%
Females67%
Males58%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino55%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)76%
Economically disadvantaged55%
Non-economically disadvantaged76%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability64%
English learner41%
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 graduate62%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)56%
Parent education - college graduate63%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate78%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students67%
Females69%
Males66%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino66%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)74%
Economically disadvantaged61%
Non-economically disadvantaged79%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability70%
English learner59%
Fluent-English proficient and English only69%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate53%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)59%
Parent education - college graduate79%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate83%
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 Students62%
Females65%
Males60%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino61%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)72%
Economically disadvantaged53%
Non-economically disadvantaged75%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability63%
English learner12%
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 graduate49%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)73%
Parent education - college graduate83%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate82%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students42%
Females46%
Males39%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino43%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)44%
Economically disadvantaged31%
Non-economically disadvantaged59%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability44%
English learner25%
Fluent-English proficient and English only46%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate27%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)48%
Parent education - college graduate58%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate73%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students39%
Females41%
Males38%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino31%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)50%
Economically disadvantaged31%
Non-economically disadvantaged52%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability40%
English learner0%
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 graduate22%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)58%
Parent education - college graduate75%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate36%
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
Hispanic 49% 51%
White 31% 27%
Black 10% 7%
Asian 6% 11%
Two or more races 2% 3%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 1%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 0% 1%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 159%N/A54%
English language learners 217%N/A24%
Source: 1 NCES, 2010-2011
Source: 2 CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Home languages of english learners

Language This school State average
Spanish 84% 85%
Punjabi 9% 1%
All other non-English languages 1% 1%
Arabic 1% 1%
Cantonese 1% 2%
Farsi (Persian) 1% 0%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 1% 1%
Khmer (Cambodian) 1% 0%
Urdu 1% 0%
Vietnamese 1% 2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 9N/A11
Average years teaching 12N/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

School basics

School Leader's name
  • Gary Mullen
Fax number
  • (661) 665-8282

Resources

Extra learning resources offered
  • Title I Targeted Assistance program (TAS)
School leaders can update this information here.

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7315 Harris Road
Bakersfield, CA 93313
Website: Click here
Phone: (661) 665-8190

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