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GreatSchools Rating

Valley Middle School

Public | 6-8 | 977 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars


Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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11 reviews of this school


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Posted September 26, 2009

My son attends Valley middle. He absolutely loves it. The teachers are open to communication and suggestion with parents.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 14, 2009

Valley Middle School was a very fun school. My 8th grade year was my favorite year out of all three years I went there. The teachers were fun but sctrict when necessary. Electives and p.e were fun also. Valley rocks. I told my previous teachers I would go back and visit.
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 16, 2008

Don't bring your kids to this school 1. The teachers are not that great at all 2. If your kid doesn't fit in to a certain friend mold then they're a loner 3. PE is kinda harsh and 8th grade is the hardest year. But really it depends what elementary school your kid is coming from. I don't recomend it, it's kinda ghetto.
—Submitted by a student


Posted March 14, 2008

Valley MS is a 'big' middle school and has a very diverse student population with diverse personalities. Academics, specially for advance learners, help students get ready for high school. VMS has a variety of electives to choose from (Spanish, showchoir, band, science tech, broadcasting to name a few). It's been a good school for our family. With my getting involved with school activities, I have gotten to know students, teachers and administrators (who really do care about their students and appreciate their parent volunteers). They actually have a volunteer breakfast at the end of the year as a thank you for all the hours put in. Valley is a great school with lots to offer!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 3, 2008

this school has given me a lot of memories and knowledge i believe the staff is great and the teachers are wonderful exspeacily mr.bess my science teacher he is great our principals are wonderful not really knowing vallley before i love it.......GO VIKINGS.......RDAD
—Submitted by a student


Posted March 27, 2007

Teachers vary widely in their dedication and expertise and only if your child gets the best village, will he or she receive creative, nurturing and challenging instruction. Administration too concerned with politics than individual student well-being. This overcrowded school lacks the ability to reach the lonely, left out child. Parents do get involved but are not rewarded or recognized, Few challenging extra activities. Unfortunately a sub-standard education here. Kids are more interested in social status than learning or being kind. Character education sorely lacking. Sorry to be so negative, but too many children are suffering at this school. Our children now thrive in this small southern town where edcuation is number one!
—Submitted by Roger Mcintyre, a former student


Posted February 21, 2006

I was one of the several people to transfer to Valley from Calavara and boy, did I notice the difference. It feels like middle school. Not an extenstion of elementry. If you have a choice Valleys the way to go.
—Submitted by a student


Posted April 1, 2005

I have one son at Valley Middle School. I know the school is above average academically. My biggest concern is that of allowing military recruitment posters on campus and in the classrooms. I feel that Junior High School is no place for this, and in particular the age and maturity of the students. The Teachers I've met at Valley are Great! I feel overall it is an above average school. Thanks for allowing me to share my experience of Valley Middle School.
—Submitted by Patrick Schafer, a parent


Posted February 24, 2005

I'm a 14yr. Carlsbad resident, with one child in middle school, and another in preschool here. Valley Middle School is a tightly run ship. Necessary emphasis on discipline due to overcrowded student body. Not much offered in way of extracurricular; representative of most schools in Carlsbad where i see large pop. of retired tax payers without children in schools. Overall, school rates well academically though not calibre I expect for a community in our socio-economic standing. Classroom equipment outdated and lacking. Parent involvement is essential and school's success rests on that atleast in keeping decorum on campus. There is little collaboration between schools in the community with less focus on the resulting H.S. graduate and their readiness for college level educ.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 16, 2004

My daughter attended Valley Middle School last year in 7th grade. This was her best year ever. Not only did she stay on the honor roll all year, but actually looked forward to school everyday. Great Teachers.....Great School
—Submitted by haze walker, a parent


Posted August 15, 2003

This established school (built in 1966) has new energy and spirit. The principal sets the tone with high expectations and gives his staff strong support to make that possible. Students know there are many caring adults on campus who want to help them do their best. Parents are welcomed on campus, especially as lunchtime visitors, to help stay connected with their kids and see what really goes on there.
—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

881

Change from
2011 to 2012

+21

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

9 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

5 / 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

881

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

+21

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)

9 / 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)

5 / 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 59% in 2012.

318 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
70%

2010

 
 
69%

2009

 
 
64%
Math

The state average for Math was 55% in 2012.

320 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
62%

2010

 
 
62%

2009

 
 
58%
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

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 86% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 62% in 2012.

344 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
76%
Math

The state average for Math was 52% in 2012.

335 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
58%

2010

 
 
65%

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

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 49% in 2012.

314 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
56%

2011

 
 
53%

2010

 
 
69%

2009

 
 
58%
English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 59% in 2012.

333 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
76%

2009

 
 
69%
General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards)

The state average for General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards) was 32% in 2012.

12 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
8%

2011

 
 
12%

2010

 
 
17%

2009

 
 
11%
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 87% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative

The state average for History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative was 52% in 2012.

335 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
71%

2011

 
 
63%

2010

 
 
68%

2009

 
 
57%
Science

The state average for Science was 66% in 2012.

332 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
68%
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 Students75%
Females76%
Males74%
African Americann/a
Asian83%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino54%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)83%
Economically disadvantaged60%
Non-economically disadvantaged82%
Students with disability33%
Students with no reported disability79%
English learner5%
Fluent-English proficient and English only80%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented96%
Parent education - not a high school graduate60%
Parent education - high school graduate58%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)72%
Parent education - college graduate81%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate90%
Parent education - declined to state36%

Math

All Students67%
Females63%
Males70%
African Americann/a
Asian83%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino50%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)74%
Economically disadvantaged51%
Non-economically disadvantaged73%
Students with disability28%
Students with no reported disability70%
English learner15%
Fluent-English proficient and English only70%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented93%
Parent education - not a high school graduate60%
Parent education - high school graduate52%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)49%
Parent education - college graduate78%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate81%
Parent education - declined to state36%
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

Algebra I

All Studentsn/a
Femalesn/a
Malesn/a
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with no reported disabilityn/a
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English onlyn/a
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)n/a
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

English Language Arts

All Students79%
Females78%
Males81%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino60%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)88%
Economically disadvantaged62%
Non-economically disadvantaged85%
Students with disability28%
Students with no reported disability85%
English learner0%
Fluent-English proficient and English only83%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented99%
Parent education - not a high school graduate48%
Parent education - high school graduate56%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)76%
Parent education - college graduate90%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate93%
Parent education - declined to state64%

Math

All Students67%
Females60%
Males73%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino44%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)75%
Economically disadvantaged41%
Non-economically disadvantaged75%
Students with disability23%
Students with no reported disability71%
English learner8%
Fluent-English proficient and English only69%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented94%
Parent education - not a high school graduate32%
Parent education - high school graduate50%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)56%
Parent education - college graduate82%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate80%
Parent education - declined to state45%
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

Algebra I

All Students56%
Females56%
Males56%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino42%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)62%
Economically disadvantaged38%
Non-economically disadvantaged63%
Students with disability29%
Students with no reported disability57%
English learner13%
Fluent-English proficient and English only58%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented82%
Parent education - not a high school graduate31%
Parent education - high school graduate50%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)46%
Parent education - college graduate65%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate73%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

English Language Arts

All Students76%
Females74%
Males78%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino58%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)86%
Economically disadvantaged57%
Non-economically disadvantaged84%
Students with disability33%
Students with no reported disability79%
English learner11%
Fluent-English proficient and English only80%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented96%
Parent education - not a high school graduate45%
Parent education - high school graduate60%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)73%
Parent education - college graduate90%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate89%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards)

All Students8%
Femalesn/a
Malesn/a
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disabilityn/a
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English onlyn/a
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)n/a
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Geometry

All Studentsn/a
Femalesn/a
Malesn/a
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with no reported disabilityn/a
Fluent-English proficient and English onlyn/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)n/a
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative

All Students71%
Females65%
Males77%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino57%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)78%
Economically disadvantaged58%
Non-economically disadvantaged77%
Students with disability33%
Students with no reported disability74%
English learner11%
Fluent-English proficient and English only75%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented94%
Parent education - not a high school graduate42%
Parent education - high school graduate45%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)68%
Parent education - college graduate84%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate88%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students81%
Females77%
Males86%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino68%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)89%
Economically disadvantaged66%
Non-economically disadvantaged88%
Students with disability41%
Students with no reported disability84%
English learner38%
Fluent-English proficient and English only84%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented99%
Parent education - not a high school graduate58%
Parent education - high school graduate69%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)80%
Parent education - college graduate87%
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

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 56% 28%
Hispanic or Latino 31% 49%
Multiple or No Response 6% 3%
Asian 4% 8%
African American 1% 7%
American Indian or Alaska Native 1% 1%
Filipino 1% 3%
Pacific Islander 1% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 110%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 231%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 96% 85%
Farsi (Persian) 1% 0%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 1% 1%
Korean 1% 1%
Mandarin (Putonghua) 1% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Average class size

  This school District averageState average
Average class size 30N/A25
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 10N/A11
Average years teaching 15N/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!

1645 Magnolia Avenue
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Website: Click here
Phone: (760) 331-5300

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