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GreatSchools Rating

Independent Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 606 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

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

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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11 reviews of this school


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Posted August 10, 2010

Having been at private schools previously, it was an easy transition for my children to acclimate to Independent Elementary last year. The teachers I've had the honor to work with in my children's education, the other families we've met, and the after school program associated with the school are all of the highest quality. It is a wonderful community of teachers and families that provides a well rounded environment for the children to grow and mature in. Definitely didn't expect to find this level of quality and sense of community in a public school. Such a happy surprise!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 11, 2010

The community is amazing at Independent elementary. The staff have always made us feel as though we are truly, all one big family. The teachers genuinely care about their students and the families of their students. The teachers guide the children through their academic adventures with love, intellect and compassion. I love the school so much that I am now earning my teaching credential and doing my field work at Independent. This school cares about all of us, they deserve to be appreciated.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 27, 2009

This is a great school. Teachers are great. They definitely assist and foster the growth of each students.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 27, 2009

My son is a new student at Independent. His teacher Mrs Hanson is GREAT!. She is a natural. The principal is great leader and most of all my son loves going to school there.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 19, 2009

Both of my children are students at Independent and they love it!!! The teachers are great and know how to chanllenge the students while encouraging their individual strengths and fostering growth when it comes to their weaknesses. The principal is friendly and is always available.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 5, 2008

Teachers are expectacular. They are open minded and very caring.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 18, 2008

Great School, great teachers, fine principle. My kids are thriving there.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 1, 2007

Excellent school with diverse student body, dedicated teachers, excellent principal, and very involved parents. Bullying is not tolerated. Respect is rewarded. Diversity is expected and celebrated.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 10, 2005

This is a great school with an extremely dedicated staff.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted November 27, 2004

I've heard nothing but great things about Independent!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 17, 2003

My daughter attended private school for the first 4 years of school and I really thought I was getting the best education and school environment. For a couple of reasons we switch to public school, spefically, Independent Elementary. I can't believe the change in my childs teaching quality and activities offered to her at Independent. Independent has excellent parent participation, thereby, offering extra programs that other schools in the district can't offer. I'm able to meet with the teacher as often I need to on a moments notice. I get honest straight forward feedback from the teachers. My daughter senses that her well-being, academically and overall are the utmost concern of the school and she's much more happy here than she ever was at the private school. Because of the environment and mission of the school I'm more involved in her learning and in helping at the school than I ever was before.


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

957

Change from
2011 to 2012

-14

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

10 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

10 / 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

957

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)

10 / 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)

10 / 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.

99 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
75%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

99 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
94%

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 48% in 2012.

97 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
93%

2011

 
 
80%

2010

 
 
76%

2009

 
 
76%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

97 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
95%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
93%
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.

95 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
93%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
93%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

97 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
98%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
95%

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 63% in 2012.

110 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
89%

2009

 
 
86%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

110 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
92%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

110 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
85%

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

All Students86%
Females90%
Males80%
African Americann/a
Asian97%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino88%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)80%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged89%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability89%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only85%
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)83%
Parent education - college graduate86%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate91%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students84%
Females83%
Males85%
African Americann/a
Asian97%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino69%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)84%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged88%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability87%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only83%
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 graduate86%
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 Students93%
Females95%
Males91%
African Americann/a
Asian95%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino91%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)92%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability94%
English learner83%
Fluent-English proficient and English only94%
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 graduate92%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate98%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students95%
Females95%
Males94%
African Americann/a
Asian97%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)92%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged95%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability96%
English learner92%
Fluent-English proficient and English only95%
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 graduate94%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate98%
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 Students93%
Females94%
Males90%
African Americann/a
Asian90%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)97%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability93%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only93%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)100%
Parent education - college graduate89%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate97%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students98%
Females100%
Males95%
African Americann/a
Asian100%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)97%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged100%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability99%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only99%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)100%
Parent education - college graduate100%
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 Students90%
Females93%
Males86%
African Americann/a
Asian93%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino89%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)86%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged91%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability91%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only92%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)79%
Parent education - college graduate92%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate95%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students88%
Females84%
Males94%
African Americann/a
Asian95%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino79%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)86%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged89%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability89%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only89%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)79%
Parent education - college graduate90%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate93%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students92%
Females93%
Males90%
African Americann/a
Asian98%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino84%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)90%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability93%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only92%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)79%
Parent education - college graduate94%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate98%
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
Asian 41% 8%
White 32% 28%
Hispanic or Latino 9% 49%
African American 7% 7%
Filipino 5% 3%
Multiple or No Response 3% 3%
Pacific Islander 2% 1%
American Indian or Alaska Native 1% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 114%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 29%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
Cantonese 35% 2%
Spanish 15% 85%
Mandarin (Putonghua) 9% 1%
Vietnamese 9% 2%
Farsi (Persian) 8% 0%
Korean 4% 1%
All other non-English languages 3% 1%
Arabic 2% 1%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 2% 1%
Greek 2% 0%
Russian 2% 0%
Tigrinya 2% 0%
French 1% 0%
Gujarati 1% 0%
Indonesian 1% 0%
Japanese 1% 0%
Portuguese 1% 0%
Punjabi 1% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Average class size

  This school District averageState average
Average class size 21N/A25
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 8N/A11
Average years teaching 11N/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

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • California Distinguished School

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Painting
Music
  • Band
  • Orchestra
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 8:10
School end time
  • 2:35
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • After school
  • Before school
School Leader's name
  • Jim Kentris
Fax number
  • (510) 537-9591

Resources

Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • None
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Track
  • Volleyball
Girls sports
  • Track
  • Volleyball

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Painting
Music
  • Band
  • Orchestra
School leaders can update this information here.

School culture

Dress Code
  • Dress code
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

To learn more about enrolling, please call the school.
 

TIP: Don't forget to ask about documents required for enrollment, such as your child's birth certificate, proof of address, or a record of immunizations.

 
 

Planning ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
Canyon Middle School
Creekside Middle School
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

21201 Independent School Road
Castro Valley, CA 94552
Phone: (510) 537-9558

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