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GreatSchools Rating

Samuel Vaughn Elementary School

Public | K-6 | 634 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 1 rating

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Parent involvement

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6 reviews of this school


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Posted May 23, 2010

My son is in the fifth grade. This school is perfect if you want your children to have the life sucked out of them! There were Constant double standards at Sam Vaughn Elementary. The staff "resolved" issues, by appeasing us just to give the appearance that they're working on it, only to be forgotten. I have to admit, my sons 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st, and kindergarten teachers were fantastic! Before 5th grade, my son loved school, loved his teachers, and a lot of his peers. But, this 5th grade teacher, the principle, and assistant principle, were the cause of my son feeling threatened, and afraid. We still received no help in dealing with issues that had gone on at Sam Vaughn. Two weeks ago, I had to transfer my son to a private school for his safety from being mistreated at Sam Vaughn.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 14, 2010

I have worked for Ceres Unified Schools in the past. I worked at several different schools in the Ceres district. Samuel Vaughn being one of them. Now as a parent I couldn't be more pleased that my son attends this school. He had a great K grade teacher. His first grade teacher is the greatest. Mrs. Dobbs is great with the childern and super when it comes to getting the parents involved with the class room. I hope that all his teacher are as super as his first two are. If he didn't have Mrs. James for K grade his adjustment from headstart to elementary school would't have went as smoothly as it did. He was so scared of going to a new school after headstart and finding out Mrs, Patty his teacher at preschool was not coming with him. One day with Mrs.James changed all that and he loves Mrs.Dobbstoo.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 16, 2009

This school has a great teaching staff, along with a great administrative staff. There's not one single person that won't take their time to make sure that the students have the things they need to succeed. The Principal is doing a fine job, and needs to be praised more in my opinion. Parent involvement is getting better, but still needs some work. This is one of the highest ranking schools in our district, and it shows.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted June 26, 2007

Sam Vaughn is an outstanding school, my sons have attended since Kindergarten and are now going in the 5th and 6th grade. Both are Honor Roll students thanks to the great Teaching Staff. As far as parent involvement, that is another story. I feel that there is lack of Parent involvement at this school, which I hope will get better due to the fact that we have such an awsome new Principal who is doing things to get more parents excited about getting involved. I wish there were more extra curricular activities, chess clubs, drama, more teachers willing to give some time to these activities. All in all as far as academics, Sam Vaughn is one of the highest ranking schools in our District.
—Submitted by Nikki, a parent


Posted July 12, 2005

My son attended Sam Vaughn for his first two years of school. As a parent I was involved in the classroom at least once a week and I was also a member of the PTA. I was very satisfied with the professionalism of the teachers and the staff. I felt that the students were treated with respect and in a fair manner. I strongly suggest that parents get involved with their childs education, not only at home but in the classroom as well. Education is a joint effort between the parent and the school in which your child attends. More support of our teachers is a must!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 16, 2004

This school definitely needs to improve the tutoring services available to the kids. Also, they need to focus on the kids that lack in math/reading skills.' The school has a hard time helping those that are falling behind but high focus on the kids that up their scores. High turn over rate in P.E. teachers and music teachers. Over all the teachers are great and go out of their way to help your child.
—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

821

Change from
2011 to 2012

+5

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

6 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

7 / 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

821

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

+5

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)

6 / 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)

7 / 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.

89 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
61%

2011

 
 
49%

2010

 
 
50%

2009

 
 
48%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

89 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
50%

2011

 
 
47%

2010

 
 
40%

2009

 
 
53%
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.

91 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
45%

2011

 
 
45%

2010

 
 
36%

2009

 
 
37%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

91 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
57%

2010

 
 
75%

2009

 
 
71%
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.

62 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
69%

2010

 
 
64%

2009

 
 
54%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

65 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
64%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
72%

2009

 
 
61%
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.

92 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
52%

2010

 
 
55%

2009

 
 
49%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

94 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
64%

2011

 
 
57%

2010

 
 
60%

2009

 
 
49%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

94 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
38%

2011

 
 
36%

2010

 
 
40%

2009

 
 
29%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


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

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

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

88 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
50%

2011

 
 
60%

2010

 
 
51%

2009

 
 
50%
Math

The state average for Math was 55% in 2012.

89 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
70%

2010

 
 
69%

2009

 
 
54%
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 Students61%
Females70%
Males51%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino60%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)69%
Economically disadvantaged58%
Non-economically disadvantaged71%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability64%
English learner56%
Fluent-English proficient and English only65%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate53%
Parent education - high school graduate63%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)50%
Parent education - college graduate57%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students50%
Females52%
Males47%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino48%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)63%
Economically disadvantaged44%
Non-economically disadvantaged71%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability47%
English learner44%
Fluent-English proficient and English only54%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate33%
Parent education - high school graduate48%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)43%
Parent education - college graduate57%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
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 Students45%
Females55%
Males29%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino44%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)43%
Economically disadvantaged41%
Non-economically disadvantaged60%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability48%
English learner41%
Fluent-English proficient and English only49%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate24%
Parent education - high school graduate53%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)40%
Parent education - college graduate59%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students67%
Females66%
Males69%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino65%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)71%
Economically disadvantaged63%
Non-economically disadvantaged80%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability67%
English learner59%
Fluent-English proficient and English only76%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate65%
Parent education - high school graduate63%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)64%
Parent education - college graduate76%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
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 Students68%
Females68%
Males68%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino68%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged67%
Non-economically disadvantaged71%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability68%
English learner73%
Fluent-English proficient and English only63%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate72%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)56%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students64%
Females53%
Males81%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino61%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)75%
Economically disadvantaged61%
Non-economically disadvantaged75%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability65%
English learner69%
Fluent-English proficient and English only61%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate69%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)56%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
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 Students65%
Females68%
Males63%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino58%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)80%
Economically disadvantaged58%
Non-economically disadvantaged80%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability67%
English learner40%
Fluent-English proficient and English only75%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate62%
Parent education - high school graduate54%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)70%
Parent education - college graduate93%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students64%
Females69%
Males60%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino56%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)81%
Economically disadvantaged60%
Non-economically disadvantaged71%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability66%
English learner35%
Fluent-English proficient and English only75%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate50%
Parent education - high school graduate59%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)62%
Parent education - college graduate87%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students38%
Females26%
Males48%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino35%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)56%
Economically disadvantaged33%
Non-economically disadvantaged48%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability41%
English learner15%
Fluent-English proficient and English only47%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented85%
Parent education - not a high school graduate29%
Parent education - high school graduate37%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)29%
Parent education - college graduate60%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
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 Students50%
Females50%
Males50%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino50%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)64%
Economically disadvantaged45%
Non-economically disadvantaged68%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability52%
English learner19%
Fluent-English proficient and English only64%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate39%
Parent education - high school graduate51%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)50%
Parent education - college graduate56%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students65%
Females60%
Males71%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino67%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)64%
Economically disadvantaged63%
Non-economically disadvantaged74%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability68%
English learner41%
Fluent-English proficient and English only76%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate61%
Parent education - high school graduate63%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)71%
Parent education - college graduate63%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
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 or Latino 61% 49%
White 20% 28%
Asian 10% 8%
Multiple or No Response 4% 3%
African American 3% 7%
Pacific Islander 2% 1%
Filipino 1% 3%
American Indian or Alaska Native 0% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 141%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 264%N/A52%
Source: 1 CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Source: 2 NCES, 2008-2009

Average class size

  This school District averageState average
Average class size 24N/A25
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 9N/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
  • Distinguished School (2005)
  • Distinguished School (2004)
  • Distinguished School (2003)

Special education / special needs

Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Specific learning disabilities

Arts & music

Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 8:20am
School end time
  • 2:35pm
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • After school
  • Before school
School Leader's name
  • Sharon Brittain
Fax number
  • (209) 541-1363

Programs

Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Specific learning disabilities
School leaders can update this information here.

Arts & music

Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
School leaders can update this information here.

School culture

Dress Code
  • Dress code
Parent involvement
  • Through the parent groups we have and through volunteering time; elac,family engagement team, parent institute, school site council ect.
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

 

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.

 
Apply now
 

Planning ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
Mae Hensley Jr. High
Blaker Kinser Jr. High
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

3618 Helen Perry Road
Ceres, CA 95307
Website: Click here
Phone: (209) 556-1690

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