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GreatSchools Rating

Dickson Elementary School

Public | K-6 | 783 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

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

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14 reviews of this school


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Posted October 13, 2012

Dickson's API dropped 16 points. How many millions of dollars were wasted on "Teach To The Test" Programs?


Posted August 12, 2012

We are probably going to move to get into a better school area, hopefully the new principal can make things better, but a lot of it is the attitude at district toward schools in Chino v Chino Hills. Not to mention the facilities in CH are newer and better.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 13, 2010

I would agree with this review. All Art and Music is gone.Teachers can only teach certain subjects at certain hours.This is not what I want for my child.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 26, 2010

My children are on the list for the new charter school. I am tired of this 'teach to the test' philosophy at Dickson now.


Posted August 17, 2009

Great school my daughter had the best experince there!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 19, 2009

I'm a parent at dickson elementary and I don't think is a really good school. Some teachers are lazy in teaching and some children that get in trouble don't get any suspensions or other action against them. Also the work that the children get are below average.. some children in 6th grade are getting hw that is for 3rd grade. And children in 4th grade are getting hw for 2nd grade.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 13, 2008

This is our first year at Doris Dickson. I have to say we are very impressed with the staff as well as the principal, Sue Pederson. Coming from a home school enviroment, we weren't sure how we would feel about our first public school experience. To say the least, we are extremely happy. The teachers are so welcoming and seem truly happy. We know this trickles down from the leadership of Doris Dickson. Yes, we could have sent our kids to a school that had high test scores and probably grumpy teachers. What I have observed, is a true caring for the children who attend this wonderful school. These teachers are committed and it really shows. I'm grateful to have my girls at this school. My husband and I would like to thank you for the fine teaching they are receiving.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 11, 2007

This is my sons 1st year at Dickson. He is reading material that he read back in 3rd grade (he is in 5th grade)! This school is way too easy. I feel that the curriculum is way behind.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 16, 2007

Please NOTICE THE DATES when you read these reviews. Great things are happening at Dickson. We have a superb, involved new principal (as of 1-07). The staff are highly qualified and extremely dedicated. I know that students at Dickson are supported and nurtured like no where I've ever seen before. We're on a roll and Our kids are great!
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted September 19, 2006

Our two children have had excellent scores and report cards because we are working with the teachers and principal to ensure overall (not just academic) success! Education is not just the responsibility of the teacher or principal. It starts at home! My children are awesome students because my husband, kids, and I make school a top priority. This is the same priority as many of my friends and their kids who attend Dickson. Thank you to each staff member at Dickson! You are appreciated more than you know!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 6, 2006

I'm surprised by the comments made and couldn't disagree more. Firstly, my children have had plenty of music/arts in their classes, but the emphasis is on academics, which is good. We love Dickson and the environment the principal has created. The school has struggled under past leadership and it is in a low-eco, low educated neighborhood, but that doesn't stop the excellence that occurs everyday. The principal and teachers genuinely care for all the students and help encourage them in all areas. However, it is disappointing that some parents don't expect more from their children regarding academic and social performance. We've been thrilled with the teachers and cannot say enough great things about the principal. She is dedicated and truly gets things done. Our school's beautiful again; the kids take pride in the school and themselves. The increase in scores is just added proof that good things are happening at Dickson.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 7, 2006

The principal is too involved in raising the scores to add any kind of fine arts to the school. Discipline is minimal.
—Submitted by a staff


Posted September 6, 2005

I agree. The principal is the key to the elementary experience for the children and the parents. The current principal is very successful in the eyes of her supervisors, because of the increase in our API scores. Our scores are going up, but the question is at what cost? We have lost almost all of our tenor personal under her leadership. It is my belief that the programs and PTA activities are not taking place because they take time out of the classroom. I hope that the district will look at our school and the continued declining situation. I would ask you to not just complain online, get involved and contact the district office with your concerns.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 2, 2005

We need a principal that cares about the students. We don't have music, art, sports or other extracurricular activities. Money from fund raisers does not go to help the students.
—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

761

Change from
2011 to 2012

-16

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

4 / 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 did not meet its schoolwide API target for 2012.
  • This school has not yet 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 did not meet all student subgroup API targets for 2012

This school's
API score

761

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

-16

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)

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 58% in 2012.

96 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
36%

2011

 
 
52%

2010

 
 
43%

2009

 
 
58%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

96 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
72%

2010

 
 
63%

2009

 
 
74%
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.

98 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
36%

2011

 
 
46%

2010

 
 
38%

2009

 
 
32%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

99 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
63%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
66%

2009

 
 
66%
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.

98 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
55%

2011

 
 
59%

2010

 
 
59%

2009

 
 
50%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

97 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
62%

2011

 
 
73%

2010

 
 
67%

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.

95 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
50%

2011

 
 
45%

2010

 
 
42%

2009

 
 
45%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

96 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
59%

2011

 
 
43%

2010

 
 
41%

2009

 
 
50%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

96 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
50%

2011

 
 
47%

2010

 
 
37%

2009

 
 
36%
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.

92 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
58%

2011

 
 
41%

2010

 
 
46%

2009

 
 
35%
Math

The state average for Math was 55% in 2012.

96 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
38%

2011

 
 
37%

2010

 
 
38%

2009

 
 
25%
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 Students36%
Females37%
Males36%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino34%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged33%
Non-economically disadvantaged46%
Students with disability0%
Students with no reported disability42%
English learner30%
Fluent-English proficient and English only42%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate20%
Parent education - high school graduate48%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)39%
Parent education - college graduate29%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students60%
Females57%
Males62%
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)n/a
Economically disadvantaged56%
Non-economically disadvantaged71%
Students with disability25%
Students with no reported disability65%
English learner57%
Fluent-English proficient and English only63%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate42%
Parent education - high school graduate62%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)61%
Parent education - college graduate71%
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 Students36%
Females39%
Males32%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino35%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged33%
Non-economically disadvantaged43%
Students with disability18%
Students with no reported disability38%
English learner8%
Fluent-English proficient and English only45%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate42%
Parent education - high school graduate32%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)43%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state19%

Math

All Students63%
Females61%
Males65%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino63%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged61%
Non-economically disadvantaged67%
Students with disability50%
Students with no reported disability65%
English learner32%
Fluent-English proficient and English only74%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate70%
Parent education - high school graduate68%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)65%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state38%
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 Students55%
Females60%
Males50%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino53%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)50%
Economically disadvantaged55%
Non-economically disadvantaged57%
Students with disability25%
Students with no reported disability61%
English learner14%
Fluent-English proficient and English only66%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate33%
Parent education - high school graduate59%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)68%
Parent education - college graduate46%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state54%

Math

All Students62%
Females61%
Males63%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino65%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)42%
Economically disadvantaged64%
Non-economically disadvantaged52%
Students with disability42%
Students with no reported disability64%
English learner43%
Fluent-English proficient and English only67%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate61%
Parent education - high school graduate73%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)45%
Parent education - college graduate54%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state69%
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%
Females43%
Males55%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino44%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged49%
Non-economically disadvantaged50%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability48%
English learner5%
Fluent-English proficient and English only61%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate38%
Parent education - high school graduate48%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)64%
Parent education - college graduate45%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state36%

Math

All Students59%
Females50%
Males65%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino56%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged64%
Non-economically disadvantaged42%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability59%
English learner47%
Fluent-English proficient and English only61%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate81%
Parent education - high school graduate54%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)64%
Parent education - college graduate45%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state50%

Science

All Students50%
Females33%
Males63%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino49%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged46%
Non-economically disadvantaged63%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability51%
English learner11%
Fluent-English proficient and English only60%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate50%
Parent education - high school graduate54%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)52%
Parent education - college graduate45%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
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

English Language Arts

All Students58%
Females67%
Males51%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino63%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged61%
Non-economically disadvantaged50%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability63%
English learner28%
Fluent-English proficient and English only66%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate59%
Parent education - high school graduate53%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)31%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state73%

Math

All Students38%
Females37%
Males40%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino39%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged38%
Non-economically disadvantaged40%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability43%
English learner5%
Fluent-English proficient and English only47%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate17%
Parent education - high school graduate53%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)21%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state43%
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 70% 49%
White 16% 28%
Multiple or No Response 6% 3%
African American 4% 7%
Asian 2% 8%
Filipino 1% 3%
American Indian or Alaska Native 0% 1%
Pacific Islander 0% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 125%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 268%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 95% 85%
Cantonese 2% 2%
Korean 2% 1%
Arabic 1% 1%
Vietnamese 1% 2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 13N/A11
Average years teaching 13N/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!

3930 Pamela Drive
Chino, CA 91710
Website: Click here
Phone: (909) 591-2653

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