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GreatSchools Rating

Veterans Elementary School

Public | K-6 | 708 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 2 ratings
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
Based on 3 ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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7 reviews of this school


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Posted April 8, 2013

I feel the reviews would be better served by filtering out those that appear generated by the staff/business. Minimizing a parent's experiences by suggesting they go somewhere else because the child and parent have been ill-treated is unnecessary. Please do not assume that the aforementioned concerns have been kept secret- they have been addressed time and again. This forum prohibits naming individuals in the review- it is not about remaining "anonymous." I could give plenty of examples, but that does not improve the matter. Furthermore, the administration has seen for themselves how this teacher interacts with parents, and I can tell you that one member of the administration acts similarly. (Actually, this person does "smile" but it is fake and does not reach the eyes.) You can state how the school has certain test scores from last year, but that has nothing to do with the way students are treated. Those are only numbers- and lest you have not followed the recent news, some schools have easily falsified the scores. My child is not a number. Perhaps you're right though... since things haven't improved, maybe it's time to take the matter up with the district and CDE.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 6, 2013

I think it is important for parents to understand that the school does not have control over class size. That is mandated by the district, which they take their direction from the state. Primary classes (k-3) do not go above 25 students, upper grades (4-6) do not go above 31. Secondly, if your child's teacher is mean and nasty, you need to speak with the principal. You can remain anonymous but it is not going to change if nothing is said. Finally, Veterans Elementary has a stellar CST history. Last year, the API went from 899 to 911. They are one of only 10 schools in the district to be in the "900 club." Clearly, the teachers are doing something right. If your student is not enjoying Veterans then apply for a zone transfer and try your luck elsewhere. I guarantee you will not find a better school environment or staff.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 23, 2012

This school is too crowded. My son was one of the overflow kids that had to sent to Tiffany Elem. We moved into this neighborhood because of this school. Not at any time when I registered my son for kindergarten l was I told there may be an overflow situation...I learned of this after orientation. He was allowed to remain at Veterans for 2 wks until a new school was found (Tiffany (Burton C.) Elementary). I don't understand why Veterans couldn't do what Tiffany did which was bring in more teachers to accommodate the extra students. Kudos to Tiffany for thinking
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 12, 2011

This school is amazing, that is why it carries such a high rating. To the comment above there is an african american kinder teacher and classes are 10 to 12 students, not 30 to 35. Maybe should double check your math when counting. My daughter just loved her kinder teacher and can't wait to start first grade:)
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 28, 2011

Love. love love this school..Excellent principal and teachers..Veterans have good API's 897..Curriculum is in high standards..LOve love love.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 3, 2011

This is a great school, I like so much, the teachers & the principal are excelents.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 26, 2010

This school provides a lot of social activities for the children, which is nice. The curriculum seems to be right on target for providing the children with the tools needed to prepare them for middle school. My only complaints are that the school is extremely overcrowded (only 2-3 teachers per grade, teaching 30-35 students per class) and the school is really lacking in diversity. I do not believe there are any African American teachers or administrators in the entire school.
—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

909

Change from
2011 to 2012

+13

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

9 / 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

909

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

+13

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)

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.

113 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
68%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

113 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
80%
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.

107 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
63%

2011

 
 
64%

2010

 
 
62%

2009

 
 
58%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

109 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
78%
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.

107 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
73%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

108 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
69%
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

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
76%

2009

 
 
60%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

110 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
93%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
76%

2009

 
 
69%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

110 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
69%

2009

 
 
41%
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.

114 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
74%

2009

 
 
64%
Math

The state average for Math was 55% in 2012.

118 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
71%

2009

 
 
59%
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 Students84%
Females92%
Males72%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino94%
Hispanic or Latino75%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)100%
Economically disadvantaged59%
Non-economically disadvantaged89%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability84%
English learner73%
Fluent-English proficient and English only88%
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)81%
Parent education - college graduate95%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate92%
Parent education - declined to state72%

Math

All Students86%
Females89%
Males81%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino100%
Hispanic or Latino77%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)92%
Economically disadvantaged76%
Non-economically disadvantaged88%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability86%
English learner77%
Fluent-English proficient and English only89%
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)86%
Parent education - college graduate95%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate92%
Parent education - declined to state72%
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 Students63%
Females68%
Males56%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino75%
Hispanic or Latino51%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged63%
Non-economically disadvantaged63%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability64%
English learner41%
Fluent-English proficient and English only74%
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)50%
Parent education - college graduate71%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate73%
Parent education - declined to state56%

Math

All Students86%
Females91%
Males81%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino96%
Hispanic or Latino83%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged95%
Non-economically disadvantaged84%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability88%
English learner84%
Fluent-English proficient and English only88%
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)93%
Parent education - college graduate79%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate96%
Parent education - declined to state79%
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 Students88%
Females92%
Males84%
African American100%
Asiann/a
Filipino92%
Hispanic or Latino79%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)100%
Economically disadvantaged75%
Non-economically disadvantaged91%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability88%
English learner63%
Fluent-English proficient and English only95%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented97%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate92%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)76%
Parent education - college graduate90%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate95%
Parent education - declined to state93%

Math

All Students94%
Females96%
Males93%
African American92%
Asiann/a
Filipino96%
Hispanic or Latino93%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)100%
Economically disadvantaged80%
Non-economically disadvantaged98%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability95%
English learner88%
Fluent-English proficient and English only96%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate92%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)94%
Parent education - college graduate100%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate95%
Parent education - declined to state93%
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 Students82%
Females89%
Males74%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino88%
Hispanic or Latino75%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)83%
Economically disadvantaged79%
Non-economically disadvantaged82%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability81%
English learner67%
Fluent-English proficient and English only85%
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)72%
Parent education - college graduate84%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate89%
Parent education - declined to state69%

Math

All Students93%
Females98%
Males87%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino100%
Hispanic or Latino86%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)92%
Economically disadvantaged93%
Non-economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability93%
English learner90%
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)89%
Parent education - college graduate94%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to state81%

Science

All Students82%
Females89%
Males74%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino90%
Hispanic or Latino73%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)92%
Economically disadvantaged79%
Non-economically disadvantaged82%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability82%
English learner67%
Fluent-English proficient and English only85%
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)83%
Parent education - college graduate80%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate94%
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 Students76%
Females82%
Males70%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino76%
Hispanic or Latino72%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)100%
Economically disadvantaged62%
Non-economically disadvantaged78%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability77%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only79%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented94%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate64%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)67%
Parent education - college graduate83%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate93%
Parent education - declined to state73%

Math

All Students70%
Females66%
Males73%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino71%
Hispanic or Latino58%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)100%
Economically disadvantaged64%
Non-economically disadvantaged70%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability71%
English learner46%
Fluent-English proficient and English only72%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented88%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate39%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)67%
Parent education - college graduate81%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate87%
Parent education - declined to state73%
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 42% 49%
Filipino 34% 3%
White 9% 28%
African American 7% 7%
Multiple or No Response 4% 3%
Asian 3% 8%
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 215%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 71% 85%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 20% 1%
Korean 3% 1%
Arabic 2% 1%
All other non-English languages 1% 1%
Farsi (Persian) 1% 0%
Japanese 1% 0%
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 7N/A11
Average years teaching 7N/A13
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Full credential 97%N/A96%
Emergency credential or waiver 3%N/A2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

School basics

School Leader's name
  • Olga West
Special schedule
  • Year-round
Fax number
  • (619) 216-9226
School leaders can update this information here.
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

1550 Magdalena Avenue
Chula Vista, CA 91913
Website: Click here
Phone: (619) 216-1226

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