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GreatSchools Rating

Discovery Charter School

Charter | K-6 | 742 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
Based on 2 ratings
2010:
Based on 2 ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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34 reviews of this school


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Posted May 13, 2012

Smart, educated teachers, a principal who is involved and cares about the students. A full-time nurse on site. They have plays, fine arts, sports, and daily fitness.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 22, 2011

Our family loved the Pre-school program! I the ratio is 10 students to 1 teacher! The whole year we were there we never were to capacity always about 20-22 kids (3-5 yr olds). Which meant that the ratio was smaller. They group the kids according to their abilities, how they will be chalenged. The kids have a great computer lab IN class, painting, coloring, craft area, puzzles, puppets, circle time, recess, snack time, math time, and much more.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 2, 2011

Pre-k program has way too many kids in one group. 30 3-5yr.old's in one class!! Crazy!! The class is messy and unkept and the teacher's seem burned out or inexperienced.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 2, 2010

Love the teachers and staff! The principal, however has poor leadership skills and has little to no communication skills. With the right leadership this school will grow by leaps and bounds.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 18, 2010

Love this school! 5th grade teachers go the extra distance to teach!!! Safety and security measures are top notch and the best I have ever seen! Extracurricular activities are great for each grade level and right on! This school should have a 10!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 13, 2010

I love it, thanks discovery for all the hard work!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 17, 2009

I love it, I love it, I love it! There isn't anythin I dont like about this school. The principal, the staff, and the teachers are all wonderful. thank you discovery.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 13, 2009

Our children have been attending for 3 years and we are not impressed. As a parent the staff makes it very uncomfortable for us and everything has to be 'politically correct' with no warmth.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 17, 2008

Principal Cole does a fantastic job directing the faculty and motivating his students. Excellent parent-school communication. Outstanding teaching. We're impressed!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 19, 2008

I'm a 6th grader at the school who has been attending since preschool. The teachers, librarians, PE coaches are amazing. Although, I always feel just by looking at the principle's face, that he's fustrated and as if we the students are way below his standard. Honestly, I think we are a well behaved school with ups and downs. The enviroment is safe, secure and 'welcoming.' If you're going to enroll your kid(s) here, I totally recomend it. All my teachers have been wonderful since the start. No lie. GATE is fun too! It challenges students, but won't make them crazy (I should know. I'm enrolled in GATE.) LOL
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 18, 2008

My grandaughter goes to this school very poor leadership. She is bulled picked on stolen lunches. Never return phone calls. wnen we complain nothing is done about. The teachers are sometimes abusive. For example my grandaughter had hickups and the teacher said stop disrupting the class. The right thing to do is go to a nurse you need to use the bathroom or get a glass of water.etc.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 3, 2008

My son has been attending Discovery for almost 2years and have seen a great improvement in his academic and social skills. It's clearly a magnificent school. One thing that does bother me is the desperately needed crossing gurard at Rancho Del Rey and Paseo Ranchero !! very scary !!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 11, 2008

Well for one I got pushed to send my child to this chool last year , when I should have spent the money for Harker . Anyway the school calls for 2hrs a day of definitely parent involvement. I used to devote time in a classroom , I started noticing that it sounded more as if the school was looking for free labor rather than 'helping a child' in class . There is a lack of discipline , students fight and use bad words . I asked the Principal as to why , his remark was that blowing the whistle is no go.A waste of time. the Board meetings were all politics , it was more about how to take more students away from Moreland , how to get a campus . Nothing positive . Two teachers quit . After a year I pulled my child out.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 17, 2008

My kids have been going to Discovery since pre-school (they are now in 5th & 3rd) and have had nothing but a positive experience! Mr. Cole has always wanted what is best for the children and definitely encourages parent involvement. The PTC puts on great events throughout the year and the money is always given back to improve our childrens experience.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 27, 2008

The best parent involvement in PTC I've ever seen, compared with other schools. Principal is great and Teachers at Discovery are the best. Great programs for the kids you definately would not be getting at other public schools.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 10, 2008

Leadership is responsible for the decline of parent involvement. Excellent teachers make for high scoring students on exams therefore keeping focus off of bad leadership.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 23, 2007

I think this is a great school were all the kids learn in a safe enviroment. My kids used to go to Discovery, and they had a great time attending the school from Kindergarden to sixth grade. I love the commitment of the parents, teachers, and community to help the school with its success in education.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 4, 2007

Its very good school.parents involvement is 100%
—Submitted by sireesha kollu, a parent


Posted August 30, 2006

With the exception of the cafeteria food selections and the portions served, and the fact that parents don't get to see weekly test scores of their kids until the parent/teacher conference is held I give the school and 4 stars overall.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 11, 2006

Very disapointed by current leadership. Only limited parent involvement is encouraged.
—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

884

Change from
2011 to 2012

+29

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

8 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

3 / 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

884

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

+29

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)

8 / 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)

3 / 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.

109 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%

2011

 
 
64%

2010

 
 
52%

2009

 
 
54%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

109 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
69%

2010

 
 
64%

2009

 
 
72%
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.

110 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
63%

2011

 
 
45%

2010

 
 
56%

2009

 
 
44%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

111 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
70%

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
70%
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.

103 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
71%

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
74%

2009

 
 
69%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

103 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
75%

2009

 
 
76%
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.

109 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
57%

2009

 
 
62%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

109 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
73%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
44%

2009

 
 
62%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

109 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
65%

2009

 
 
63%
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.

116 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%

2011

 
 
68%

2010

 
 
64%

2009

 
 
57%
Math

The state average for Math was 55% in 2012.

117 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
59%

2010

 
 
66%

2009

 
 
55%
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 Students69%
Females74%
Males63%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino92%
Hispanic or Latino58%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White (not Hispanic)86%
Economically disadvantaged54%
Non-economically disadvantaged73%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability68%
English learner46%
Fluent-English proficient and English only81%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate38%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)68%
Parent education - college graduate79%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate80%
Parent education - declined to state67%

Math

All Students75%
Females75%
Males75%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino92%
Hispanic or Latino66%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White (not Hispanic)90%
Economically disadvantaged69%
Non-economically disadvantaged77%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability76%
English learner62%
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 graduate44%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)77%
Parent education - college graduate89%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate76%
Parent education - declined to state78%
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%
Females66%
Males57%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino92%
Hispanic or Latino51%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White (not Hispanic)83%
Economically disadvantaged50%
Non-economically disadvantaged67%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability63%
English learner43%
Fluent-English proficient and English only70%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate15%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)45%
Parent education - college graduate67%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate93%
Parent education - declined to state71%

Math

All Students83%
Females78%
Males89%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino75%
Hispanic or Latino80%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White (not Hispanic)100%
Economically disadvantaged74%
Non-economically disadvantaged86%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability82%
English learner80%
Fluent-English proficient and English only84%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate77%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)73%
Parent education - college graduate79%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to state85%
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 Students71%
Females73%
Males69%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino75%
Hispanic or Latino63%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White (not Hispanic)94%
Economically disadvantaged66%
Non-economically disadvantaged73%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability73%
English learner55%
Fluent-English proficient and English only79%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented97%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate69%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)70%
Parent education - college graduate82%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate80%
Parent education - declined to state60%

Math

All Students78%
Females71%
Males85%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino83%
Hispanic or Latino73%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White (not Hispanic)88%
Economically disadvantaged79%
Non-economically disadvantaged79%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability78%
English learner70%
Fluent-English proficient and English only83%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate69%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)70%
Parent education - college graduate82%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate94%
Parent education - declined to state76%
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 Students77%
Females79%
Males75%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino83%
Hispanic or Latino71%
White (not Hispanic)92%
Economically disadvantaged68%
Non-economically disadvantaged80%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability77%
English learner52%
Fluent-English proficient and English only87%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented98%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate64%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)80%
Parent education - college graduate83%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate91%
Parent education - declined to state63%

Math

All Students73%
Females73%
Males72%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino83%
Hispanic or Latino65%
White (not Hispanic)85%
Economically disadvantaged68%
Non-economically disadvantaged74%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability74%
English learner55%
Fluent-English proficient and English only79%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented98%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate43%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)75%
Parent education - college graduate83%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate83%
Parent education - declined to state68%

Science

All Students78%
Females77%
Males79%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino89%
Hispanic or Latino73%
White (not Hispanic)85%
Economically disadvantaged68%
Non-economically disadvantaged81%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability78%
English learner48%
Fluent-English proficient and English only90%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented98%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate57%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)80%
Parent education - college graduate90%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate91%
Parent education - declined to state63%
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 Students74%
Females83%
Males65%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino90%
Hispanic or Latino69%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White (not Hispanic)77%
Economically disadvantaged69%
Non-economically disadvantaged78%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability75%
English learner43%
Fluent-English proficient and English only85%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate57%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)69%
Parent education - college graduate88%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate89%
Parent education - declined to state53%

Math

All Students79%
Females84%
Males73%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino90%
Hispanic or Latino73%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White (not Hispanic)73%
Economically disadvantaged77%
Non-economically disadvantaged81%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability80%
English learner54%
Fluent-English proficient and English only88%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate50%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)83%
Parent education - college graduate91%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate89%
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

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 54% 49%
White 14% 28%
Filipino 13% 3%
Asian 7% 8%
African American 6% 7%
Multiple or No Response 5% 3%
Pacific Islander 1% 1%
American Indian or Alaska Native 0% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 128%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 217%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 81% 85%
Korean 8% 1%
Japanese 5% 0%
All other non-English languages 2% 1%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 2% 1%
Arabic 1% 1%
Armenian 0% 1%
Cantonese 0% 2%
Mandarin (Putonghua) 0% 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 6N/A11
Average years teaching 7N/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

School basics

School Leader's name
  • Patricia Maruca
Special schedule
  • Year-round
Fax number
  • (619) 656-3899
School leaders can update this information here.
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

1100 Camino Biscay
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Website: Click here
Phone: (619) 656-0797

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