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GreatSchools Rating

Heinz Kaiser Elementary School

Public | 3-6 | 612 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 3 ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
No new ratings

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Parent involvement

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11 reviews of this school


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Posted August 22, 2012

Both of my kids went to Kaiser for 3rd-6th grade. Overall it's a great school. An awesome science program (that needs more financial support these days), safe neighborhood and overall great teachers who really care about your student's success. The principal (who just left) was not very good and there are one or two teachers who shouldn't be teaching anymore, but if you talk with other parents you'll find out which teachers to avoid. Very active PFO with fun activities and after school programs.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 23, 2012

A California Distinguished School Award Recipient, this school is a great place for young students to achieve academic success. This school has TWO dedicated science teachers and consistently out-performs other schools in the area in Math and Science. A great school!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 13, 2012

This is a WONDERFUL elementary school! Love the teachers! We have been attending Kaiser for a couple of years now. I like to volunteer and I feel very welcomed by the teachers. I love that the Principal is very involved. I ALWAYS see him walking around and checking things out! He stops and talks to the kids. I like that! We even LOVE the janitors! Tremendous parent involvement is a huge plus! These parents get things done!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 21, 2009

I love the teachers and how wonderful they work as a team!! I feel like my kids are getting a great education in the hands of a commited and skilled teaching staff that really cares about our children.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 21, 2009

I just had my oldest graduate from Kasier last year and now have a 5th and 3rd grader here. I have always been impressed with our staff and our PFO organization. They do a fantastic job!! Keep it up!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 19, 2008

i like this school. great teachers, very motivating. also lots of extracirricular activities. great accelerated math and reading program, it lets the kids go at their own pace without being under or overchallenged. the only thing is lots of kids are advanced and lot's aren't so the advanced kids don't get too much attention while the behind kids get a lot because the teachers have to focus most of their attention on them to improve their test scores. my daughter loved this school though and you should at least give it a try.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 24, 2008

This is a great school. It competes with other great schools nearby, but holds its own. My son's 4th grade teacher was the best (the only male is all I will say.) He is the most patient and understanding person, and that allowed my Son to excell in his work. I think the current rating of 8 out of 10 is appropriate, leaning towards a 9.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 22, 2006

This school has strong parent participation. The only down side is that about a quarter of the kids go to daycare and seem a little behind in class. There are some great enrichment classes after school for about $10 each. I don't like that the school has a snack shack that lets the kids buy more junk food after lunch.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 1, 2005

This school is in a great community. It offers many afterschool enrichment programs in art, dance, science, music and reading. It has a very high level of parent involement.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 11, 2005

I think Kaiser is a great school. Their academic programs are advanced, especially science and math. There are many extracurricular activities and after school enrichment classes. Their annual school play is exceptional. The PFO is very strong and contributes a great deal to all areas of the school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 15, 2005

The principal at this school is efficient and the school grounds are well kept. It seems that it is a bit overcrowded but parents in my neighborhood really love it.
—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

886

Change from
2011 to 2012

0

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

9 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

9 / 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 did not meet all student subgroup API targets for 2012

This school's
API score

886

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

0

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)

9 / 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 48% in 2012.

148 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
65%

2010

 
 
60%

2009

 
 
63%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

149 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
82%

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 67% in 2012.

157 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
88%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

158 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
88%
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.

149 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
70%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
72%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

150 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
62%

2011

 
 
67%

2010

 
 
75%

2009

 
 
75%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

150 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
85%

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 59% in 2012.

145 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
71%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
69%

2009

 
 
76%
Math

The state average for Math was 55% in 2012.

145 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
63%

2011

 
 
67%

2010

 
 
69%

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

All Students68%
Females72%
Males66%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino49%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)76%
Economically disadvantaged52%
Non-economically disadvantaged78%
Students with disability71%
Students with no reported disability69%
English learner29%
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 graduate50%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)59%
Parent education - college graduate72%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate92%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students84%
Females79%
Males89%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino74%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)88%
Economically disadvantaged78%
Non-economically disadvantaged87%
Students with disability73%
Students with no reported disability85%
English learner71%
Fluent-English proficient and English only86%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate93%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)79%
Parent education - college graduate83%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate92%
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 Students85%
Females89%
Males81%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino67%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)92%
Economically disadvantaged72%
Non-economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability85%
English learner50%
Fluent-English proficient and English only91%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate53%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)79%
Parent education - college graduate96%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate97%
Parent education - declined to state83%

Math

All Students86%
Females84%
Males88%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino71%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)92%
Economically disadvantaged77%
Non-economically disadvantaged91%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability86%
English learner63%
Fluent-English proficient and English only90%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate53%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)87%
Parent education - college graduate94%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate97%
Parent education - declined to state83%
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%
Females81%
Males70%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino51%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)86%
Economically disadvantaged60%
Non-economically disadvantaged85%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability75%
English learner38%
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 graduate62%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)76%
Parent education - college graduate84%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate87%
Parent education - declined to state63%

Math

All Students62%
Females65%
Males61%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino50%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)68%
Economically disadvantaged55%
Non-economically disadvantaged67%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability63%
English learner32%
Fluent-English proficient and English only68%
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)67%
Parent education - college graduate73%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate78%
Parent education - declined to state38%

Science

All Students82%
Females81%
Males84%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino72%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)88%
Economically disadvantaged76%
Non-economically disadvantaged87%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability83%
English learner41%
Fluent-English proficient and English only90%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate68%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)88%
Parent education - college graduate88%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate96%
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 Students71%
Females70%
Males72%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino58%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)78%
Economically disadvantaged62%
Non-economically disadvantaged80%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability71%
English learner25%
Fluent-English proficient and English only78%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate38%
Parent education - high school graduate63%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)71%
Parent education - college graduate75%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate95%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students63%
Females55%
Males69%
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)71%
Economically disadvantaged51%
Non-economically disadvantaged75%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability63%
English learner10%
Fluent-English proficient and English only71%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate31%
Parent education - high school graduate63%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)59%
Parent education - college graduate70%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate84%
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
White 63% 28%
Hispanic or Latino 31% 49%
African American 2% 7%
Asian 2% 8%
American Indian or Alaska Native 1% 1%
Filipino 1% 3%
Multiple or No Response 0% 3%
Pacific Islander 0% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 111%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 238%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 97% 85%
French 2% 0%
Vietnamese 1% 2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Average class size

  This school District averageState average
Average class size 25N/A25
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 13N/A11
Average years teaching 14N/A13
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Full credential 100%N/A96%
Emergency credential or waiver 3%N/A2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

2130 Santa Ana Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Website: Click here
Phone: (949) 515-6950

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