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GreatSchools Rating

Vista Grande Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 631 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars


Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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10 reviews of this school


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Posted April 24, 2010

It was a geat begining for my children the teachers and the administration really care if your kids do well
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 24, 2009

This is a great school. I am a parent of two student, one just starting and one just finishing. They love the school. They have had great teachers. Probably the most important thing is that the principal is the best - very attentive, easy to approach, listens, and gets things done.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 21, 2007

Great elementary school! Awesome staff, terrific parents, nice kids and great offerings during and after school. Seems to be less intense in terms of social status (both with students and parents) than other 'high economic' schools in the area. Vista Grande is all-around a fantastic school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 11, 2006

There is alot of construction occuring at the school currently but should be fantastic when finished. Great curriculum and lots of extracurricular activities.(Music, Chess, School Broadcast Production Team, Theatre, Art and more. The teachers are very interested in the lives of their students and creates a nice teacher student relationship that enhances a child's education. The school is in a predominately high income area and is prone to 'Brand Label Advertising' which occasionally shows in the attitude of some of the parents and children. Drop off, pick up and parking can be a huge inconvenience at the school because it is situated on a main street with very limited parking areas. However there is a one way traffic flow plan to ease the congested area. There is a wide variety of healthy and tasty foods on the lunch menu each day from vegetarian, to asian, to american. Very strong PTA. Overall a very good
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 20, 2005

My child attended summer school there last summer. The facilities were great and the summer school staff was very welcoming.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted January 9, 2005

Excellent school! They truly prepared my kids for middle school. My girls loved it there.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 1, 2004

This is a terrific elementary school. The school was awarded 'Distinguished School' status in 2004 by the State of California for excellence. The children learn and adhere to a code of ethics that guides behavior and discipline. The school has an 'Alternative Program' with classes from K-5 that are distinguished by a longer school day, more aide time, and in-class Spanish instruction. There are after-school enrichment programs, a full library, an instrumental music program, a weekly on-campus television program (VGTV) that is produced, filmed, and staffed by students to inform, enlighten and entertain. The parent participation is remarkable--it is a very supportive school community. We love it!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 31, 2004

This year our son is a 1st grader and I can say that while it is still early, we have been very happy overall with Vista Grande.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 25, 2003

Vista Grande is an excellent school! The parents involved in the PTA are friendly and helpful. The principal and teachers are incredible role models for our children, as they give 100%. The code of ethics sets the high standards for this incredible public school. It is an incredible education and a great start into our children's school career!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 1, 2003

Vista Grande is a great school to be involved with, because not only is the principal devoted to giving the children her best, and expecting the best of them, but the teachers are all excellent as well. All the parents I know in this district love their children's teachers and admire and respect the principal. You cannot go wrong at this school!


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

942

Change from
2011 to 2012

+15

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

10 / 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 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

942

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

+15

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)

10 / 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.

103 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
78%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

103 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
87%
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.

116 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
74%

2009

 
 
84%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

118 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
96%
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.

117 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
93%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
95%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

117 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
97%
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.

114 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
94%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

117 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
89%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

114 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
95%
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 Students81%
Females85%
Males77%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)81%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged81%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability84%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only82%
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)54%
Parent education - college graduate80%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate94%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students90%
Females87%
Males94%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)91%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged90%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability91%
English learnern/a
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 graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)85%
Parent education - college graduate92%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate91%
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 Students80%
Females86%
Males75%
African Americann/a
Asian100%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino73%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)82%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged81%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability81%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only80%
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)n/a
Parent education - college graduate81%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate87%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students90%
Females84%
Males97%
African Americann/a
Asian100%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino80%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)93%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability94%
English learnern/a
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 graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduate88%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate96%
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 Students93%
Females97%
Males89%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino64%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)96%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability95%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only93%
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)n/a
Parent education - college graduate90%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students94%
Females94%
Males95%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino73%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)98%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability95%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only94%
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)n/a
Parent education - college graduate94%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate97%
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 Students89%
Females93%
Males86%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino91%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)92%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged89%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability91%
English learnern/a
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)n/a
Parent education - college graduate88%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate94%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students85%
Females87%
Males84%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino83%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)85%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged85%
Students with disability50%
Students with no reported disability90%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only85%
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)n/a
Parent education - college graduate81%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate96%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students88%
Females84%
Males91%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino91%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)90%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged88%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability91%
English learnern/a
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)n/a
Parent education - college graduate86%
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

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 75% 28%
Asian 10% 8%
Multiple or No Response 10% 3%
Hispanic or Latino 3% 49%
African American 1% 7%
American Indian or Alaska Native 0% 1%
Filipino 0% 3%
Pacific Islander 0% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 12%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 21%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 54% 85%
All other non-English languages 23% 1%
Mandarin (Putonghua) 15% 1%
French 8% 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 12N/A11
Average years teaching 15N/A13
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Full credential 95%N/A96%
Emergency credential or waiver 8%N/A2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

667 Diablo Road
Danville, CA 94526
Website: Click here
Phone: (925) 831-4100

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