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GreatSchools Rating

Irene B. West Elementary School

Public | K-6 | 1068 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

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

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12 reviews of this school


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Posted April 4, 2010

I have two kids at Irene B West, One in 2nd grade the other in kindergarden, the staff has been very helpful, techers more than patient. I cannot say anything bad about this school .. I feel that everyone is trying their absolute best to give excellent quality education.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 2, 2010

I have three children that go West, they all started there since preschool. Now, my daughter is in 3rd grade, my son is in 2nd grade and one in kindergarten. I have had no problems with any teacher or staff from West. I do prefer the principal and the VP we have right now. I think they are doing a great job!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 22, 2009

New principal doesn't seem to be in touch with his students. Has an additude that he is above everyone else. Doesn't have a win-win additude. Staff not properly trained on dealing with specific disabilities, even when they know in advance about them.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 8, 2008

i am also a student attending this school. i am currently going to irene as a 6th grade. i have been going to this school since it opened in 2002. i was a kindergartener. i would say that my academics over the past years have been excellent. i have been getting straight A's since 4th grade. i have come to favor my 5th grade teacher and so have all my friends. now during my 6th grade year, my parents have come to dislike both my 6th grade teachers because of the unfair grades i have received. i have just received my awards on october 30th. as for the school's staff, they are most kind and caring. except for some of the staff members who are just way too unfair. my brother and i, who by the way is a 1st grader, both love this school. only positives i have to say.
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 2, 2008

I have no children at this school; however, I am a teacher at West. I must say that I have to agree with a lot of the negative posts about this school. West does have about a handful of good, caring, competent teachers. My hope is that the new principal, Dr. Powers, will make changes for the better... Starting with the start and dismissal times. The school's times are just not condusive to productive student learning. Further, the office staff is without a doubt not approachable and at times flat out rude. I love teaching kids, but feel my dedication to this wonderful profession may be appreciated elsewhere.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted June 21, 2007

I go to Irene B. West. The school has been a great sschool. we have established high achievments and i have academicly improved. I have made many friends here and have been on Honor since 3rd grade. Many people dislike this school but i have to disagree. They think that the teachers are bad but the must not have met the ones I have. I have been at this school since it was first opened in 1st grade. I am now in 5th grade going on 6th. I am going tomiss this school when i go to middle school.
—Submitted by a student


Posted June 18, 2007

My daughters now in 1st and 3rd have attended private school prior to this. There are pro's and con's to both schools when comparing. I don't know what my child is learning and I can't review things with them. When report cards or progress reports come out and she isn't doing well how am I suppose to help her improve? If the kids are failing isn't the teacher failing in teaching?
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 3, 2007

My three children have gone to Irene B West since it opened and one has since gone on to middle school.My kids love the school and have not had any problems.The teachers I have had contact with have been caring and competent.Any issues I may have had have been resolved quickly and appropriately by communicating with the teachers and principal.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 21, 2007

My husband, child and myself hate this school. The instructors were a main concern when it came to a good safe place to learn. I'd recommend finding another school or home school your child.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 30, 2006

My Four children attend Irene B. West Elementary ranging from grades Kindergarten to sixth grade. Our eldest child has attended West since the 2nd grade when the school first opened. In it's first two years the school has had it's share of issues not unlike any other school starting to establish itself. Since then, we've greatly improved in administrative leadership and parent involvement through PTA sponsored events like movie & pizza night to parents who work as yard supervisors. We've had wonderful caring teachers who challenged and encouraged our children academically and personally. Our three oldest children have always done well in school - A's & B's and have always made honor roll. Over all, I believe West to be a great school with teachers and staff who are interested in our children's education and in continually making the school a better place.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 7, 2005

Most of the parents in my children's classes involve with school activities. Academic programs in the school are above average.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 22, 2004

My honor roll daughter hates this school, with playground violence and disruptive children it makes for a difficult place to learn. (My daughter's own words). I've seen several questionable examples of 'teaching' or more correctly punishment, such as keeping children after class so they miss the bus and making examples of them in front of the class. I'd reccomend finding another 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

837

Change from
2011 to 2012

+2

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

7 / 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

837

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

+2

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)

7 / 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 58% in 2012.

155 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
63%

2011

 
 
62%

2010

 
 
68%

2009

 
 
70%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

155 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%

2011

 
 
66%

2010

 
 
64%

2009

 
 
64%
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.

138 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
51%

2011

 
 
52%

2010

 
 
49%

2009

 
 
46%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

137 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
64%

2011

 
 
73%

2010

 
 
65%

2009

 
 
65%
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.

161 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
69%

2010

 
 
75%

2009

 
 
79%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

164 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
72%

2009

 
 
73%
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.

162 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
61%

2010

 
 
72%

2009

 
 
59%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

162 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
58%

2011

 
 
53%

2010

 
 
69%

2009

 
 
60%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

163 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
54%

2010

 
 
77%

2009

 
 
62%
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.

161 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
62%

2009

 
 
69%
Math

The state average for Math was 55% in 2012.

160 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
52%

2011

 
 
66%

2010

 
 
57%

2009

 
 
66%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

All Students63%
Females68%
Males58%
African American35%
Asian69%
Filipino86%
Hispanic or Latino72%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)77%
Economically disadvantaged58%
Non-economically disadvantaged73%
Students with disability17%
Students with no reported disability67%
English learner60%
Fluent-English proficient and English only65%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate64%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)53%
Parent education - college graduate75%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate71%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students69%
Females68%
Males68%
African American39%
Asian76%
Filipino86%
Hispanic or Latino68%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)86%
Economically disadvantaged65%
Non-economically disadvantaged76%
Students with disability17%
Students with no reported disability73%
English learner68%
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 graduate69%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)55%
Parent education - college graduate80%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate76%
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 Students51%
Females65%
Males39%
African American36%
Asian50%
Filipino50%
Hispanic or Latino53%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)67%
Economically disadvantaged40%
Non-economically disadvantaged77%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability53%
English learner40%
Fluent-English proficient and English only56%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate40%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)53%
Parent education - college graduate64%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students64%
Females69%
Males60%
African American39%
Asian77%
Filipino75%
Hispanic or Latino60%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)72%
Economically disadvantaged55%
Non-economically disadvantaged89%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability66%
English learner62%
Fluent-English proficient and English only65%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate59%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)58%
Parent education - college graduate79%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

All Students75%
Females76%
Males74%
African American62%
Asian73%
Filipino100%
Hispanic or Latino71%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)74%
Economically disadvantaged69%
Non-economically disadvantaged88%
Students with disability27%
Students with no reported disability79%
English learner54%
Fluent-English proficient and English only82%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate64%
Parent education - high school graduate67%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)82%
Parent education - college graduate78%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate85%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students74%
Females70%
Males78%
African American63%
Asian78%
Filipino100%
Hispanic or Latino75%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)64%
Economically disadvantaged67%
Non-economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disability46%
Students with no reported disability77%
English learner61%
Fluent-English proficient and English only79%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate73%
Parent education - high school graduate72%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)65%
Parent education - college graduate89%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate85%
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 Students68%
Females76%
Males60%
African American57%
Asian67%
Filipino94%
Hispanic or Latino54%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)79%
Economically disadvantaged55%
Non-economically disadvantaged90%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability69%
English learner21%
Fluent-English proficient and English only78%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate55%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)61%
Parent education - college graduate86%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students58%
Females61%
Males55%
African American32%
Asian74%
Filipino78%
Hispanic or Latino41%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)68%
Economically disadvantaged49%
Non-economically disadvantaged75%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability58%
English learner31%
Fluent-English proficient and English only64%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate45%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)53%
Parent education - college graduate71%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students68%
Females66%
Males70%
African American64%
Asian67%
Filipino74%
Hispanic or Latino49%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)89%
Economically disadvantaged58%
Non-economically disadvantaged85%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability70%
English learner23%
Fluent-English proficient and English only78%
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)76%
Parent education - college graduate80%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

All Students68%
Females70%
Males67%
African American66%
Asian63%
Filipino82%
Hispanic or Latino64%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)73%
Economically disadvantaged65%
Non-economically disadvantaged76%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability69%
English learner13%
Fluent-English proficient and English only78%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate71%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)64%
Parent education - college graduate78%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate77%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students52%
Females50%
Males52%
African American28%
Asian67%
Filipino47%
Hispanic or Latino40%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)73%
Economically disadvantaged46%
Non-economically disadvantaged63%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability52%
English learner35%
Fluent-English proficient and English only54%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate52%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)48%
Parent education - college graduate50%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate69%
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
Asian 26% 8%
African American 20% 7%
Hispanic or Latino 17% 49%
White 14% 28%
Filipino 10% 3%
Multiple or No Response 9% 3%
Pacific Islander 3% 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 126%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 257%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 28% 85%
Vietnamese 18% 2%
Hmong 9% 1%
Cantonese 8% 2%
Hindi 8% 0%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 7% 1%
Punjabi 7% 1%
All other non-English languages 3% 1%
Farsi (Persian) 3% 0%
Lao 2% 0%
Urdu 2% 0%
Japanese 1% 0%
Korean 1% 1%
Pashto 1% 0%
Russian 1% 0%
Khmer (Cambodian) 0% 0%
Mandarin (Putonghua) 0% 1%
Toishanese 0% 0%
Tongan 0% 0%
Ukrainian 0% 0%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Average class size

  This school District averageState average
Average class size 19N/A25
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 8N/A11
Average years teaching 10N/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
  • Mechale Murphy
Special schedule
  • Year-round
Fax number
  • (916) 683-4363
School leaders can update this information here.
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

8625 Serio Way
Elk Grove, CA 95758
Website: Click here
Phone: (916) 683-4362

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