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GreatSchools Rating

Figarden Elementary School

Public | K-6 | 708 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 2 ratings

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15 reviews of this school


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Posted October 4, 2010

Figarden needs more academic afterschool programs. Because of budget cuts, most teachers do not stay after school to help tutor our students. Luckily, as a very involved parent, I make time and spend over 3 hours a day doing homework with my children.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 3, 2009

Grandkids go to Figarden. Teachers really care and my 3 grandkids like school. They are eager to learn things and bring home lots of awards. Citizenship is a big deal which is super!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 8, 2007

Figarden Elementary is a fine school with fine teachers. It is filled with academic acheivment, as well as atheletic acheivment. It is a friendly envioronment and I suggest all to go there.
—Submitted by a student


Posted November 3, 2007

I am currently a sixth grader over at Figarden. I just have to say so far, in all my years at this school (K-6), has been wonderful. I also adore all the new things approaching the school; like the new field is completed and looks just plain wonderful. The teachers are quite supportive when it comes to educating the students (from what I know). I am proud to attend/have attended the school.
—Submitted by a student


Posted May 31, 2007

My son is completing his second year at Figarden. His experience there has been great. The teachers are awesome and always willing to help. It is a great school and I am proud my son is attending Figarden Elementary.
—Submitted by kiren, a parent


Posted May 10, 2007

I have two children who attended Figarden Elementary School (son-4 years, daugher-2 years). I thought the PTA at this school was awesome! However, I was very disappointed in the overall test scores for this school. In the four years at that school, we saw more discipline problems on the playground, and 'rougher' children starting to attend.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 28, 2007

This was my son's first school year at Figarden. I am so happy we found a school that really cared about his academic progress and challenged him.We found a home school for him until junior high school. I plan on definitaly joining the PTA next year.
—Submitted by Sarina Casares, a parent


Posted April 16, 2007

My kids have been going to Figarden for several years. Both have passed the GATE test and are honor roll or merit list. That says it all for me. They are getting the attention they need and have had teachers that challenge them and help us as parents learn how to better help them. The new principal is easy to talk to and helpful. He has implemented some new safety procedures that are taking some time to get used to but are a plus without a doubt.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 15, 2006

Both of my children went to this school and my yonger child could continue at fig arden schhol but I took her out because my expience with fig arden schoolhas been nothing but problems.
—Submitted by anne rawlings, a parent


Posted June 25, 2006

My daugher has been to figarden ever sience kindergarden. And now she is going to 6th grade.... Its a good school,but I think they should have way way better lunches...... I hope your son or daugher can go to figarden school!
—Submitted by MONICA ADAME, a parent


Posted October 28, 2005

My son is new to this school and he teacher keeps me informed on his progress on a weekly basis
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 15, 2005

This is a huge school! I wish the students had better playground equipment. PTA is working on a new playground. I really like the afterschool activities like dance and hopefully spanish club soon.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 25, 2004

My daughter began Figarden as a kindergartener and is now finishing her education at Figarden as a straight-A, 6th grade student. I feel I should commend the administrators and teachers for their great test scores, attendance and honor roll students as well as their leadership in their competitive sports. I also feel compelled to express the frustration I feel when it comes to playground equipment and facilities. With enrollment at approximately 750 why are their only basketball nets on the playground (except for the hazardous, broken soccer goals which are pushed against the fences and have been their so long they are literally becoming part of the landscape. No volleball net(s) (with the exception of volleyball season when it is put up and taken down daily), no swings, no backboard, not even any boundary lines, not even one line so they could have a start and finish line.
—Submitted by a staff


Posted September 15, 2003

This is the first year for my two children at Figarden. So far so good. My third grader is doing very well and my sixth grader is doing well. I am glad that the staff takes the time to care so much. And the parents are ok too. My children came from a school which did not care about the students or how mean they were. Figarden you are great. I love it and so do the kids.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 9, 2003

I have two children attending Figarden. This school has a lot of parent involvement in and out of the classroom. I am really surprised their scores are not higher! The teachers are very friendly and willing to assist students and parents in the best methods for advancement. It is definitly one of the best schools in Fresno!
—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

796

Change from
2011 to 2012

-29

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

6 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

7 / 10


API Growth scores over time

Did this school meet the API goal this year?
The state goal for API is 800. All schools that are below 800 are assigned an API improvement target each year.
  • This school did not meet its schoolwide API target for 2012.
  • This school has not yet 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

796

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)

6 / 10

API Statewide Rank (2011)
The API Statewide Rank ranges from 1 to 10. A rank of 10, for example, means that the school’s API fell into the top 10% of all schools in the state with a comparable grade range. The 2011 rank is based on results from tests students took in Spring 2011.
API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

7 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)
The API Similar Schools Rank ranges from 1 to 10. It shows how the school compares to other schools with similar student demographic profiles. The California Department of Education uses parent education level, poverty level, student ethnicity and other data to identify similar schools.
English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 58% in 2012.

100 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
64%

2011

 
 
55%

2010

 
 
43%

2009

 
 
52%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

99 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
66%

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

The state average for English Language Arts was 48% in 2012.

97 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
46%

2011

 
 
42%

2010

 
 
37%

2009

 
 
37%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

97 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
69%

2009

 
 
69%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


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

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 67% in 2012.

79 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
58%

2011

 
 
69%

2010

 
 
65%

2009

 
 
71%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

80 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
63%

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
76%

2009

 
 
68%
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.

92 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
58%

2011

 
 
62%

2010

 
 
63%

2009

 
 
62%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

93 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
72%

2011

 
 
68%

2010

 
 
66%

2009

 
 
72%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

93 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
45%

2011

 
 
48%

2010

 
 
59%

2009

 
 
43%
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.

97 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
50%

2011

 
 
50%

2010

 
 
55%

2009

 
 
52%
Math

The state average for Math was 55% in 2012.

98 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
59%

2011

 
 
65%

2010

 
 
47%

2009

 
 
53%
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 Students64%
Females70%
Males59%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino71%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)69%
Economically disadvantaged58%
Non-economically disadvantaged71%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability70%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only66%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate58%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)73%
Parent education - college graduate57%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate78%
Parent education - declined to state43%

Math

All Students78%
Females81%
Males74%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino76%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)94%
Economically disadvantaged71%
Non-economically disadvantaged84%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability83%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only79%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate67%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)89%
Parent education - college graduate71%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate82%
Parent education - declined to state69%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


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

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

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

All Students46%
Females56%
Males41%
African American44%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino40%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)65%
Economically disadvantaged42%
Non-economically disadvantaged55%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability47%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only49%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate39%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)42%
Parent education - college graduate43%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state43%

Math

All Students69%
Females81%
Males62%
African American67%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino60%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)89%
Economically disadvantaged67%
Non-economically disadvantaged73%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability68%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only71%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate72%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)62%
Parent education - college graduate79%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state64%
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 Students58%
Females68%
Males52%
African American43%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino56%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)80%
Economically disadvantaged49%
Non-economically disadvantaged69%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability58%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only61%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate37%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)75%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state53%

Math

All Students63%
Females67%
Males60%
African American60%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino54%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)93%
Economically disadvantaged57%
Non-economically disadvantaged69%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability62%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only66%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate42%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)78%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
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 Students58%
Females67%
Males50%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino55%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)60%
Economically disadvantaged50%
Non-economically disadvantaged77%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability58%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only58%
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)57%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state62%

Math

All Students72%
Females74%
Males70%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino69%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)69%
Economically disadvantaged67%
Non-economically disadvantaged83%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability71%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only72%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate65%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)69%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state79%

Science

All Students45%
Females46%
Males45%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino33%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)60%
Economically disadvantaged37%
Non-economically disadvantaged63%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability45%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only45%
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)43%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state43%
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 Students50%
Females60%
Males42%
African American50%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino35%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)69%
Economically disadvantaged32%
Non-economically disadvantaged76%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability49%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only50%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate41%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)55%
Parent education - college graduate50%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state44%

Math

All Students59%
Females65%
Males55%
African American42%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino49%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)81%
Economically disadvantaged48%
Non-economically disadvantaged76%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability58%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only60%
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)66%
Parent education - college graduate50%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state56%
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 46% 49%
White 28% 28%
African American 17% 7%
Asian 5% 8%
Filipino 2% 3%
American Indian or Alaska Native 1% 1%
Multiple or No Response 1% 3%
Pacific Islander 1% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 16%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 247%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 59% 85%
Punjabi 14% 1%
Armenian 12% 1%
Arabic 4% 1%
Cantonese 4% 2%
All other non-English languages 2% 1%
Hmong 2% 1%
Khmer (Cambodian) 2% 0%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Average class size

  This school District averageState average
Average class size 22N/A25
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 19N/A11
Average years teaching 21N/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
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

6235 North Brawley Avenue
Fresno, CA 93722
Website: Click here
Phone: (559) 451-4480

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