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GreatSchools Rating

Gardena Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 680 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

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

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9 reviews of this school


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Posted September 26, 2012

I have had a wonderful experience at Gardena Elementary School as far as the education of my son. I know I can contact his teacher at any time if I have concerns. I parent my own child and I do not expect the teachers or staff to do so. Yes, there has been many changes in leadership but I believe the teachers do their best with what they are dealt with. I am concerned with the discipline at this school, but again that goes back to parenting. There is a new principal, the teachers and staff care about the education of the children and most parents here care. I support and believe in this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 13, 2012

Had a horrible experience at this school. My son attended Gardena Elementary from Kindergarten through 3rd grade before I finally pulled him out and transferred him to a different local school. Kindergarten was great, but Mrs. Miyamura retired the following school year. He never made any improvement. There were 2 principals in our time and they were both horrible. From my understanding, the principal was changed again last year. The lady in the front office is extremely rude. My sons CST scores were proficient in math and below basic in language arts while he was at Gardena. At his new school, he is now at a 425 in language arts and 600 in math. I would not reccomend this school to anybody. It needs a lot of work and they need to focus more on the students.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 16, 2011

I disagree with both parents. The teachers are very conscientious and hard working. The parent with the 5 and 6-year children should take responsibility for the fact that her son was responsible for more than half of what she described as "chaos" in the classroom.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted June 12, 2011

I have 2 children that attend this school. The Kindergarten teacher is soft spoken and doesn't had command over her class. She gives 5 and 6 years too much responsibility. In my son's classroom, the teacher has absolutely no control over the class. I have never seen so much chaos in a 1st grade classroom. In addition to lack of control, the homework assignments have way to many grammatical errors and many of the assignments don't make any sense. I feel bad for any child subjected to this type of learning environment. Both teachers are sweet people, but I feel that my children have not been challenged this year.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 24, 2009

I could not agree more with the parent that said it a much better school when Mr. Romero was there. Unfortunately my child is only in 3rd grade so I still have 2 more years there. I'm disappointed with the way things are. I'll be happy when our days at Gardena Elementary are in the past. But on the brighter side my children have been fortunate enough to have really great teachers' so I am thankful for that.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 25, 2009

This school has seen better days in its time. I have seen the difference in moral between the former principal, Mr. Romero, and the actual one, Ms. McCarthy. During Romero's time, the school was clean, everyone was on task, and scores were soaring. This new principal lacks people skills, does not support the teachers, and blames the school's failures on everyone except herself. The only thing the keeps this school going is the teachers and aides who are the only ones the truly want to help the children out. I do believe the school needs new administration if it wants to see improvement.


Posted July 10, 2008

when mr. romero and mr drew were there this school was great. they taught us to how to enjoy learning and how to keep the school clean. now i've noticed that ever since ms. mcarthy is there the school has slipped. ms. mccathy has no control over the students. she never leaves her office. she doesnt encourage students to learn. when i used to go there there were programs for the gate students and now there are none. i believe that this school desperately needs a new principal.


Posted February 12, 2008

The teachers are great, but that's about it. The office staff are rude and the principal has a closed-door policy. That school makes parents feel very unwelcome. If I could afford private school, I would pull my children out of there in a heart beat. I gave it two stars because I love my childrens teachers, otherwise it would've gotten only 1.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 28, 2005

gardena elementary school is a great place to educate your child. The staff are very friendly and helpful. It is a very comfortable atmosphere. The principal makes a point of calling each child by name.
—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

790

Change from
2011 to 2012

+10

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

4 / 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 met 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 met all student subgroup API targets for 2012

This school's
API score

790

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

+10

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)

4 / 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.

103 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
51%

2011

 
 
45%

2010

 
 
49%

2009

 
 
46%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

103 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
51%

2011

 
 
66%

2010

 
 
52%

2009

 
 
56%
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.

84 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
35%

2011

 
 
33%

2010

 
 
20%

2009

 
 
28%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

83 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
58%

2010

 
 
41%

2009

 
 
52%
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.

101 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
58%

2011

 
 
51%

2010

 
 
45%

2009

 
 
34%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

103 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
62%

2010

 
 
49%

2009

 
 
55%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


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

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 63% in 2012.

83 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
61%

2011

 
 
57%

2010

 
 
31%

2009

 
 
36%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

85 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
45%

2009

 
 
53%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

84 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
62%

2011

 
 
52%

2010

 
 
27%

2009

 
 
28%
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 Students51%
Females60%
Males41%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino49%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged50%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability51%
English learner49%
Fluent-English proficient and English only57%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate54%
Parent education - high school graduate50%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)40%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state43%

Math

All Students51%
Females56%
Males47%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino48%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged51%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability51%
English learner50%
Fluent-English proficient and English only57%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate43%
Parent education - high school graduate61%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)53%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state50%
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 Students35%
Females35%
Males34%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino32%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged35%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability35%
English learner12%
Fluent-English proficient and English only67%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate24%
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 staten/a

Math

All Students70%
Females67%
Males74%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino67%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged70%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability70%
English learner53%
Fluent-English proficient and English only94%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate59%
Parent education - high school graduate74%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)86%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
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 Students58%
Females63%
Males51%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino58%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged57%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability57%
English learner33%
Fluent-English proficient and English only76%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate61%
Parent education - high school graduate50%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)50%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state57%

Math

All Students67%
Females72%
Males62%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino69%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged67%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability67%
English learner48%
Fluent-English proficient and English only81%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate69%
Parent education - high school graduate67%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)57%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state68%
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 Students61%
Females63%
Males60%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino60%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged61%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability61%
English learner28%
Fluent-English proficient and English only87%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate54%
Parent education - high school graduate47%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state83%

Math

All Students77%
Females80%
Males73%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino75%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged76%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability78%
English learner58%
Fluent-English proficient and English only91%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate68%
Parent education - high school graduate63%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state100%

Science

All Students62%
Females65%
Males59%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino62%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged62%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability63%
English learner35%
Fluent-English proficient and English only83%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate54%
Parent education - high school graduate50%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
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

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 86% 49%
African American 7% 7%
Filipino 2% 3%
Asian 1% 8%
Multiple or No Response 1% 3%
Pacific Islander 1% 1%
White 1% 28%
American Indian or Alaska Native 0% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 157%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 293%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 98% 85%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 1% 1%
Vietnamese 1% 2%
Japanese 0% 0%
Samoan 0% 0%
Thai 0% 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 13N/A11
Average years teaching 13N/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
  • Hector Dubon
Special schedule
  • Year-round
Fax number
  • (310) 217-1876
School leaders can update this information here.
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

647 West Gardena Boulevard
Gardena, CA 90247
Phone: (310) 324-6967

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