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GreatSchools Rating

Dunsmore Elementary School

Public | K-6 | 443 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

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Parent involvement

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17 reviews of this school


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Posted October 14, 2012

I love the school and its approach to education. Within all the budget cuts they try their best to keep it up to the standards. Teachers and administration are really nice and open, and ready to adjust. The only downside - some parents are very conservative!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 9, 2012

It's concerning that the current principal is implementing an inordinate amount of rules. The children are no longer allowed to sit with their friends at lunch, sit on the grass, play for longer than 25 seconds on the monkey bars, freely get and play with balls on the playground and the list goes on and on. The concern for safety is being expressed as excessive control and it's sad. When approached, the principal dismisses concerns and feels that her authority is beyond reproach.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 19, 2010

My kids love it here and I feel they're getting a wonderful education. I'm glad we chose this area, it's so focused on education, community and family.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 19, 2010

They still have all the arts, orchestra, science, after school events, summer school, gate classes, and great teachers.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 17, 2009

Not only does our school academically challenge our children, it also knows the value of the arts and offers the children music (chorus and orchestra) as well!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 17, 2009

CA Distinguised Schoo Award - Great kids, Great teachers, Great Parents
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 21, 2009

The teachers here are excellent, very nice and understanding, as well as easy to talk to about anything. The principal, however is very strict, and not the best.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 27, 2009

2 of my 3 children went to Dunsmore. One is currently finishing 6th grade. This school has a lot of parent involvement. It is a safe, clean and comfortable school. The children throughout the years have always seemed to be happy and proud of their school. For several years I would volunteer in the classroom and on trips. I never heard the students put down their school. I love that. I highly recommend this school to anyone who can afford to live in this area. I chose to live in a smaller house and have this wonderful school than live in a larger home in another area. I feel safe with them here.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 23, 2009

All three of my children attended this school k-6th and I must say they were better prepared for futher education than others in their jr. high class. The principal has a long way to come and I am sure everyone misses Mr. Gould but the excellent teachers make up for it.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 24, 2008

This is one of the best schools I've seen. Yes, the principal is very strict, but she is interested and knows every single one of the children. She is over involved with situations occuring in the school. She will help any parent, student, or staff member that needs her guidance or expertise! Come on people... she is Ph.D. level working with a middle to upper class elementary school where parents can be a little bit more than demanding! She is awesome at what she does. The students are the cuttest and parents are the best! The teachers are what hold this school together. They treat their children with dignity and respect.


Posted November 13, 2007

Disorganization, scattered concepts, and too much time spent on fundraising this year. Principal La Masa is superfiscial, and stern at the wrong opportune times.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 20, 2005

I went to this school, and now my daughter does. Still a great school. The new principal still has a few parents to win over, but she'll do fine.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 11, 2004

Dunsmore is a great school. Parent, teacher, administator and student participation make Dunsmore a hard-working and involved school community.
—Submitted by Marianne Gatto-McCann, a parent


Posted August 19, 2004

I love this school! La Crescenta is a wonderful community filled with families that value education, and it shows in the school. The teachers are experienced and dedicated, and they welcome parents into the classroom to be a part of our childrens education. The campus is beautiful. The PTA and Foundation are great places to meet new friends and support our school.
—Submitted by Debbie, a parent


Posted August 19, 2004

Great school! I moved just to get into this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 18, 2004

My daughter attended Dunsmore for grades k thru 4th. I really thought the school was great. The teachers for the most were very kind and helpful to both parents and students. The afterschool program was excellent and headed by a very thoughtful person with whom I placed a great deal of responsibility and trust. I would highly recommend this school but be aware that parent involvement is extremely important to this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 29, 2003

I recently transferred my 2 children to this school from a private school and I must say that I could not have been happier with my decision. The faculty is tops and the various programs offered are wonderful! Parent involvement is high and my kids are having a marvelous time, something I never thought possible.
—Submitted by Grace Lavarro, 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

912

Change from
2011 to 2012

+23

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

9 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

2 / 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

912

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

+23

Change from 2011 to 2012
Comparing the API Growth to the Base shows whether or not this school’s test score performance improved between Spring 2011 and Spring 2012. The API ranges between 200 and 1000, with 800 as the statewide goal for all schools. Schools scoring below an 800 are given at least a 5 point target for the next year.
API Statewide Rank
(2011)

9 / 10

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

2 / 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.

48 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
70%

2009

 
 
73%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

48 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
78%

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 48% in 2012.

56 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
72%

2011

 
 
62%

2010

 
 
64%

2009

 
 
69%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

57 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
77%

2009

 
 
79%
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.

66 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
92%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

68 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
91%
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.

65 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
92%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

69 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
69%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
84%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

68 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
77%
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.

63 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
89%
Math

The state average for Math was 55% in 2012.

64 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
76%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


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

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

All Students89%
Females94%
Males88%
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)89%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged90%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability93%
English learner77%
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 graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate93%
Parent education - declined to state83%

Math

All Students90%
Females88%
Males91%
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)89%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged90%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability93%
English learner77%
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 graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate93%
Parent education - declined to state83%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


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

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

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

All Students72%
Females88%
Males59%
African Americann/a
Asian92%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)64%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged73%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability78%
English learner54%
Fluent-English proficient and English only77%
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 graduate63%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate86%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students81%
Females88%
Males76%
African Americann/a
Asian92%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)82%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged84%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability86%
English learner85%
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 graduate95%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate86%
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 Students88%
Females97%
Males76%
African Americann/a
Asian93%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)84%
Economically disadvantaged75%
Non-economically disadvantaged91%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability90%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only91%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
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 graduate90%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate95%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students78%
Females79%
Males76%
African Americann/a
Asian88%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)77%
Economically disadvantaged54%
Non-economically disadvantaged84%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability85%
English learner42%
Fluent-English proficient and English only86%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate55%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)54%
Parent education - college graduate86%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate95%
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 Students78%
Females84%
Males73%
African Americann/a
Asian91%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)75%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged79%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability79%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only84%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
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 graduate68%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate90%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students78%
Females79%
Males78%
African Americann/a
Asian83%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)77%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged78%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability83%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only81%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
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 graduate64%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students82%
Females88%
Males78%
African Americann/a
Asian91%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)81%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged85%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability86%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only88%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
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 graduate84%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate95%
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%
Females89%
Males89%
African Americann/a
Asian93%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)88%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability90%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only95%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
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 graduate89%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate90%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students81%
Females83%
Males79%
African Americann/a
Asian86%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)76%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged84%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability83%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only83%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)82%
Parent education - college graduate79%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate90%
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 61% 28%
Asian 21% 8%
Hispanic or Latino 8% 49%
Filipino 4% 3%
Multiple or No Response 4% 3%
African American 0% 7%
American Indian or Alaska Native 0% 1%
Pacific Islander 0% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 112%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 26%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
Korean 45% 1%
Armenian 23% 1%
Spanish 21% 85%
Cantonese 6% 2%
Farsi (Persian) 4% 0%
Thai 2% 0%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Average class size

  This school District averageState average
Average class size 23N/A25
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 15N/A11
Average years teaching 16N/A13
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Full credential 96%N/A96%
Emergency credential or waiver 0%N/A2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

4717 Dunsmore Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Phone: (818) 248-1758

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