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GreatSchools Rating

Olita Elementary School

Public | K-6 | 488 students

Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

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

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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11 reviews of this school


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Posted August 11, 2011

I give this school a 5+! The principal is amazing and truly shows how much she cares about our children. She is very involved in all activities and encourages teachers and parents to do so as well. She does not stop our children from being children. My son said to me recently how he really enjoyed his 4th grade class very much. The teacher made learning fun! He will be on his 3rd year at Olita and I absolutey love his experience and his growth thus far!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 11, 2011

Hello, I am a parent of a kindergartener, a second grader, and a fifth grader who has special needs. We are more than blessed to be a part of a wonderful community of teachers, staff, volunteers, and an awesome principal. The encouragement, support, and learning experience my children receive is above and beyond. My oldest son who is in IEP has shown much progress. Thank you Olita Elementary for making a difference in the lives of our children. Many blessings to you all.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 13, 2009

My daughter is in 1st grade at Olita and loving it.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 23, 2009

My child is in first grade this year and he loves his teacher. She is very patient and kind and he loves being in her class - he always has a big smile as he heads up the ramp to her room. All of the first grade teachers are very kind and helpful and I feel lucky to live in such a wonderful school district.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 16, 2009

My son attended Olita from kindergarten through 6th grade. The school had a caring and quite competent staff, provided a safe, clean and interesting educational experience, and offered an excellent learning environment for students from the highly gifted (like my son) to the average and for those who were slow or had special needs. Olita was a marvelous school, especially for a public facility.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 27, 2009

hi I am a mom of many. with my youngest being in first grade. he has learned sooo much. his teacher is a beyond grate teacher ,but he is afraid and intimidated of her and most days would rather not go to school well your probably thinking thats pretty normal. till just the other day I was walking him to school he saw from a distance that he was having a substitute that day and he took off like a bullet I hadent seen him so happy to be at school since kidney garden I wold like the teachers especially of lower grades to know that I think although it good for them to learn a lot its just as important if not more to make sure there learning experience is a pleasant one. and with that said I thank you for all you do!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 9, 2007

My son just finished first grade at Olita this past spring. Although we did see some academic improvement, I thought that the communication at teacher level was lacking. Notes sent to the teacher went unanswered, which I feel is unacceptable. I also feel that some of the administrative staff at the school are less than 'warm and fuzzy' to parents. Unless you ask specific questions of teachers and staff you will receive very little information. That being said, we like that the test scores are above average. Our son is receiving a quality education. The work load is on the heavy side for a six year old, but we appreciate the fact that they are trying to instill a good work ethic in the kids who attend.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 25, 2006

The reason this school is so successful is because of the excellent teaching staff! They have too many kids in the classroom, but they don't let it affect their students. I feel my child has gotten a good education at this school. There isn't much in the way of fine arts or sports, but many schools today do not have those activities. It'd be nice to see those come back, but unfortunately, I don't see that happening in the near future.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 15, 2006

This was my son's first year at Olita and I was very pleased with his results. I agree that there are not enough programs in the way of music, arts, and computers.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 10, 2005

School curriculum focuses on basic skills in areas of English/Reading and Mathematics. Minimal if any exposure is provided to students in extracurricular areas such as music and art. Access to computers is at a lab level and not the classroom.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 30, 2003

Great school. Great teachers. Great parental involvement.
—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

864

Change from
2011 to 2012

+11

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

7 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

4 / 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

864

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

+11

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)

4 / 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.

68 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
71%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
58%

2009

 
 
79%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

68 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
77%

2009

 
 
81%
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.

66 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
45%

2011

 
 
53%

2010

 
 
59%

2009

 
 
55%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

67 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
64%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
81%

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

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

66 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
80%

2010

 
 
74%

2009

 
 
82%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

66 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
93%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
81%
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.

63 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
68%

2010

 
 
75%

2009

 
 
72%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

63 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
72%

2009

 
 
81%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

63 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
76%

2009

 
 
61%
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.

86 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
69%

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
65%
Math

The state average for Math was 55% in 2012.

86 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
63%

2011

 
 
62%

2010

 
 
56%

2009

 
 
61%
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 Students71%
Females76%
Males65%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino77%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)61%
Economically disadvantaged71%
Non-economically disadvantaged70%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability75%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only74%
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)76%
Parent education - college graduate65%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students77%
Females82%
Males74%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino79%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)74%
Economically disadvantaged82%
Non-economically disadvantaged75%
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 graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)79%
Parent education - college graduate88%
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 Students45%
Females53%
Males38%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino35%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)61%
Economically disadvantaged35%
Non-economically disadvantaged51%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability46%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only48%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate46%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)38%
Parent education - college graduate56%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students64%
Females66%
Males63%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino57%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)78%
Economically disadvantaged54%
Non-economically disadvantaged70%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability64%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only67%
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)59%
Parent education - college graduate75%
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 Students82%
Females88%
Males78%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino80%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)80%
Economically disadvantaged77%
Non-economically disadvantaged85%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability85%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only83%
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)86%
Parent education - college graduate86%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate85%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students93%
Females92%
Males93%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino93%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)95%
Economically disadvantaged88%
Non-economically disadvantaged95%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability94%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only95%
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)86%
Parent education - college graduate100%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate92%
Parent education - declined to staten/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


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

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

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

All Students79%
Females87%
Males73%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino78%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)81%
Economically disadvantaged63%
Non-economically disadvantaged86%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability82%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only83%
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)76%
Parent education - college graduate84%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate87%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students79%
Females83%
Males76%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino76%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)88%
Economically disadvantaged58%
Non-economically disadvantaged89%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability82%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only80%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)71%
Parent education - college graduate89%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate93%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students67%
Females77%
Males58%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino66%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)63%
Economically disadvantaged53%
Non-economically disadvantaged73%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability68%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only70%
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)71%
Parent education - college graduate74%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate73%
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 Students67%
Females74%
Males62%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino60%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)72%
Economically disadvantaged57%
Non-economically disadvantaged73%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability72%
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 graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)62%
Parent education - college graduate68%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students63%
Females59%
Males66%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino53%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)66%
Economically disadvantaged57%
Non-economically disadvantaged66%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability67%
English learnern/a
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 graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)62%
Parent education - college graduate64%
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

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 49% 49%
White 31% 28%
Multiple or No Response 11% 3%
Asian 4% 8%
Filipino 3% 3%
African American 2% 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 111%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 234%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 87% 85%
Korean 6% 1%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 2% 1%
French 2% 0%
German 2% 0%
Taiwanese 2% 0%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Average class size

  This school District averageState average
Average class size 27N/A25
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 12N/A11
Average years teaching 15N/A13
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Full credential 100%N/A96%
Emergency credential or waiver 0%N/A2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

950 South Briercliff Drive
La Habra, CA 90631
Website: Click here
Phone: (562) 902-4251

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