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Teacher quality
Principal leadership
Parent involvement
I personally love this school!! I have yet to meet one teacher that I do not like or respect. They are all hardworking men and women! I find it in poor taste to call a teacher out by name and "trash" talk them. The teacher being targeted in a comment on this page is a wonderful person and very knowledgeable. My child was in her room and I had no problems. Perhaps it's not the teacher that was a problem? Something to think about. I notice that people are so willing to blame the teachers and staff when in fact they may be the issue themselves. For that special person...Good Luck in your new school next year.
—Submitted by a parent
Wow, I'm shocked! Be aware of what? The best school in miles with the best teachers and a hard working principle. To answer the last comment posted: -Mad Science club and the chess club were replaced by after school art since parents were not happy about paying for those programs. -The last science fair was put on on 11/17/12 and there will b another one this year! -There was an assembly held, honoring 911 while the kids wore red, white and blue. - The PTA is having trouble finding parents to get involved in the Carnival this year and they have not given up yet. It has nothing to do with the principle. - The Jump Rope for Hope will be on 2/14/13 this school year and the Mayor is already booked! This is only the second year that my daughter goes here and I could not be more pleased with the school in every single way. I personally went in this morning to confirm the negative comments posted and found out that they were either exaggerated or not true at all. I have a feeling this is a personal problem!!! We are lucky to have our kids in Oak Mesa!
—Submitted by a parent
Beware! The new principal is trying to cut out the extra programs. Mad Science and Chess Club haven't been here since she has been principal. She cut out the science fair. She is trying to cut the carnival. The last assembly was a disaster...it took longer to get the kids to and from classrooms than it took for the entire assembly. No longer will there be a Jump Rope for Hope. Beware! This school is definitely no longer a 5 star school.
—Submitted by a parent
I loved the years we spent at Oak Mesa Elementary with my two youngest children. They have moved on to middle school and high school and are very well prepared for the road ahead. The parent involvement is amazing and welcomed by the teachers and staff. One of my children excelled at Oak Mesa and the other struggled to maintain a B average. But when high standards are expected, most of the children step up and deliver. Thank you Oak Mesa and staff for preparing my children for the tough world ahead of them.
—Submitted by a parent
If your child is an average to outstanding student and you don't mind spending hours helping with homework and projects, this is the school for you. However, if your child has any kind of special need, don't bother. Although I live within walking distance of the school, my oldest child has to attend another school in the district because Oak Mesa has no special education program. My younger child is struggling keeping up with the high academic standards, and I've been told there is no money for classroom aides, in spite of the fact that the suggested PTA donation per child is $100! Hopefully the new principal can see past the glory of high API scores to the fact that all the kids who aren't keeping up are transferring to other schools in the district.
—Submitted by a parent
The parental involvement is amazing, and such a key element to the students ownership of their education and pride in their achievements. I do worry there is a bit much emphasis on test scores, but overall the quality of the education far exceeds what I think we could get elsewhere. The teachers are dedicated and warm, friendly, and people I just want to be friends with. I couldn't imagine being happier anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent
Again, as its been said before, this school is like a private school. I feel so blessed that both of my children can attend.
—Submitted by a parent
my child excells a lot at oak mesa and i want to thank the staff
—Submitted by a parent
This is a wonderful school with an amazing and dedicated staff. I pulled my kids out of a local area private school because Oak Mesa just surpassed any schools I investigataed. Amazing school and I had 3 kids attend here. My 5th grader leaves after this year and her life will forever be enriched because of her experience at Oak Mesa.
—Submitted by a parent
Incredible safe school in a fantastic area. This is a hidden gem! I love La Verne
—Submitted by a parent
This school is like a private school. The parent involvement is very high and the teachers are excellent. I have had two sons go through K - 5 at Oak Mesa and both have received a great education there. This school has the highest API score in the district!
—Submitted by a parent
The principal lacks the ability to be impartial, focuses primarily on the needs of a few instead the well-being of all. The principal and the who's who of the school, care mostly about test scores. Academically the site teaches to the test and rarely delves into higher learning. If you have a child with needs do not send them here. This school is located in a middle to upper class neighborhood and unfortunately this seems to have much bearing on how the school is ran.
—Submitted by Very Unsatisfied, a parent
My daughter has attended Oak Mesa since Kindergarten. She has promoted to 6th grade this year. We were very impressed by the quality of education. She had a first year teacher for 5th grade this year and she was fantastic! This school really is a
—Submitted by Concerned Mom, a parent
This school is awesome! For the quality of teachers, involment of parents & premium education this should by all accounts be a private school. We are blessed to have Oak Mesa in La Verne!
—Submitted by a parent
Great staff and parent involvement, highly recommended.
—Submitted by a former student
I don't know that I agree with the reviews. School appears to be overrated and it's a real who's who amoung parents. Focus is lost on the fact that it's a grade school for kids. My kid is now going to go to La Verne Heights Elementry.
—Submitted by a parent
Awesome school with very high standards and exceptional students. Strong family type bond between teachers and students. Excellent school and exceptional staff.
—Submitted by XTY Far, a parent
this school exceeds expectations on every level!I have 3 kids who have attended both private schools and public schools and the dedication, atmosphere and quality of this school and area is the best I have ever seen.
—Submitted by a parent
With three children attending Oak Mesa it has been a wonderful experiene. The teaching staff is superb and dedicated to the children beyond expectations. The parents work well with the teachers and students and give them opportunities not provided by the school for extracurricular activites. The only complaint can be in the form of the new principal who is more conscious of of individual parents and wants. She has a tendency to overlook the overall good of the students and school while catering to these few. All of the children are getting a super education in spite of this and cudos belong to the entire teaching staff.
—Submitted by a parent
My husband and I researched the schools extensively since we have 3 kids in grades k-7th and 2 of my children are at Oak Mesa currently. I cannot say enough about how wonderful this place is. The teachers are incredible and even the parents are so kind and helpful to one another. My kids love this school and regret having to leave after 5th grade. My only complaint is that I wish it was up to 8th grade! I am extremely impressed with the quality of education, the dedication of the teachers and the safety precautions they have in place. I feel my children are blessed to be at such a place and we won't relocate from here for this one reason alone.
—Submitted by sandi heyer, 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.
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 API reflects year-over-year schools performance based on STAR test score results from spring 2012.
The state average for English Language Arts was 58% in 2012.
90 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.
90 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
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
The state average for English Language Arts was 48% in 2012.
94 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.
93 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
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
The state average for English Language Arts was 67% in 2012.
114 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.
114 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
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
The state average for English Language Arts was 63% in 2012.
77 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.
78 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.
78 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
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
| All Students | 92% |
| Females | 90% |
| Males | 95% |
| African American | n/a |
| Asian | n/a |
| Filipino | n/a |
| Hispanic or Latino | 86% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| Other Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 96% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 64% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 96% |
| Students with disability | n/a |
| Students with no reported disability | 94% |
| English learner | n/a |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 92% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | n/a |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - high school graduate | 92% |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | 96% |
| Parent education - college graduate | 89% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | 100% |
| Parent education - declined to state | n/a |
| All Students | 94% |
| Females | 94% |
| Males | 95% |
| African American | n/a |
| Asian | n/a |
| Filipino | n/a |
| Hispanic or Latino | 90% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| Other Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 98% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 73% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 97% |
| Students with disability | n/a |
| Students with no reported disability | 94% |
| English learner | n/a |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 94% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | n/a |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - high school graduate | 100% |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | 96% |
| Parent education - college graduate | 92% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | 100% |
| Parent education - declined to state | n/a |
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
| All Students | 71% |
| Females | 70% |
| Males | 72% |
| African American | n/a |
| Asian | 94% |
| Filipino | n/a |
| Hispanic or Latino | 79% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 60% |
| Economically disadvantaged | n/a |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 74% |
| Students with disability | n/a |
| Students with no reported disability | 74% |
| English learner | n/a |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 72% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | n/a |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | 74% |
| Parent education - college graduate | 71% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - declined to state | n/a |
| All Students | 96% |
| Females | 92% |
| Males | 98% |
| African American | n/a |
| Asian | 100% |
| Filipino | n/a |
| Hispanic or Latino | 100% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 91% |
| Economically disadvantaged | n/a |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 96% |
| Students with disability | n/a |
| Students with no reported disability | 98% |
| English learner | n/a |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 95% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | n/a |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | 95% |
| Parent education - college graduate | 97% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - declined to state | n/a |
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
| All Students | 96% |
| Females | 98% |
| Males | 95% |
| African American | n/a |
| Asian | 100% |
| Filipino | n/a |
| Hispanic or Latino | 91% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 98% |
| Economically disadvantaged | n/a |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 96% |
| Students with disability | n/a |
| Students with no reported disability | 98% |
| English learner | n/a |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 97% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | 100% |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | 95% |
| Parent education - college graduate | 95% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | 100% |
| Parent education - declined to state | n/a |
| All Students | 94% |
| Females | 98% |
| Males | 91% |
| African American | n/a |
| Asian | 100% |
| Filipino | n/a |
| Hispanic or Latino | 94% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 94% |
| Economically disadvantaged | n/a |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 95% |
| Students with disability | n/a |
| Students with no reported disability | 95% |
| English learner | n/a |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 95% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | 100% |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | 93% |
| Parent education - college graduate | 95% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | 100% |
| Parent education - declined to state | n/a |
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
| All Students | 95% |
| Females | 93% |
| Males | 97% |
| African American | n/a |
| Asian | n/a |
| Filipino | n/a |
| Hispanic or Latino | 87% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| Samoan | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 100% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 100% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 94% |
| Students with disability | n/a |
| Students with no reported disability | 94% |
| English learner | n/a |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 95% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | 100% |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | 94% |
| Parent education - college graduate | 100% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - declined to state | n/a |
| All Students | 95% |
| Females | 95% |
| Males | 94% |
| African American | n/a |
| Asian | n/a |
| Filipino | n/a |
| Hispanic or Latino | 87% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| Samoan | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 100% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 92% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 95% |
| Students with disability | n/a |
| Students with no reported disability | 94% |
| English learner | n/a |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 95% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | 100% |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | 94% |
| Parent education - college graduate | 100% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - declined to state | n/a |
| All Students | 96% |
| Females | 93% |
| Males | 100% |
| African American | n/a |
| Asian | n/a |
| Filipino | n/a |
| Hispanic or Latino | 91% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| Samoan | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 100% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 100% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 95% |
| Students with disability | n/a |
| Students with no reported disability | 97% |
| English learner | n/a |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 96% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | 100% |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | 100% |
| Parent education - college graduate | 100% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - declined to state | n/a |
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
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 »
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
All students
Female
Male
All students
Asian
Hispanic or Latino
White (not Hispanic)
All students
Economically disadvantaged
Non-economically disadvantaged
Students with no reported disability
Fluent-English proficient and English only
Gifted and talented
Parent education - high school graduate
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)
Parent education - college graduate
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate
All students
| Ethnicity | This school | State average | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White | 48% | 28% | ||
| Multiple or No Response | 29% | 3% | ||
| Asian | 11% | 8% | ||
| Hispanic or Latino | 10% | 49% | ||
| African American | 1% | 7% | ||
| Filipino | 1% | 3% | ||
| American Indian or Alaska Native | 0% | 1% | ||
| Pacific Islander | 0% | 1% |
| This school | District average | State average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| English language learners 1 | 3% | N/A | 24% |
| Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 2 | 5% | N/A | 52% |
| Language | This school | State average | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gujarati | 25% | 0% | ||
| Spanish | 25% | 85% | ||
| Vietnamese | 25% | 2% | ||
| Cantonese | 13% | 2% | ||
| Korean | 13% | 1% |
| This school | District average | State average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average class size | 23 | N/A | 25 |
| This school | District average | State average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average years teaching in district | 12 | N/A | 11 |
| Average years teaching | 14 | N/A | 13 |
| This school | District average | State average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full credential | 100% | N/A | 96% |
| Emergency credential or waiver | 0% | N/A | 2% |
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5200 Wheeler Avenue
La Verne,
CA 91750
Phone: (909) 971-8209
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