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GreatSchools Rating

Lowell Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 707 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

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

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24 reviews of this school


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Posted April 3, 2012

A really good school. So much so, that I'm planning our next move to keep us within school boundaries. My daughter has a attended since midway through Kindergarten, and is now in 2nd grade. The overall feel is very VERY parent-involved, which is great, but for those who are unable (like myself- single parent, work full-time), I do get the impression that I'm judged as not being as involved as I 'should be'. Most of these kids have at least one parent who stays home full or most of the time. I know my daughter wishes that I could help in the class (so do I) like her friend's parents do, which can be hard for her to grasp.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 29, 2010

Too much emphasis on teaching the test. One the plus side, the school staff is wonderful and the parents are very involved. Too bad the kids spend most of their day sitting at a desk learing by rote.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 2, 2010

Execellent teaching and support staff. Great to be at a school where everybody - teachers, parents, administrators, etc. wants children to LEARN. This is not the school for faint hearted parents, that only want a school that is just day care center. Lowell expects full participation of parents in the education of our children.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 4, 2009

small town feeling, parent involvment


Posted September 16, 2009

The principal, teachers, professional staff and parents provide a healthy, enriching, positive and fulfilling learning community.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 4, 2008

Quality school based on focus on reading, writing, math from beginning of school year using multi-sensory approach. Different areas of class use computers, earphones, visual displays, etc. for varied learning strengths. Glad I didn't have to go to a private school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 22, 2008

My son loves Lowell and I have to say I'm very pleased with the teachers and staff. The parents are a different story. Such elitist and is most likely due to the affluent community. Small price to pay in my opinion. I was planning on sending my son for kindergarten only then to a private school but changed my mind when I saw how invested his teachers were.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 21, 2008

I have 2 children at lowell and I love it. Excellent school, very impressed. My children are very happy and are learning so much- spanish, computors, dance, art, math, science, reading. The families and the teachers are super.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 1, 2008

Lowell is excellent! As a educator myself, this school is amazing. Has totally helped our son who transferred in from private school and was behind! Thank you, Lowell!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 1, 2007

Lowell teaches the test. The students aren't learning problem solving, just rote memorization.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 22, 2007

Lowell is an amazing school where teachers and parents work together for the students. Yes, there is emphasis on test performance, but every public school in CA has the same concern. My child has had an amazing and enlightening experience so far and can't imagine that changing anytime soon!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 1, 2007

I took my child out of Lowell due to bullying. Lowell is just another public school in Los Angeles County trying to be something that it clearly isn't.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 30, 2007

I have two kids at Lowell and we have been pleased, overall, with the quality of their education. But I have to agree with others that the emphasis on test scores is a little disheartening. I am not worried that my children will not perform well on standardized tests. I am more concerned that they feel happy and successful in school. In my opinion that forms the basis for success later in life. The administration seems focused on winning awards and recognition, rather than cultivating an atmosphere of nurturing, and love of learning. I wish we could turn the tide with parental input. If everyone would speak up, in a positive way, it could have an impact.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 11, 2006

Great school however a little to much emphasis on test scores. There is a lot of parent involvment which helps raise money for art and other extracurricular activities that the normal school budget does not allow.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted November 26, 2005

This is a great school if you are up to par with the rest of the children. If your child needs help in a specific category then there is alot of pressure to keep up with the other children. This is a magnet school and there is a lot of pressure to keep the scores up. I know of a few parents that have taken their children out because of the pressure to perform.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 26, 2004

To future parents of Lowell, I just wanted to say my daughter Had the best year ever in elementary school when she transferred to Lowell. Her whole attitude toward school changed for the better when we enrolled her to this fantastic school. She had a wonderful and caring teacher who immediately did everything she could to make my daughter feel like she had been there for years. She had a horrible experiences with her former school (Naples Bayside Academy) that have left wounds and emotional scars that I feel will be there for life! My daughter is a good girl and did not deserve the treatment that she got from her former school. Thank you Lowell for being there for my daughter, I truly appreciate it!
—Submitted by Anonymous Person, a parent


Posted September 15, 2004

A very good school, with excellent parent participation. The school has wonderful, parent-sponsored art and Spanish Language programs. The focus is definitely on testing. Be aware!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 1, 2004

Lowell Academy is a high performing school. My child attended Lowell from kinder through 3rd grade. I truly loved the teachers' devotion and leadership--but-- did not enjoy the PTA. I realize the affluent atmosphere, there is a lot of parental involvement, don't get me wrong. I just did not enjoy the exclusive feeling I recieved when attempting to partake in PTA-run activities. Staff and administration is okay. Principal in 03-04 was fierce. Great education but too much of a private-school attitude. No thanks I'll stick with Fremont.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 20, 2004

This school provides an excellent learning environment. We have been fortunate to have exceptional teachers for both my children. Lowell gets down to the business of learning and has strong parent involvement to support the process. We have been more than happy with our experience. It is a great neighborhood school. There are some extras in the curriculm such as the PTA supported Meet the Master's art appreciatin program, Spanish exposure program, instrumental and chorus in the upper grades. For the most part academics are the focus, which is what we want for our children. Our children are very happy, not stressed and have lots of friends. What more could you want?
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 4, 2004

Good school, lives up to its reputation for competitiveness, though I think the parents are the force behind this, not the school. The state tests, (API etc.) are the focal point of the teaching. From Kindergarten on, the kids learn to bubble in answers. The PTA keeps a close watch on things, which is good. We have parents who are on top of things, and get things done. There are many excellent individual teachers, many mediocre ones. As in all public schools, if your kid is more than a standard deviation from normal in any way, achievement, disposition, energy level, competitiveness, you will have some advocating to do on your kid's behalf. Overall, a vey good place to be in school!
—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

934

Change from
2011 to 2012

-2

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

10 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

9 / 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

934

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

-2

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)

10 / 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)

9 / 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.

125 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
85%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

125 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
89%
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.

120 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
75%

2009

 
 
81%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

121 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
93%
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.

103 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
97%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
93%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

103 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
96%
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.

118 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
95%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

119 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
89%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

118 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
87%
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 Students88%
Females92%
Males84%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino72%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)93%
Economically disadvantaged62%
Non-economically disadvantaged91%
Students with disability54%
Students with no reported disability92%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only89%
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 graduate88%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate98%
Parent education - declined to state72%

Math

All Students89%
Females95%
Males84%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino83%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)92%
Economically disadvantaged77%
Non-economically disadvantaged91%
Students with disability46%
Students with no reported disability95%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only91%
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 graduate93%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate96%
Parent education - declined to state72%
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 Students75%
Females77%
Males70%
African Americann/a
Asian75%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino57%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)81%
Economically disadvantaged56%
Non-economically disadvantaged78%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability77%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only75%
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)73%
Parent education - college graduate68%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate89%
Parent education - declined to state56%

Math

All Students82%
Females82%
Males83%
African Americann/a
Asian92%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino79%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)86%
Economically disadvantaged82%
Non-economically disadvantaged83%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability86%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only82%
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)87%
Parent education - college graduate82%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate89%
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 Students97%
Females96%
Males98%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)97%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged97%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability100%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only97%
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 graduate97%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to state93%

Math

All Students94%
Females92%
Males96%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)95%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability97%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only94%
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 graduate100%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate96%
Parent education - declined to state86%
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 Students90%
Females89%
Males90%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino47%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)96%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged90%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability92%
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)87%
Parent education - college graduate93%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate98%
Parent education - declined to state81%

Math

All Students85%
Females88%
Males84%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino56%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)90%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged86%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability89%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only86%
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)80%
Parent education - college graduate89%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate93%
Parent education - declined to state78%

Science

All Students89%
Females88%
Males90%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino67%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)93%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged90%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability91%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only90%
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)87%
Parent education - college graduate89%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate95%
Parent education - declined to state77%
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 76% 28%
Hispanic or Latino 10% 49%
Asian 6% 8%
African American 4% 7%
Multiple or No Response 2% 3%
Filipino 1% 3%
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 12%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 28%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 74% 85%
All other non-English languages 5% 1%
Arabic 5% 1%
Farsi (Persian) 5% 0%
Khmer (Cambodian) 5% 0%
Vietnamese 5% 2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Average class size

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

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 15N/A11
Average years teaching 17N/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!

5201 East Broadway
Long Beach, CA 90803
Phone: (562) 433-6757

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