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GreatSchools Rating

Farmdale Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 598 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

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

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13 reviews of this school


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Posted April 30, 2013

Farmdale Elementary has been my daughters' school for two years. The teachers are great, hard working, and dedicated to their kids. One of My daughters is hard of hearing and their program has helped my daughter get what she needs to succeed in the general setting. The school has an excellent DHH Program, I've seen families that move closer to the school because they find what other schools cannot offer them, support and help. In addition, to the DHH program, the school offers a dual speaking language program, English and Spanish. Kids learn two languages at the same time. Going back to the DHH program, if you have kids with special needs, come and visit Farmdale El. It is the best.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 30, 2013

Hi - I am a teacher at Farmdale and I am excited about all we have going for our students and community. Last year we became an international Baccalaureate school. We are one of the first public schools in the LA area to become IB. It is exciting and now our full feeder pattern - ES Middle & Wilson HS are IB as well. At Farmdale the staff is awesome and care. We have great Parents as well. It is an innovative & exciting place to work!
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted August 16, 2010

So far this school and the AMAZING teachers have far, far exceeded my expectations. I am really excited about the dual language program and can't wait to meet her new teachers. I feel so lucky that this is our school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 25, 2009

They have a Dual Language Program how great is that!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 6, 2008

The staff at Farmdale is dedicated, enthusiastic, and highly competent. This however does not always equate to high student academic achievement. The sad truth is that Farmdale is located in a lower social economic neighborhood where the majority of parents do not value education. With this in mind, it is unfair and ignorant to always blame the staff at Farmdale for poor student performance. It does not take a genius to figure out that students perform at a higher level when parents get involved in the process of educating their children. Parents you need to get involved!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 21, 2008

Farmdale teachers, staff are outstanding. However there needs to be more parent participation and motivation.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 29, 2007

This is my first year with Farmdale and so far so good. The teachers and staff are friendly, experienced and passionate about teaching but what stands above average for me is not only the tools that the student peacemakers utilize but it's also the amount of parent participation and community support that Farmdale receives. It feels like belonging to a family rather than an educational institution. With so many 'eyes' I feel real safe leaving my child there to learn.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 19, 2007

I think the teachers try hard to provide their best but sometimes the system gets in the way and can't always focus on children's individual needs to ensure academic success.


Posted November 11, 2007

Great School! Awesome dual language Spanish program..teachers are dedicated and experienced!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 1, 2007

I oftentimes fondly remember my experiences at Farmdale. The teachers that I met were some of the most dedicated to their profession. They worked endlessly and actively to embrace the cultural richness of the community. The principal knew very intimately how to meet the needs of each student subgroup, and trusted the teachers for having the expertise in doing so. Our parent involvement has always been impressive to me. I am saddened that API scores cannot capture all the wonderful work that is occurring on the Farmdale campus.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted September 18, 2006

My children have attended Farmdale since 1998. I am very fond of the school and its staff. I have had a few rough patches in my experiences that were quickly and positively handled by the principal Ms. Saracho de Palma.My children have been President of the student council and a very close runner up (by 5 votes!)as well as involved in Peacemakers and Talent show participants. Farmdale is a close knit community school that is very involved and is an example to follow.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 11, 2004

My daughter has attended this school for the last 5 years. The most frustated things for me has been the total lack of organization. This problem is in the trickle down affect. Teachers writing off students without trying to tutor. Their are a very few teachers that do truly care but the number is far too small. My child is an excellent student but we're looking for a new school now.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 29, 2003

I have to say that in the 3 years that my son has been attending Farmdale I am very disappointed with how the school is run and the quality of teachers that are put out there to 'teach' the children. I am even sad to say that I went to that school myself. It seems as though the school is very concerned with only dollar signs than the children and theyir educations nowadays.
—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

725

Change from
2011 to 2012

+13

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

1 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

1 / 10


API Growth scores over time

Did this school meet the API goal this year?
The state goal for API is 800. All schools that are below 800 are assigned an API improvement target each year.
  • This school met its schoolwide API target for 2012.
  • This school has not yet met the state goal of 800.

API Growth scores by subgroup

In addition to schoolwide API scores, each student subgroup receives an API score.
Did this school meet all the API goals for student subgroups this year?
The state goal for the API is 800. All the student subgroups at a school that are below 800 are assigned an API improvement target each year.
  • This school met all student subgroup API targets for 2012

This school's
API score

725

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

+13

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)

1 / 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)

1 / 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.

83 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
36%

2011

 
 
33%

2010

 
 
37%

2009

 
 
36%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

83 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
33%

2011

 
 
34%

2010

 
 
30%

2009

 
 
42%
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.

68 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
31%

2011

 
 
36%

2010

 
 
25%

2009

 
 
16%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

71 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
56%

2010

 
 
46%

2009

 
 
35%
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.

57 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
50%

2011

 
 
55%

2010

 
 
33%

2009

 
 
36%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

60 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
59%

2011

 
 
63%

2010

 
 
43%

2009

 
 
50%
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.

66 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
39%

2011

 
 
27%

2010

 
 
44%

2009

 
 
27%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

67 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
40%

2011

 
 
30%

2010

 
 
44%

2009

 
 
20%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

66 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
45%

2011

 
 
30%

2010

 
 
40%

2009

 
 
15%
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 Students36%
Females38%
Males35%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino33%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged36%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disability0%
Students with no reported disability42%
English learner26%
Fluent-English proficient and English only46%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate19%
Parent education - high school graduate45%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)37%
Parent education - college graduate43%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students33%
Females29%
Males37%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino31%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged34%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disability0%
Students with no reported disability39%
English learner29%
Fluent-English proficient and English only39%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate24%
Parent education - high school graduate32%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)32%
Parent education - college graduate50%
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 Students31%
Females17%
Males38%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino29%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged31%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability31%
English learner8%
Fluent-English proficient and English only45%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate17%
Parent education - high school graduate33%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)38%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students68%
Females52%
Males75%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino67%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged68%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability67%
English learner48%
Fluent-English proficient and English only80%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate56%
Parent education - high school graduate67%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)79%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


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

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

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

All Students50%
Females48%
Males50%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino42%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged49%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability48%
English learner13%
Fluent-English proficient and English only63%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate50%
Parent education - high school graduate45%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)50%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students59%
Females47%
Males70%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino53%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged58%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability59%
English learner29%
Fluent-English proficient and English only70%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate53%
Parent education - high school graduate42%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)68%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


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

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

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

All Students39%
Females40%
Males39%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino40%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged39%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability39%
English learner0%
Fluent-English proficient and English only55%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate29%
Parent education - high school graduate33%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students40%
Females32%
Males47%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino38%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged40%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability41%
English learner15%
Fluent-English proficient and English only51%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate42%
Parent education - high school graduate33%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students45%
Females33%
Males56%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino44%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged45%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability45%
English learner16%
Fluent-English proficient and English only57%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate48%
Parent education - high school graduate40%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to 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 93% 49%
Asian 4% 8%
African American 1% 7%
Multiple or No Response 1% 3%
White 1% 28%
American Indian or Alaska Native 0% 1%
Filipino 0% 3%
Pacific Islander 0% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 140%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 285%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 93% 85%
Cantonese 3% 2%
Mandarin (Putonghua) 2% 1%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 0% 1%
Russian 0% 0%
Vietnamese 0% 2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Average class size

  This school District averageState average
Average class size 17N/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 12N/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!

2660 Ruth Swiggett Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032
Phone: (323) 222-6659

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