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GreatSchools Rating

Betty Plasencia Elementary School

Public | K-6 | 954 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 1 rating

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12 reviews of this school


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Posted October 16, 2012

I graduated in 1986 best school ever. had awsome teachers and great princaples and a great orchestra teacher Mr Arskawa..teachers cared about your future glad to see its a magnet school..


Posted May 10, 2010

I myself attended this school over 30 years ago and was excited for my children to attend Plasencia. Fortunately their teachers have been amazing. This and their art programs are the highlight. Unfortunately the administration aspect has been disappointing and the safety of the school has been questionable since there has been a couple of lockdowns since my kids have been attending. I also dont think working parents are taken into consideration in planning. since notices of school performances or other functions are very last minute. parent advisory meetings are held in the morning during the week so it's impossible for working parents to make it.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 22, 2010

Ms. Vela- a person who loves to teach, and fosters respect and excitement in the kids.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 29, 2009

It is a school within a school in a city which is in a deficit in a state that is essentially bankrupt that is taking on the challenges of a divergent student body with pride and determination.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 2, 2009

Ive had 2 daughters attend this school since Pre-K, one graduated a few yrs agom the 2nd one is in the 4th grade. Yes, the violence has gone up around there and unfortunately, there has been a lot of lack of communication within the school, but education wise, its great. They have activities after school & a kid care (waiting list). It needs more parent involvement...
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 31, 2008

this school was unsadisfactory for my child. I beived that the school needed to be more intergrated. As for the teachingit was ok in the younger years but got worse as time went on (4&5) know your kid if you want to send them to a school like that. The magnet was o.k.but the regular school and after school programs, god help them
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 21, 2008

This school is geared more to the latino community. Many teachers only speak Spanish and the office workers often are speaking this language as well. They have lots of activities like Boy Scouts and arts festival, but could not find girl scout cookies anywhere.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 5, 2007

My sons are in first and third grade today and so far I can't complain about this school. This is a great school. It has so many programs to help each child. There's alot of afterschool activities and I love the festival of Arts. My children's grades are great and I have respect for every teacher they had. Thank you very much...Ms Lopez, Ms. Pedrehita, Ms Chavez, you have showed me that you do help each and every child. I am very happy with this school and their teachers!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 21, 2007

Although we keep hearing about low test scores throughout the state, I know that the teachers at Plasencia are committed to the education of their students. They provide structure and a safe learning environment in a place where structure is variable and safety is questionable. The kids in our community have witnessed many robberies and shootings. It is a miracle that they are not traumatized. Everyday they show up to school ready and eager to learn.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted December 21, 2006

My daughter has attended this school since Kinder. She is graduating this year, and both her and I feel that leaving Plasencia will be really sad. The teachers and staff are excellent. The level of parent participation is outstanding.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 19, 2006

The magnet program is strong. The teachers, especially in kindergarten and third are very committed and creative and exceptional. The benefit is the cohort of students and parents is enthusiastic and bright.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 14, 2004

This school is an oasis in an urban neighborhood near downtown LA. There are numerous special programs including an Arts Prototype program which brings artists, musicians and dancers into the school culminating in a special Arts Festival for the neighboring community in the spring. There is also a highly regarded Math and Science Magnet program with outstanding teachers and involved parents. A true jewel. Check it out!
—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

787

Change from
2011 to 2012

+30

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

3 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

5 / 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

787

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

+30

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)

3 / 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)

5 / 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.

108 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
43%

2010

 
 
52%

2009

 
 
36%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

108 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%

2011

 
 
52%

2010

 
 
50%

2009

 
 
38%
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.

127 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
33%

2011

 
 
24%

2010

 
 
28%

2009

 
 
43%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

127 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
54%

2011

 
 
51%

2010

 
 
61%

2009

 
 
66%
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.

131 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
59%

2011

 
 
58%

2010

 
 
62%

2009

 
 
48%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

134 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
62%

2011

 
 
53%

2010

 
 
66%

2009

 
 
48%
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.

134 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
39%

2011

 
 
48%

2010

 
 
41%

2009

 
 
41%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

134 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
42%

2011

 
 
61%

2010

 
 
54%

2009

 
 
41%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

134 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
44%

2011

 
 
39%

2010

 
 
40%

2009

 
 
38%
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.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
29%

2010

 
 
30%

2009

 
 
n/a
Math

The state average for Math was 55% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
25%

2010

 
 
23%

2009

 
 
n/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.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

All Students75%
Females79%
Males69%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino75%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged74%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability76%
English learner57%
Fluent-English proficient and English only85%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate73%
Parent education - high school graduate67%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)83%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students69%
Females73%
Males65%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino69%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged69%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability71%
English learner57%
Fluent-English proficient and English only77%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate73%
Parent education - high school graduate63%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)57%
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 Students33%
Females32%
Males34%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino31%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged33%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability35%
English learner5%
Fluent-English proficient and English only45%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate34%
Parent education - high school graduate30%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)13%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students54%
Females51%
Males59%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino55%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged54%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability56%
English learner32%
Fluent-English proficient and English only64%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate51%
Parent education - high school graduate58%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)44%
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 Students59%
Females66%
Males53%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino54%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged59%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability63%
English learner16%
Fluent-English proficient and English only86%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate41%
Parent education - high school graduate72%
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

Math

All Students62%
Females64%
Males60%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino58%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged62%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability67%
English learner28%
Fluent-English proficient and English only85%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate48%
Parent education - high school graduate78%
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%
Females37%
Males42%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino36%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged40%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disability8%
Students with no reported disability43%
English learner6%
Fluent-English proficient and English only50%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented95%
Parent education - not a high school graduate29%
Parent education - high school graduate51%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)57%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students42%
Females40%
Males45%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino39%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged43%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disability8%
Students with no reported disability46%
English learner19%
Fluent-English proficient and English only50%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented95%
Parent education - not a high school graduate37%
Parent education - high school graduate43%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)64%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students44%
Females37%
Males53%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino41%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged45%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disability17%
Students with no reported disability48%
English learner9%
Fluent-English proficient and English only56%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate38%
Parent education - high school graduate46%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)57%
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 Studentsn/a
Femalesn/a
Malesn/a
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disabilityn/a
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English onlyn/a
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Studentsn/a
Femalesn/a
Malesn/a
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disabilityn/a
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English onlyn/a
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post 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 84% 49%
Asian 5% 8%
White 5% 28%
African American 3% 7%
Filipino 3% 3%
American Indian or Alaska Native 0% 1%
Multiple or No Response 0% 3%
Pacific Islander 0% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 142%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 289%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 94% 85%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 2% 1%
Khmer (Cambodian) 2% 0%
Cantonese 1% 2%
Korean 1% 1%
Thai 1% 0%
Vietnamese 0% 2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 13N/A11
Average years teaching 13N/A13
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Full credential 98%N/A96%
Emergency credential or waiver 0%N/A2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

School basics

School Leader's name
  • Julie Gonzalez
Special schedule
  • Year-round
Fax number
  • (213) 482-1815
School leaders can update this information here.
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

1321 Cortez Street
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Website: Click here
Phone: (213) 250-7450

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