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GreatSchools Rating

Westwood Elementary School

Charter | K-5 | 793 students

 
 
Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 3 ratings
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
Based on 4 ratings
2010:
Based on 35 ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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186 reviews of this school


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Posted September 22, 2010

I love Westwood Charter because when my daughter's kindergarten class' fish died, the principal and vice-principal took time from their busy day to listen to and reflect with the students, and help them develop a unique plan to process this important event. This kind of support trickles down through every facet of the school. Teachers are invested and passionate. A family spirit is tangible on the campus and evident as students help one another in the classroom and on the playground.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 21, 2010

committed teachers, involved parents. A wonderful learning nvironment.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 21, 2010

Westwood is truly a family. The students are recognized for what makes each of them individually unique-- as well as encouraged to be part of something bigger than themselves, his teachers for grades 1, 2 and 3 have been amazing-- and he is truly thriving. The parent participation and the school's transparency are both outstanding. I feel very lucky to be in this school's district.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 21, 2010

We have an incredible school with unbelievable teachers. Please vote to further enrich our school and pay for areas which have been cut due to budgets.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 21, 2010

An oasis of learning in a sea of what is LAUSD.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 10, 2010

I have to credit Harriet Orcan, my kindergarden to 3rd grade Teacher because she was really there for me inside and outside of school. I was very happy. The curriculum was very stong, and I thank God for Harriet, Gisell and Yvonne. God Bless You all! Mr. Harold Lenn Levingston Saturday, July 10, 2010


Posted May 20, 2010

I think the school is filled with great teachers and children and thet deserve the chance to better thier school. So much is happening with budget cuts. Many schools are also in need.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 16, 2010

Westwood Charter has a great community of active parents and students who give back to the school as much as they get. The efforts of the teachers and administration do not go unrecognized at Westwood. Westwood shows that great public education still exists in this country when everyone in the community participates.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 15, 2010

Our son is in kindergarten at Westwood Elementary and is thriving there. He is quite active and we did not know what to expect when he began school, but the learning is structured to be as engaging as it is demanding. His teacher is wonderful and goes beyond the what is required of her. She even visited each of her students before the school year started so that they would have some familiarity when they began kindergarten.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 15, 2010

A great community to be a part of -- Westwood Charter Elementary has amazing teacher and parents that really hard to make our school the best it can possibly be.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 14, 2010

I love Westwood because the teachers are kind and helpful and the kids are friendly. The students are encouraged to be academic but also to use their imaginations and be creative.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 13, 2010

its the best school ever. great teacher, huge parental involvement, wonderful curriculum and great network and support system for kids
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 13, 2010

Teachers as so good and nice, also parent involvement is appreciated.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 13, 2010

My son is in first grade at Westwood and we have had the most amazing experience.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 13, 2010

Westwood Charter has a lot of parent involvement. The teachers are motivated and seem happy.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 13, 2010

Our son has been at Westwood for 2 years and so far, our family loves it. The environment is warm, friendly and inviting. The teachers are very passionate about what they do.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 13, 2010

I've got three kids at Westwood, and all of us love it! The teachers, staff, and the families of this school are fantastic!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 13, 2010

This is a great school with wonderful teachers with great support from the families of the students.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 13, 2010

the teachers - the staff - the way they make my child feel!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 13, 2010

The level of engagement by faculty, staff and families is terrific, which makes for a strong spirit of community. The best measure, however, is that our grandkids love the school and love the environment that it offers for learning.
—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

940

Change from
2011 to 2012

-5

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

10 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

3 / 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

940

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

-5

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)

3 / 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.

143 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
88%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

143 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
86%
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.

137 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
71%

2009

 
 
75%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

136 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
78%

2009

 
 
83%
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.

109 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
95%

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
94%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

109 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
93%

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
91%
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.

99 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
87%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

100 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
80%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
75%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

98 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
95%

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
84%
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 Students84%
Females86%
Males80%
African American83%
Asian92%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino65%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White (not Hispanic)86%
Economically disadvantaged65%
Non-economically disadvantaged86%
Students with disability29%
Students with no reported disability89%
English learner63%
Fluent-English proficient and English only86%
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 graduate78%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate90%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students86%
Females85%
Males87%
African American100%
Asian92%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino69%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White (not Hispanic)88%
Economically disadvantaged76%
Non-economically disadvantaged87%
Students with disability36%
Students with no reported disability91%
English learner50%
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 graduate86%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate90%
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 Students81%
Females82%
Males79%
African Americann/a
Asian91%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White (not Hispanic)82%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged82%
Students with disability73%
Students with no reported disability81%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only83%
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 graduate78%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate84%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students90%
Females85%
Males94%
African Americann/a
Asian91%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White (not Hispanic)89%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged90%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability90%
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)n/a
Parent education - college graduate89%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate93%
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 Students95%
Females98%
Males94%
African Americann/a
Asian100%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White (not Hispanic)95%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged95%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability95%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only96%
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 graduate97%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students93%
Females93%
Males92%
African Americann/a
Asian95%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White (not Hispanic)93%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability93%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only93%
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 graduate94%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate96%
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 Students92%
Females91%
Males93%
African Americann/a
Asian100%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino100%
White (not Hispanic)91%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged91%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability96%
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 graduate90%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate96%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students85%
Females84%
Males86%
African Americann/a
Asian100%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino100%
White (not Hispanic)81%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged85%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability88%
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)n/a
Parent education - college graduate79%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate94%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students95%
Females93%
Males98%
African Americann/a
Asian100%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino100%
White (not Hispanic)94%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged96%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability96%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only96%
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 graduate93%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate96%
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
White 68% 27%
Asian 17% 11%
Hispanic 9% 51%
Black 5% 7%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 1%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 1% 1%
Two or more races 0% 3%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 14%N/A54%
English language learners 26%N/A24%
Source: 1 NCES, 2010-2011
Source: 2 CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Home languages of english learners

Language This school State average
Farsi (Persian) 29% 0%
Japanese 22% 0%
Spanish 16% 85%
Korean 7% 1%
Russian 7% 0%
Urdu 7% 0%
Hebrew 4% 0%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 2% 1%
Mandarin (Putonghua) 2% 1%
Polish 2% 0%
Portuguese 2% 0%
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 9N/A11
Average years teaching 9N/A13
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Full credential 92%N/A96%
Emergency credential or waiver 0%N/A2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

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2050 Selby Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Website: Click here
Phone: (310) 474-7788

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