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GreatSchools Rating

Walnut Canyon Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 575 students

Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

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

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14 reviews of this school


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Posted September 1, 2011

My son loves being a student at Walnut Canyon. The new principal is a breath of fresh air and his teacher Mrs. Walters is big on teaching with all the latest technology! I couldn't be more excited about this school year!!! IF I had any complaint it would be that there isn't as much performing arts as I would like to see but I do realize w/ budget cuts they are doing the best with what they've got! The parents at this school are the most supportive of any school I've seen, very involved! You also wont find a harder working PTA around! Great Job Walnut Canyon!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 8, 2010

My Daughter Kaylee loves her principal, she is very nice always to me and my child, love her, i can see she really cares about the kids here. and her teacher mrs.. goldrod is wonderful, my daughter is learning so much, i am so proud of her and thankful for her teacher and the school pricipal for making this school thde best.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 26, 2010

I am not impressed with this school at all. He's in the second grade and although his teacher is very nice and caring, my son isn't learning as much as he should. I'm sure it has a lot to do with the increased class sizes and less teachers. But the principal is awful, she's unapproachable and doesn't seem to have any interactions with parents. I am seriously contemplating on taking my son and daughter (soon to be kindergartner) to another school district. There are at least 5 other parents that I have spoken to (kids are in various grades-up to 4th) who feel the exact same way. They are looking at the Santa Rosa School District and I think I will do the same.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 4, 2009

I love the arts and technology focus! Exposure to the arts is so essential for full brain development. I am confident that my child is getting an excellent education because of the professional and enthusiastic teachers he's had. As a special bounus, we have a fabulous after school program where students can choose to focus on additional areas of interest, from drama, keyboarding, strings, and art to rock band and pod-casting. It is truly a great school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 17, 2009

Walnut Canyon Elementary School is the best because of all the caring teachers and staff. They really strive to provide the best possible education even during these tough times. The teachers are very open to new ideas and methods of teaching in order for your child to succeed. We have been at Walnut for 6 years now and have been very happy recommend it to everyone!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 17, 2009

Walnut Canyon is a wonderful school. It offers a step above the traditional elementary school with its Arts & Technology. The staff, teachers and parents all come to together throughout the year moreso than I experienced when I sent my older daughter to private school and paid $600 a month! It's true comraudary!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 17, 2009

The teachers really care about the students.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 11, 2008

I really love this school. It's located on a hill top and has a great view. The school is also very clean and new looking. My daughter is in kindergarten and has a wonderful teacher. She experience but passionate too. She's the kind of teacher that gets on the floor with her children and they really love her. The people in the office seems too over protective. They make it difficult for parents to stop in for a peak. While the playground gate is often left unattended. The principle is warm and friendly.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 18, 2007

This school and staff are great, for the most part. Unfotunately, I feel my second child got a couple of bad apples for teachers.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 3, 2006

Great school for its management, teachers, volunteer involvement and quality and safety of life for the kids.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 23, 2005

Great school. Curriculum is individualized within classrooms, good activities, positive atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 23, 2004

Great school! My child has been attending since pre-k. The quality of instruction is above average and the CAP program (after-school) is superior.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 2, 2003

This is a hard school to get into, but if your child does get it, rest assured they won't fall through the cracks. The teachers and staff are excellent. My son has been here for 4 years. Hats off to Walnut Canyon.
—Submitted by Patricia Perdigao, a parent


Posted August 22, 2003

Walnut Canyon is a 'California Distinguished 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

874

Change from
2011 to 2012

+12

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

8 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

6 / 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

874

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

+12

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)

8 / 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)

6 / 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.

94 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
64%

2010

 
 
50%

2009

 
 
47%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

94 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
66%

2010

 
 
48%

2009

 
 
56%
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.

83 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
58%

2011

 
 
54%

2010

 
 
51%

2009

 
 
56%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

85 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
67%

2010

 
 
67%

2009

 
 
82%
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.

85 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
78%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

84 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
68%
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.

82 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
69%

2009

 
 
73%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

82 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
68%

2009

 
 
80%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

81 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
75%
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 Students67%
Females71%
Males59%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino42%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)92%
Economically disadvantaged36%
Non-economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability68%
English learner38%
Fluent-English proficient and English only80%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate47%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)64%
Parent education - college graduate83%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate94%
Parent education - declined to state75%

Math

All Students68%
Females69%
Males66%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino46%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)89%
Economically disadvantaged43%
Non-economically disadvantaged88%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability70%
English learner45%
Fluent-English proficient and English only78%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate53%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)82%
Parent education - college graduate89%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate89%
Parent education - declined to state60%
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 Students58%
Females47%
Males67%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino32%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)77%
Economically disadvantaged19%
Non-economically disadvantaged77%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability57%
English learner10%
Fluent-English proficient and English only73%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate9%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduate73%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate89%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students77%
Females68%
Males83%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino62%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)86%
Economically disadvantaged50%
Non-economically disadvantaged89%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability76%
English learner50%
Fluent-English proficient and English only85%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate58%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduate92%
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 Students83%
Females80%
Males86%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino69%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)97%
Economically disadvantaged65%
Non-economically disadvantaged90%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability81%
English learner44%
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 graduate75%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)92%
Parent education - college graduate84%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students90%
Females90%
Males91%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino82%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)100%
Economically disadvantaged77%
Non-economically disadvantaged97%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability90%
English learner69%
Fluent-English proficient and English only96%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate83%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)92%
Parent education - college graduate96%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
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 Students76%
Females78%
Males73%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino58%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)92%
Economically disadvantaged56%
Non-economically disadvantaged91%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability76%
English learner50%
Fluent-English proficient and English only85%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate62%
Parent education - high school graduate54%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)69%
Parent education - college graduate95%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate88%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students82%
Females82%
Males82%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino78%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)86%
Economically disadvantaged69%
Non-economically disadvantaged91%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability81%
English learner73%
Fluent-English proficient and English only85%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate62%
Parent education - high school graduate92%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)75%
Parent education - college graduate90%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate94%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students80%
Females82%
Males78%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino69%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)92%
Economically disadvantaged69%
Non-economically disadvantaged89%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability80%
English learner64%
Fluent-English proficient and English only86%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate62%
Parent education - high school graduate69%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)92%
Parent education - college graduate80%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate88%
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 43% 49%
White 43% 28%
Asian 5% 8%
Multiple or No Response 4% 3%
African American 2% 7%
Filipino 1% 3%
Pacific Islander 1% 1%
American Indian or Alaska Native 0% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 129%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 236%N/A52%
Source: 1 CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Source: 2 NCES, 2008-2009

Average class size

  This school District averageState average
Average class size 19N/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 14N/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!

280 Casey Road
Moorpark, CA 93021
Phone: (805) 517-1722

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