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GreatSchools Rating

Calahan Street Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 541 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 4 ratings
2012:
Based on 3 ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 2 ratings

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30 reviews of this school


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Posted Thursday, May 16, 2013

I love Calahan! This was our first year there, and we couldn't have been happier. It's like a diamond in the rough in LAUSD!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted Monday, May 13, 2013

I am a grandparent of a second grader at Calahan. His teacher has been absolutely fantastic. My grandson had some behavior issues and the teacher has gone above and beyond to help him be more attentive and willing to learn. His grades have improved and he is a much happier student. He is really looking forward to 3rd grade. The only thing he is not looking forward to is going to middle school - he wants to stay at Calahan forever!


Posted May 8, 2013

I am a parent and a teacher at Calahan Elementary and I believe Calahan to be one of the best schools in the valley. When I started here last year, my daughter was attending her home school. But two weeks into the school year, I was so impressed with the quality of education and teachers, that I moved her right over to Calahan. There are so many hard working staff that work together, to make Calahan excel. The students are supported in all academic areas and Calahan also provides such a nuturing environment. Calahan stresses character development, teaching respect and above all kindness to each other. We also have so many fun activities like the Jog-a-thon, the olympics, Valentine's Day dance, building ginger bread houses, our holiday program and much more. I am happy to recommend to anyone I meet, that they should attend Calahan so that there children will have the best elementary experience. And they offer tours for any parent, the 1st Friday of each month.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 2, 2013

Very disappointed in Calahan's capacity to facilitate parent/teacher communication. School doesn't respond to parents in a timely manner. A culture of bullying exists at this school. Not just student - student bullying, but teacher bullying. Teachers/Aides have been observed to use stern and intimadatory teacher methods, often reducing students to tears and causing our once happy to attend school student, not wanting to go to school. When student-student bullying is reported, parents are not notified and school response is often unsatisficatory. Children have been coming home with 2 - 4 hours of homework per night also. It's a very disappointing end to what was a promising start to the school year. Save yourself and your children the grief, and find another school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 16, 2012

Calahan Elementary is a top notch school with WONDERFUL teachers and an amazing Principal! It can be a little hard to get on campus for a tour, but once you see the school in action it is quite impressive! There are musical opportunities, a PE program with fantastic coaches, science (a garden and chickens on campus!) a new computer lab, beautiful library, and my daughter even had drama class in Kindergarten! Much of these programs are made possible by our amazing PTA as well as volunteers from CSUN! During her Kinder year she went on many field trips including the Valley Preforming Arts center, Undrewood Family Farm, Malibu Forestry Unit with a hike in the coastal mountains and a trip to Kidspace Children's Museum in Pasadena! Every December all the students at Calahan get to make darling Gingerbread houses-it was a wonderful experience to behold! The campus is also charming with nice green places everywhere for children to experience nature, and giant mature trees that provide much needed shade for this valley school! I am so happy that we made the decision for our daughter to be a Calahan student, and look forward to our youngest attending Calahan in a couple of years as well!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 16, 2012

We moved our child from a magnet to this school and it was the best decision ever. We loved this school, amazing experiences, despite the posted 6 rating. It is a top notch school, prepared my son for middle school in every way. WE MISS YOU CALAHAN!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 19, 2012

We had two children in Private Schools and transfered them to Calahan because of their high test scores. The Private School was not able to challenge them academically. My only regret is that we didn't start them there in Kindergarten. Calahan Challenges and Supports the brightest students as well as those that struggle academically to succeed and perform to their fullest potential. The entire staff, (teachers, aides, office, etc.) are amazing with their care and concern for all.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 9, 2010

Calahan has the best teachers! Teachers who care about their students academic success! They love what they do and it shows in their actions!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 9, 2010

The teachers are amazing and my kids have had a wonderful experience there.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 23, 2010

The teachers are wonderful, the principle and office staff are great... overall our kids have a wonderful environment. good luck Calahan.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 22, 2010

I have two kids at Calahan. A kindergartener and a first grader. Calahan is an amazing school. I feel so blessed to be a part of the Calahan community.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 22, 2010

I love my school because the teachers, parents and administrators do everything they can to help kids succeed. Go Calahan!
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted June 17, 2010

I am a graduating student in 5th grade of 2010 and i just want to say how much fun i had these 5 years i had been here! This school is very educational but still so mch fun for families and students. Thank you to the staff for making my crying of happyness possible right now :) THANK YOU! :)


Posted December 8, 2009

My son had an amazing experience at Calahan. It's a wonderful school with excellent teachers!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 22, 2009

My son had the greatest experiences here, thanks to Ms, Marquez. I miss so many things about the school,especially the gingerbread houses every Xmas. We have moved on but i will always remember Calahan.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 24, 2008

This is a really great school! My daughter is in Kinder there and she loves it. They really work with the kids and leave no child behind. My daughter was struggling a little bit so the teachers aid spent a little more 1 on 1 time with her and she improved so much. The school is safe, clean, and just a great place for learning.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 1, 2007

My daughter attended Calahan Elementary for kindergarten and first grade. From the support of both teachers and their attention to the individual needs of each child, they supported the recommendation for my daughter to attend Balboa Magnet School. Even though my daughter left Calahan, if it wasn't for her 2 teachers, she would not be receiving the unique and stimulating education that her Calahan teachers recognized she deserved. I look forward to my son attending kindergarten in Sept. '07 at Calahan. The teachers (Blakley & Cieslak) are amazing. Great job all around to the staff.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 28, 2007

My son started Kindergarten in Sept 06 and so far I have observed many great things about the school. My son enjoys school and his teacher is great, she really knows each child and her feedback is great. Overall if you want your child to do good in school parents have to be involved and put in the extra help for your kids special needs and this school emphasizes that. We look forward for the upcoming years.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 19, 2006

My son started kindergarten at Calahan just two weeks ago. He and I both absolutely love it there. His teacher is wonderful and the school has a lot of extra programs for the kids to do. They have a 'Reading for Success' that encourages reading for all levels. They have computers in the classroom which the children get to work on. I look forward to spending another 5 years at Calahan with my son.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 17, 2006

I volunteer at this school, I am very impressed with the dedication of all the teachers, librarian and volunteers that I have met. If you want this school to stay great, it needs parent and volunteer involvement. Great new library!
—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

861

Change from
2011 to 2012

+20

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

7 / 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

861

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

+20

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)

7 / 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.

81 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
62%

2010

 
 
52%

2009

 
 
62%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

81 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
62%

2009

 
 
69%
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.

90 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
49%

2011

 
 
36%

2010

 
 
49%

2009

 
 
55%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

90 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
70%

2009

 
 
74%
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.

84 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
63%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
69%

2009

 
 
67%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

84 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
65%

2009

 
 
76%
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.

93 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
63%

2010

 
 
56%

2009

 
 
45%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

93 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%

2011

 
 
68%

2010

 
 
67%

2009

 
 
64%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

93 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
46%

2010

 
 
58%

2009

 
 
46%
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 Students80%
Females79%
Males82%
African Americann/a
Asian92%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino76%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)86%
Economically disadvantaged78%
Non-economically disadvantaged82%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability83%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only82%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)71%
Parent education - college graduate84%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students83%
Females81%
Males85%
African Americann/a
Asian100%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino76%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)81%
Economically disadvantaged82%
Non-economically disadvantaged85%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability83%
English learnern/a
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)86%
Parent education - college graduate88%
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 Students49%
Females45%
Males52%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino64%
Hispanic or Latino46%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged43%
Non-economically disadvantaged58%
Students with disability31%
Students with no reported disability52%
English learner8%
Fluent-English proficient and English only56%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented95%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate27%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)48%
Parent education - college graduate54%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state43%

Math

All Students70%
Females68%
Males72%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino82%
Hispanic or Latino64%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged61%
Non-economically disadvantaged83%
Students with disability77%
Students with no reported disability69%
English learner50%
Fluent-English proficient and English only74%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented95%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate45%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)70%
Parent education - college graduate79%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state71%
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 Students63%
Females74%
Males51%
African Americann/a
Asian85%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino58%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)38%
Economically disadvantaged59%
Non-economically disadvantaged68%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability66%
English learner25%
Fluent-English proficient and English only69%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented81%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate72%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)48%
Parent education - college graduate69%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students67%
Females77%
Males56%
African Americann/a
Asian85%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino67%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)56%
Economically disadvantaged57%
Non-economically disadvantaged79%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability70%
English learner25%
Fluent-English proficient and English only74%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented89%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate67%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)62%
Parent education - college graduate73%
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 Students67%
Females79%
Males58%
African American64%
Asian73%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino65%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)77%
Economically disadvantaged65%
Non-economically disadvantaged70%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability70%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only70%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented97%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate58%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)56%
Parent education - college graduate68%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state75%

Math

All Students69%
Females79%
Males60%
African American45%
Asian91%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino70%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)73%
Economically disadvantaged63%
Non-economically disadvantaged74%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability71%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only71%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented97%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate58%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)52%
Parent education - college graduate71%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state92%

Science

All Students65%
Females70%
Males60%
African American45%
Asian73%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino60%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)82%
Economically disadvantaged61%
Non-economically disadvantaged68%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability65%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only66%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented94%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate50%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)60%
Parent education - college graduate58%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state92%
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 23% 28%
African American 12% 7%
Asian 10% 8%
Filipino 9% 3%
American Indian or Alaska Native 1% 1%
Multiple or No Response 1% 3%
Pacific Islander 1% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 115%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 252%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 81% 85%
Arabic 3% 1%
Gujarati 3% 0%
Japanese 3% 0%
Tongan 3% 0%
All other non-English languages 1% 1%
Farsi (Persian) 1% 0%
Korean 1% 1%
Portuguese 1% 0%
Russian 1% 0%
Vietnamese 1% 2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Average class size

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

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 11N/A11
Average years teaching 13N/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!

18722 Knapp Street
Northridge, CA 91324
Phone: (818) 886-4612

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