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GreatSchools Rating

Martin Luther King, Jr Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 244 students

 
 
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 5 ratings
2011:
Based on 2 ratings
2010:
No new ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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10 reviews of this school


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Posted December 14, 2012

The best school in my opinion, who drew my attention school principal, I have all the love and appreciation of the efforts of this great lady.As for the teachers, thank their efforts toward our children and all the staff.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 16, 2012

My daughter has been going there since she was in kindergarten and now she just graduated from the fifth grade and she was the last out of five who went there. I love Martain Luther King Jr Elementry. The new principal is outstanding.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 9, 2012

MLK is a wonderful school that is growing and changing! Over the past three years, the school has improved in the areas of student engagement and community and parent involvement. The school has a strong teaching staff and an outstanding principal! Teachers go above and beyond to challenge students academically, make learning meaningful, and meet the needs of students of various learning abilities. The principal has done a wonderful job creating a school that meets the students, their families, and the communities needs. Some of the programs includes parent center, weekly Farmers Market, computer lab for students and parents, on going parent workshops, dental and asthma clinic, Family Science and Math night, book clubs, health fair, and the list goes on..... The school partners with many community based organizations too. As a STEM school with an engineering focus, the school provides hands on learning, rigor, and meaningful math and science learning activities for all students. This small West Oakland school is growing and changing!


Posted April 9, 2012

My son is in the first grade. He loves going to school everyday. He says that school is fun. He really like the science experiments he does in class. He has learned how to read and do math really well. The teachers, coaches, and principal work very hard to help all of the children. This is an excellent school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 9, 2012

Great teachers! Great Principal! Great Students! New and great things are happening at this school site!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 29, 2011

Hello! I am a student attending this school. It my be summer but the school is still open and in shape. I got a scholarship to attend the summer program from my grades. I have moved to all 50 states and in my experience this is the best school any kid could go to. ;P


Posted February 2, 2011

I was surprised at how much my son learned in just two quarters. He entered kindergarten barely spelling his name to now writing complete sentences on his own.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 4, 2006

This is one of the worst Oakland Public Schools. My son went to this school for three years. Of those three years, he didn't have a teacher for two. The principal was of no help in getting a permanent teacher or assisting me the parent with the proper materials to assist my son. My son has changed schools, however, he was somewhat behind due to being at MLK.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 15, 2005

This is a very good school with very good teachers for first thru third grade.
—Submitted by Shey Washington, a parent


Posted April 16, 2004

My son attended this school for 2 years. The desire to be a good school is there however, the teaching style and results leave much to be desired. He no longer attends this school. Currently he is a 3.5 GPA student who averaged a 1.7 at MLK Jr Elementary. Help is needed.
—Submitted by Anne Torres, 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

688

Change from
2011 to 2012

+45

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

1 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

1 / 10


API Growth scores over time

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

API Growth scores by subgroup

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

This school's
API score

688

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

+45

Change from 2011 to 2012
Comparing the API Growth to the Base shows whether or not this school’s test score performance improved between Spring 2011 and Spring 2012. The API ranges between 200 and 1000, with 800 as the statewide goal for all schools. Schools scoring below an 800 are given at least a 5 point target for the next year.
API Statewide Rank
(2011)

1 / 10

API Statewide Rank (2011)
The API Statewide Rank ranges from 1 to 10. A rank of 10, for example, means that the school’s API fell into the top 10% of all schools in the state with a comparable grade range. The 2011 rank is based on results from tests students took in Spring 2011.
API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

1 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)
The API Similar Schools Rank ranges from 1 to 10. It shows how the school compares to other schools with similar student demographic profiles. The California Department of Education uses parent education level, poverty level, student ethnicity and other data to identify similar schools.
English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 58% in 2012.

49 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
35%

2011

 
 
50%

2010

 
 
65%

2009

 
 
23%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

49 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
72%

2010

 
 
59%

2009

 
 
21%
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.

44 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
25%

2011

 
 
5%

2010

 
 
15%

2009

 
 
24%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

45 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
42%

2011

 
 
28%

2010

 
 
23%

2009

 
 
36%
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.

48 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
23%

2011

 
 
24%

2010

 
 
33%

2009

 
 
25%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

50 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
36%

2011

 
 
38%

2010

 
 
25%

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 63% in 2012.

35 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
14%

2011

 
 
31%

2010

 
 
34%

2009

 
 
19%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

35 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
26%

2011

 
 
10%

2010

 
 
10%

2009

 
 
19%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

35 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
12%

2011

 
 
21%

2010

 
 
5%

2009

 
 
18%
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 Students35%
Females44%
Males25%
African American28%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged33%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability38%
English learner43%
Fluent-English proficient and English only31%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate27%
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 state46%

Math

All Students67%
Females68%
Males65%
African American55%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged67%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability69%
English learner86%
Fluent-English proficient and English only59%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate73%
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 state77%
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 Students25%
Females26%
Males24%
African American19%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged27%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability30%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only25%
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 state28%

Math

All Students42%
Females42%
Males42%
African American23%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged42%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability50%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only36%
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 state42%
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 Students23%
Females28%
Males20%
African American25%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged22%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability25%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only26%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented23%
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 state22%

Math

All Students36%
Females44%
Males31%
African American29%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged28%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability39%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only34%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented43%
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 state38%
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 Students14%
Females20%
Males10%
African American10%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged18%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability15%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only20%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented14%
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 state15%

Math

All Students26%
Females20%
Males30%
African American14%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged29%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability26%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only20%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented43%
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 state31%

Science

All Students12%
Females13%
Males10%
African American5%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged11%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability12%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only16%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented7%
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 state12%
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
Black 68% 7%
Hispanic 14% 51%
Asian 10% 11%
White 4% 27%
Two or more races 3% 3%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 1%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 0% 1%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 175%N/A54%
English language learners 220%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
Spanish 43% 85%
Arabic 24% 1%
Vietnamese 24% 2%
Cantonese 3% 2%
Khmer (Cambodian) 3% 0%
Tigrinya 3% 0%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Average class size

  This school District averageState average
Average class size 20N/A25
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 14N/A11
Average years teaching 18N/A13
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Full credential 94%N/A96%
Emergency credential or waiver 0%N/A2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Technology

Language learning

Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular ESL/ELL needs
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School Leader's name
  • Roma Groves
Is there an application process?
  • Yes
Fax number
  • (510) 874-3388

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Standards-based
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Technology
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular ESL/ELL needs

Resources

Extra learning resources offered
  • Title I Schoolwide program (SWP)
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • We are at the corner of Market and 10th street. Several bus lines surround the school, including the 68.
School facilities
  • Multi-purpose
School leaders can update this information here.

Bay Area Community Resources (after school program)

Types of activities
  • Academics
  • Arts
  • Athletics
  • Life skills
Operated by
  • Bay Area Community Resources
Days offered
  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
Start time
  • 2:45
End time
  • 6:00
Is enrollment limited to students who attend the school?
  • Yes
Website

SEEK (summer program)

About the program
  • Project based science education
Types of activities
  • Academic
Operated by
  • OUSD
Dates offered
  • June 25, 2013 - July 19, 2013
Days offered
  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
Start time
  • 8:30 am
End time
  • 12:30 pm
Is enrollment limited to students who attend the school?
  • Yes
What grades can participate?
  • 3-5
Website
Phone number
  • (510) 874-3381
School leaders can update this information here.

Upcoming Events

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School culture

Dress Code
  • Uniforms
More from this school
  • MLK is home of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Math Program. Our academic focus is on the Sciences. We teach Science across the curriculum to help our students learn the importance of the academic structures of the Sciences. In following the Superintendent's Strategic Plan, we are a Full-Service community school. We provide resources to our families and the community to help our families succeed in educating their children. Attend our school because we have a supportive and caring environment that nurtures the minds, heart, and souls of our children.
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

To learn more about enrolling, please call the school.
 

TIP: Don't forget to ask about documents required for enrollment, such as your child's birth certificate, proof of address, or a record of immunizations.

 
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

960 Tenth Street
Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: (510) 874-3381

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