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GreatSchools Rating

Orchard Park School

Public | K-6 | 328 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
Based on 3 ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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10 reviews of this school


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Posted August 27, 2012

Did you notice that the Great Schools rating is 5 when every other school around is 7 or higher? They have a new principal this year so I can't vouch for her professionalism but the things said about the previous principal are true. My daughter was being bullied last year and she reported it to her and he said, and yes this is a direct quote, "You're wasting my time with all this girl drama". Needless to say, we transferred both of our kids to different schools. I won't even go into how 5th and 6th grade teachers call kids things like "Devil's child" and not in a good way. Avoid this school if you can, avoiding the entire district would be a wiser move. On the flip side, the PTA is really involved with the school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 18, 2011

Orchard Park is fantastic. The Principal, Teachers and Staff are very caring and love the kids! Although the class sizes have increased, this is not the fault of the school, but the State. The Principal and teachers do the best they can with what they have. My child benefits greatly from hands-on learning and spends lots of time not only doing his classwork, but free time as well. Orchard Park also has a lot of great parent involvement. Parents have been great to donate to the school and their teachers. There are parents volunteering during the day, the PTA has great events and programs and a great ELAC program. Parking lot traffic is truly not that bad, just ask any elementary school in Concord, Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek where their parking lots were designed for school buses. There is only so much that can be done when parents park in the loading zone and get out of their car. I give Orchard Park 5 Stars! A great school that I know my kids are safe and cared for during the day. And with it being K-8 I know that they won't have the pressures of Jr High and will be able to focus on school and learning, which is a #1 priority.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 16, 2011

I can't say enough about how blessed we are to have our children attend Orchard Park. The principal is great, and so are the teachers and office staff. I love that parents help out too! My daughter spent one agonizing year at another school for 6th grade, and we pulled her out. We haven't been happier! We can't wait to begin another successful year at Orchard Park!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 1, 2011

Very large classroom size, it's 2011 and the student teacher ratio is 35 to 1. They have combined grades into one class. The principal treats us differently when I requested my child be put in a single grade class from the 4Th and 5Th combined my child was put in. The curriculum is behind many Brentwood elementary schools. I have personally compared the two. The teachers do the best they can with no money and that's the only reason I didn't put unsatisfactory and the car line is a whole mess of its own. The principle lets the cars sit and wait for the next grades that haven't even got out yet while we're trying to pick up the kids that are out right now. So there ends up being no room. He watches from sidewalk and does nothing. He doesn't like being bothered by anything. Well I wish life was that smooth. but it's not.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 21, 2010

I love it and my experience has been nothing less than Excellent. My son is in the 4th grade here after having issues at another antioch elementary for having respect and callin a young teacher Yes Sir/Maam. My children were raised in the south and thats something we teach.. Anyway Mr. Daecus (prinicipal) welcomed my son with open arms and the learning experience here is great. I love it
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 9, 2009

Orchard Park Elementary is a wonderful school. I was a little concerned at first with it being a public school. It is run alot like a private school. It has small classroom sizes, teachers that really care and are passionate about teaching the students. The principal is wonderful, is very hands on with the students and staff. He is outside every morning making sure the students arrive safe in the school. I highly recommend.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 30, 2009

I think that Orchard Park Eay is an amazing school because the school goes to eighth grade and now a days that is getting to be rare. Another reason is becase the teachers are great and helpful. The school is really family oriented.
—Submitted by a student


Posted June 4, 2009

Great school with an excellent staff that really care about the children. Very involved core group of parents also helps alot!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 10, 2008

Really great school. Small and close knit atmosphere makes for a comfortable and fun learning environment. Good teachers too.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 10, 2008

Great school we love it here. It's still small and quiet. and we are very fortunate to have a great principle and teachers here also terrific after school program!
—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

809

Change from
2011 to 2012

+19

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

4 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

5 / 10


API Growth scores over time

Did this school meet the API goal this year?
The state goal for API is 800. All schools that are below 800 are assigned an API improvement target each year.
  • This school met 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 did not meet all student subgroup API targets for 2012

This school's
API score

809

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

+19

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)

4 / 10

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

5 / 10

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

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

81 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
64%

2011

 
 
49%

2010

 
 
59%

2009

 
 
37%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

81 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
66%

2011

 
 
59%

2010

 
 
66%

2009

 
 
40%
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.

70 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
30%

2011

 
 
30%

2010

 
 
26%

2009

 
 
42%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

70 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
64%

2011

 
 
50%

2010

 
 
45%

2009

 
 
53%
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.

76 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%

2011

 
 
46%

2010

 
 
71%

2009

 
 
55%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

77 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
62%

2011

 
 
46%

2010

 
 
71%

2009

 
 
71%
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.

56 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
48%

2011

 
 
67%

2010

 
 
46%

2009

 
 
53%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

56 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
65%

2010

 
 
62%

2009

 
 
62%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

59 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
55%

2011

 
 
47%

2010

 
 
57%

2009

 
 
55%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 59% in 2012.

60 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
55%

2010

 
 
58%

2009

 
 
n/a
Math

The state average for Math was 55% in 2012.

62 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
63%

2011

 
 
54%

2010

 
 
53%

2009

 
 
n/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

All Students64%
Females67%
Males61%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino58%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)71%
Economically disadvantaged63%
Non-economically disadvantaged67%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability67%
English learner53%
Fluent-English proficient and English only69%
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 state69%

Math

All Students66%
Females60%
Males71%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino58%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)79%
Economically disadvantaged63%
Non-economically disadvantaged69%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability67%
English learner63%
Fluent-English proficient and English only67%
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 state65%
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 Students30%
Females37%
Males23%
African American23%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino15%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)41%
Economically disadvantaged20%
Non-economically disadvantaged45%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability32%
English learner8%
Fluent-English proficient and English only35%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate15%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)57%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state18%

Math

All Students64%
Females68%
Males61%
African American50%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino52%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)77%
Economically disadvantaged54%
Non-economically disadvantaged79%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability68%
English learner64%
Fluent-English proficient and English only64%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate57%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)83%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state41%
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 Students69%
Females76%
Males62%
African American50%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino62%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)74%
Economically disadvantaged53%
Non-economically disadvantaged84%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability68%
English learner42%
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 graduate61%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)81%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state61%

Math

All Students62%
Females69%
Males57%
African American50%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino46%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)77%
Economically disadvantaged44%
Non-economically disadvantaged82%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability65%
English learner15%
Fluent-English proficient and English only72%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate65%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)74%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state48%
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 Students48%
Females65%
Males33%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino42%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)45%
Economically disadvantaged48%
Non-economically disadvantaged48%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability49%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only53%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate38%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)69%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state44%

Math

All Students67%
Females73%
Males60%
African American73%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino60%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)68%
Economically disadvantaged73%
Non-economically disadvantaged57%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability70%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only68%
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)71%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state71%

Science

All Students55%
Females56%
Males53%
African American45%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino50%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)59%
Economically disadvantaged44%
Non-economically disadvantaged68%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability60%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only56%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate59%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)64%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state47%
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 Students68%
Females70%
Males67%
African American54%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino68%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)73%
Economically disadvantaged67%
Non-economically disadvantaged70%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability69%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only70%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate82%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)68%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state62%

Math

All Students63%
Females56%
Males69%
African American50%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino55%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)76%
Economically disadvantaged54%
Non-economically disadvantaged74%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability64%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only66%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate55%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)70%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state46%
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 43% 28%
Hispanic or Latino 27% 49%
African American 12% 7%
Multiple or No Response 9% 3%
Filipino 5% 3%
Asian 3% 8%
American Indian or Alaska Native 1% 1%
Pacific Islander 1% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 117%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 241%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 90% 85%
Punjabi 5% 1%
All other non-English languages 2% 1%
Hmong 2% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

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 9N/A11
Average years teaching 12N/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!

5150 Live Oak Avenue
Oakley, CA 94561
Website: Click here
Phone: (925) 779-7445

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