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GreatSchools Rating

Martin Luther King Jr Middle School

Public | 6-8 | 1477 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
Based on 4 ratings

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42 reviews of this school


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Posted August 3, 2011

Fantastic group of teachers. The administration is the best in the district. We will miss Bob Rowe, but he has done a wonderful job making this the best middle school in Oceanside.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 24, 2010

So relieved that this school is in Oceanside! Principal Rowe and the staff have created an uplifting and challenging academic environment for the students. Test scores are going up up! The atmosphere is upbeat and impressive every time I'm there. Its a melting pot of kids and that has been great proof that its the administration, the students, and the parents that make a great school! Keep up the good work MLK!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 12, 2010

The teaching staff at King Middle School is outstanding.


Posted September 27, 2010

So far so good with the teachers, my son was shuffled around because the classes were over crowded but thats okay. The security however is another thing they need to lay off of the poor attitudes.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 13, 2010

What a great school! My son has excelled in academic and social interactions. They highly welcome parent involvement. Mr. Rowe and his staff are nothing short of awesome! My family will miss them when my son goes off to high school next year.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 20, 2010

MLKing and the Oceanside School District is poorly managed and top heavy with highly paid administrators. The middle schools received the highest level of staff cuts and class sizes will now average 40 to a classroom. The school board cut aide time and gave out hundreds of pink slips. Don't be fooled by online reveiws. The district has now cut all bussing for all students except special needs. This district is going down hill fast.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 21, 2010

MLK is a fantastic school. Principal Rowe and his staff have done a great job in bringing up grades, as well as test scores. All kids get a double block of English and those weak in Math get double blocked also. Students have to maintain above a 2.0 GPA or go to Saturday school. It is harder to fail at MLK than to succeed. Most certainly, the support system is there to ensure kids are doing what they are supposed to. Parents can check on their kid's grades and homework daily through the school loop system. Annette Tucker
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 14, 2010

I love mlk!!!!! It is the best school in California!!!! I love all the teachers and i love mr. rowe the principle. He is dedicated to our school and he belives in working hard and playing hard!!! I LOVE MLK!!!!!
—Submitted by a student


Posted May 25, 2009

My son went to school at MLK his first year of jr. high but I had to pull him out early due to bullying issues. Administrators failed to work with us, instead chose to ignore the problem. We are much happier at Jefferson. The staff there is fantastic, proactive instead of covering up problems.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 3, 2009

We are thrilled with the choice to send our kids to MLK! Lincoln was an option, but we could not ignore all the negative feedback, so we chose MLK. Principal Rowe is outstanding and such a motivating factor. The teachers are upbeat, engaging, and fair. So refreshing to see it be 'cool' to be an excellent student. MLK is a school to be very proud of!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 26, 2009

I go to this school and it is a great school. I say its a great school because my grades have been doing better than my elementary school grade! That's why I think this is a great school.
—Submitted by a student


Posted February 9, 2009

this school rocks! its a really fun place ro learn, and the teachers are great... Mr. Rowe, the principal, is the best... he truley devotes his pride and love to our school! GO MLK LIONS!
—Submitted by a student


Posted December 5, 2008

This is my 3rd year at Martin Luther KIng Jr. Middle School and i have just 1 word to describe it ,phenomenal! I was assigned to go to Jefferson Middle School but my mother switched me last minute. I came into 6th grade not knowing anyone, but the atmostphere and all of the teachers amd students helped me ajust perfectly! There are so many things about KING MS that I love. If I had to pick one thing, it would be that care and dedication that ALL of the teachers have. To them your not just another student, they bond with you and by the end of the year, you feel like they made a differnce in your life, and they think that you made a difference in theirs. Thank you Mr.Rowe and the teachers that have definatly changed the way I feel about school!
—Submitted by a student


Posted November 28, 2008

I'm very happy with the discipline and leadership that Mr. Rowe is providing for the King students.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 24, 2008

The principal and teachers are wonderful. My daughter now does her homework without me nagging because she doesn't want to go to detention. Mr Rowe is just what this school (and every school for that matter) needs. He makes sure everyone follows the rules or faces the consequences. The kids like and respect him. He really enforces his 'work hard, play hard' motto.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 1, 2008

It's a great School, my son love it. The school accomodate the level of math of numerous high level students (9th grade math for 7 th or 8 th grader)
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 29, 2008

this is a great school. i've been only teaching at this school for only 4 weeks and i am already loving it. i am the spanish teacher and i love all the kids this is one of the best schools i've taught spanish.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted September 7, 2008

I love this school so much! I'm an 8th grade student here and even though many people say it's horrible I have no clue why! It has some great teachers whom are not only goos at teaching but are friendly and easy to talk to which makes class more interesting. Go Mr. Tellez!
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 6, 2008

When my son was accepted to MLK, I was thrilled and scared at the same time. There were problems with bullying and gangs for a long time. Then Bob Rowe came and I didn't know what to expect. He has done an outstanding job and has gotten MLK on the radar for excellence. Kudos to Mr. Rowe and the faculty and staff for breaking the 800 API mark. Kudos to all of students for their hard work!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 26, 2008

This is the age when your child will be test their environment. My son attended all 3 years here and academically he did very well. This school will inform you of attendance and a recorded message of assignments or tests they need to do by the teachers. I highly recommend this school. There are alot of cliques here so be aware of your childs friends and get to know the parents. you should have no problems.
—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

859

Change from
2011 to 2012

+8

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

8 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

10 / 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

859

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

+8

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)

10 / 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 59% in 2012.

439 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
66%

2011

 
 
64%

2010

 
 
68%

2009

 
 
63%
Math

The state average for Math was 55% in 2012.

442 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
66%

2011

 
 
62%

2010

 
 
65%

2009

 
 
62%
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

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 86% in 2012.

26 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%
English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 62% in 2012.

455 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%

2011

 
 
70%

2010

 
 
69%

2009

 
 
62%
Math

The state average for Math was 52% in 2012.

429 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
66%

2010

 
 
69%

2009

 
 
61%
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

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 49% in 2012.

437 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
64%

2011

 
 
62%

2010

 
 
58%

2009

 
 
62%
English Language Arts

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

465 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%

2011

 
 
68%

2010

 
 
60%

2009

 
 
62%
General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards)

The state average for General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards) was 32% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
0%
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 87% in 2012.

23 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%
History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative

The state average for History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative was 52% in 2012.

477 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
66%

2010

 
 
55%

2009

 
 
55%
Science

The state average for Science was 66% in 2012.

465 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
70%

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

All Students66%
Females75%
Males59%
African American59%
Asian100%
Filipino64%
Hispanic or Latino55%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islander54%
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)82%
Economically disadvantaged51%
Non-economically disadvantaged84%
Students with disability37%
Students with no reported disability69%
English learner0%
Fluent-English proficient and English only71%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented99%
Parent education - not a high school graduate47%
Parent education - high school graduate60%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)71%
Parent education - college graduate80%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate88%
Parent education - declined to state36%

Math

All Students66%
Females72%
Males60%
African American64%
Asian100%
Filipino91%
Hispanic or Latino53%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islander62%
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)79%
Economically disadvantaged52%
Non-economically disadvantaged82%
Students with disability26%
Students with no reported disability70%
English learner14%
Fluent-English proficient and English only69%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate47%
Parent education - high school graduate56%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)69%
Parent education - college graduate77%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate88%
Parent education - declined to state56%
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

Algebra I

All Students100%
Females100%
Males100%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
White (not Hispanic)100%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged100%
Students with no reported disability100%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only100%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

English Language Arts

All Students69%
Females72%
Males67%
African American67%
Asian93%
Filipino85%
Hispanic or Latino54%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)87%
Economically disadvantaged54%
Non-economically disadvantaged86%
Students with disability11%
Students with no reported disability73%
English learner4%
Fluent-English proficient and English only73%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate57%
Parent education - high school graduate59%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)69%
Parent education - college graduate82%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate85%
Parent education - declined to state51%

Math

All Students67%
Females72%
Males63%
African American67%
Asian73%
Filipino82%
Hispanic or Latino56%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)84%
Economically disadvantaged59%
Non-economically disadvantaged77%
Students with disability25%
Students with no reported disability70%
English learner26%
Fluent-English proficient and English only69%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate60%
Parent education - high school graduate62%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)64%
Parent education - college graduate73%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate85%
Parent education - declined to state61%
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

Algebra I

All Students64%
Females68%
Males61%
African American59%
Asiann/a
Filipino80%
Hispanic or Latino56%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islander50%
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)76%
Economically disadvantaged59%
Non-economically disadvantaged70%
Students with disability38%
Students with no reported disability66%
English learner19%
Fluent-English proficient and English only67%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented91%
Parent education - not a high school graduate56%
Parent education - high school graduate59%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)63%
Parent education - college graduate75%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate70%
Parent education - declined to state61%

English Language Arts

All Students69%
Females74%
Males65%
African American61%
Asian91%
Filipino87%
Hispanic or Latino60%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islander64%
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)82%
Economically disadvantaged60%
Non-economically disadvantaged78%
Students with disability16%
Students with no reported disability73%
English learner5%
Fluent-English proficient and English only72%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented97%
Parent education - not a high school graduate54%
Parent education - high school graduate66%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)68%
Parent education - college graduate79%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate86%
Parent education - declined to state48%

General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards)

All Studentsn/a
Femalesn/a
Malesn/a
African Americann/a
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 disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disabilityn/a
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English onlyn/a
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 staten/a

Geometry

All Students100%
Femalesn/a
Males100%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
White (not Hispanic)100%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged100%
Students with no reported disability100%
Fluent-English proficient and English only100%
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduate100%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative

All Students60%
Females56%
Males65%
African American59%
Asian75%
Filipino83%
Hispanic or Latino48%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islander57%
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)73%
Economically disadvantaged50%
Non-economically disadvantaged70%
Students with disability9%
Students with no reported disability66%
English learner9%
Fluent-English proficient and English only63%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented94%
Parent education - not a high school graduate43%
Parent education - high school graduate49%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)63%
Parent education - college graduate70%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate80%
Parent education - declined to state41%

Science

All Students80%
Females76%
Males82%
African American66%
Asian100%
Filipino87%
Hispanic or Latino72%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islander71%
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)90%
Economically disadvantaged73%
Non-economically disadvantaged85%
Students with disability38%
Students with no reported disability82%
English learner29%
Fluent-English proficient and English only82%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate66%
Parent education - high school graduate74%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)79%
Parent education - college graduate86%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate94%
Parent education - declined to state66%
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 44% 49%
White 33% 28%
African American 9% 7%
Filipino 5% 3%
Asian 4% 8%
Pacific Islander 3% 1%
American Indian or Alaska Native 1% 1%
Multiple or No Response 1% 3%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 111%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 242%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 93% 85%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 2% 1%
Samoan 2% 0%
Arabic 1% 1%
French 0% 0%
Korean 0% 1%
Mandarin (Putonghua) 0% 1%
Thai 0% 0%
Vietnamese 0% 2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 15N/A11
Average years teaching 18N/A13
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Full credential 97%N/A96%
Emergency credential or waiver 2%N/A2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

1290 Ivey Ranch Road
Oceanside, CA 92057
Website: Click here
Phone: (760) 967-1122

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