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GreatSchools Rating

Sunset Ridge Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 558 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 2 ratings
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
Based on 2 ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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51 reviews of this school


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Posted Thursday, May 16, 2013

Ms Feinstein is the TK teacher and is so sweet and caring. As a parent, she makes you feel that your child is in the best hands. The school is also very organized considering how many classes there are for each grade. The principal has a great relationship with the students.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 18, 2013

I love this school... My daughter has Mrs. Tyler-parker and she is just wonderful very structured and that s what kids need these days. They go on a lot of field trips which is wonderful!! My daughter has learned so much I think sunset ridge should have more stars than what it s ranked now!! 10 stars in my book!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 4, 2012

School needs to tighten up on safety and security for student drop off and pickup procedures.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 3, 2012

This is a wonderful school. My daughter is wrapping up her kindergarten year and has blossomed academically and socially. Mrs. Marinas, in particular, is an AMAZING teacher. She feels truly invested in the success of her pupils and it shows with the warm and dedication that she exudes at every opportunity. She is a hands-on educator and devote every bit of her attention to each child to make sure they are learning what they re supposed to. The school has so many programs and initiatives aimed at improving literacy and involving the parents every step of the way. I agree with a previous poster about the parking though. Some parents are incredibly inconsiderate when picking up and dropping off. The school is large and the parking lot is tiny so something's got to give. Overall, the principal, teachers, after-school program director at TTT, librarian, and breathtaking location with the ocean view and whale watching platform make this school one of a kind.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 26, 2011

We were initially concerned about the school's size (3-4 classes for each grade), but ended up being very happy with our son's kinder and first grade experiences. The school manages its size by being very organized; students are taught the routine of the massive recess, lunch and assembly events. The principal, Ellie Cundiff, is a very devoted and involved principal who sincerely makes the effort to know every family, not just students who require extra attention. The librarian, Lauren Reynolds, is wonderful. She actually buys the library books when she is on her own personal vacation time. The school has a VERY strong reading and writing kinder program. We are only at another district school because it offers more programs, but would not hesitate to return to Sunset Ridge if there were problems with the new school.


Posted February 10, 2011

The school is great. Parent involvement is always encouraged. The only problem seems to be the parents not being responsible enough to respect the rules about loading and unloading kids.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 1, 2010

Our son started kindergarten at Sunset Ridge this fall and absolutely loves it. His teacher is fabulous and takes time to inform us about what's going on in the classroom and with our son in particular. The principal is involved and cares about the kids and the teachers. The PTA is also very hands-on and organizes lots of great events, programs and opportunities to help out. Overall we are extremely satisfied with the education our son is receiving at Sunset Ridge. He can't wait to go to school every day!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 22, 2009

The best - teachers & staff, parents, kids. Happy to be part of the community


Posted October 20, 2009

The best library in the district. Big and beautiful building
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 19, 2009

We have the best staff. They are truly dedicated.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 9, 2009

One of the only schools on the planet where students can watch the whales as they migrate in the pacific ocean and then go into class and write about the experience. = >
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 9, 2009

It iw wonderfully multicultural and our families participate in all aspects of our school, making it a wonderful place to be! The staff is warm, friendly and professional and most of us ar highly qulaified teachers. Everyone goes the extra mile all the time. It is a great place to be.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 4, 2009

Sunset Ridge has very caring teachers. We are grateful for them.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 23, 2009

the teachers are wonderful, principal is very approachable, parents and students are very friendly and most of all nice environment with a lot of nice people
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 22, 2009

Great principal & teachers.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 22, 2009

The wonderful spirit of the staff toward the students.


Posted September 22, 2009

The school has done wonders in helping my son deal with his High Functioning Autism.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 21, 2009

Great teachers and volunteers


Posted September 21, 2009

The excellent teachers. The clean and well kept facilities. The children.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 21, 2009

Love it!! Wonderful Teacher! Clean
—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

848

Change from
2011 to 2012

+19

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

6 / 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 met all student subgroup API targets for 2012

This school's
API score

848

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)

6 / 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.

96 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
63%

2011

 
 
53%

2010

 
 
59%

2009

 
 
66%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

96 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
72%

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
77%
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.

100 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
45%

2011

 
 
45%

2010

 
 
51%

2009

 
 
36%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

100 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
73%

2010

 
 
70%

2009

 
 
58%
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.

94 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
66%

2011

 
 
67%

2010

 
 
58%

2009

 
 
51%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

93 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
68%

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
47%
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.

91 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%

2011

 
 
52%

2010

 
 
61%

2009

 
 
50%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

91 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
70%

2010

 
 
66%

2009

 
 
63%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

94 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
76%

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

English Language Arts

All Students63%
Females66%
Males58%
African Americann/a
Asian55%
Filipino63%
Hispanic or Latino63%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged51%
Non-economically disadvantaged74%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability65%
English learner33%
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 graduate36%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)56%
Parent education - college graduate76%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students79%
Females79%
Males79%
African Americann/a
Asian91%
Filipino70%
Hispanic or Latino77%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged75%
Non-economically disadvantaged83%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability81%
English learner58%
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 graduate55%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)78%
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 Students45%
Females45%
Males44%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino54%
Hispanic or Latino24%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)44%
Economically disadvantaged44%
Non-economically disadvantaged46%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability47%
English learner42%
Fluent-English proficient and English only47%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate29%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)40%
Parent education - college graduate56%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students78%
Females75%
Males82%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino86%
Hispanic or Latino56%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)81%
Economically disadvantaged71%
Non-economically disadvantaged85%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability80%
English learner75%
Fluent-English proficient and English only80%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate65%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)74%
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 Students66%
Females70%
Males63%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino66%
Hispanic or Latino68%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged60%
Non-economically disadvantaged71%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability69%
English learner59%
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)58%
Parent education - college graduate75%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students78%
Females76%
Males80%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino84%
Hispanic or Latino75%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged77%
Non-economically disadvantaged78%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability81%
English learner70%
Fluent-English proficient and English only81%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate71%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)70%
Parent education - college graduate84%
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 Students69%
Females75%
Males64%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino84%
Hispanic or Latino57%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)67%
Economically disadvantaged54%
Non-economically disadvantaged84%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability72%
English learner68%
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 graduate69%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)74%
Parent education - college graduate70%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students78%
Females82%
Males74%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino84%
Hispanic or Latino61%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)92%
Economically disadvantaged70%
Non-economically disadvantaged87%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability81%
English learner77%
Fluent-English proficient and English only78%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate77%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)77%
Parent education - college graduate82%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students75%
Females76%
Males76%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino84%
Hispanic or Latino54%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)92%
Economically disadvantaged70%
Non-economically disadvantaged81%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability80%
English learner67%
Fluent-English proficient and English only79%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate64%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)86%
Parent education - college graduate74%
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

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
Filipino 30% 3%
Hispanic or Latino 22% 49%
White 17% 28%
Multiple or No Response 14% 3%
African American 7% 7%
Asian 7% 8%
Pacific Islander 4% 1%
American Indian or Alaska Native 0% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 129%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 240%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
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 36% 1%
Spanish 30% 85%
Cantonese 7% 2%
Portuguese 7% 0%
Tongan 4% 0%
Vietnamese 4% 2%
Ilocano 2% 0%
Mandarin (Putonghua) 2% 1%
All other non-English languages 1% 1%
Arabic 1% 1%
Cebuano (Visayan) 1% 0%
Farsi (Persian) 1% 0%
Hindi 1% 0%
Korean 1% 1%
Kurdish (Kurdi, Kurmanji) 1% 0%
Russian 1% 0%
Urdu 1% 0%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Average class size

  This school District averageState average
Average class size 21N/A25
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 10N/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 3%N/A2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

340 Inverness Drive
Pacifica, CA 94044
Website: Click here
Phone: (650) 738-6687

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