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GreatSchools Rating

James Earl Carter Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 641 students

 
 
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 4 ratings
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
Based on 2 ratings
2010:
No new ratings

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33 reviews of this school


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Posted May 28, 2013

This is a great school! Both of my kids attend it and I can not be happier!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 7, 2013

Great Principal, great teachers. The PTO here does a tremendous job with all kinds of activities including the Carter Cabaret - an annual performance by the children. These sorts of activities help make up for the lack of musical education in our district.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 6, 2013

Carter's staff from the principal to the office staff, teachers, librarian and noon yard supervisors are all wonderful! I was saddened to read the prior post by another parent as I witnessed the event they were speaking of. The office staff was to the point with this parent because they had pulled in to a one-way entrance going the wrong way which could have put our children, mine included, at harm. It's unfair to ridicule the staff without explaining the entire circumstances behind their demeanor. Our family could not be more grateful for the care, support, and guidance provided by the entire staff at Carter. We also have a wonderful community of supportive parents at Carter.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 4, 2013

The teachers are wonderful. However the office staff is down right HORRID. Every time I have ever been to the office she talks down to me, and treats me like I'm bothering her. My child is a great student without discipline problems. There is absolutely NO excuse for the way she works. How does this woman still have a job? She yells at me in front of my child on more than one occasion. UNACCEPTABLE. I AM NOT THE ONLY PARENT WHO HAS EXPERIENCED THIS. Something needs to be done please. The other always seems high to me. Completely disconnected from what's going on in front of her. If I had the means to take my daughter elsewhere I would. The teachers are the only thing keeping us there.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 8, 2012

My daughter has attended Carter for 4 years now and we have had an absolutely wonderful experience with each teacher and each year that passes. The staff is kind and diligent. The principal is kind and cares for the children. The teachers are truly great in every aspect you would want as a parent for your child. I highly recommend this school! We feel blessed to call it our Elementary Home.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 18, 2011

I love the school. My kids started to attend Carter Elementary last school year and I am happy about it. I can't believe how much kids are reading. My son wasn't a big reader, but now he is enjoying reading and I don't even have to tell him to read anymore. I love the math curriculum too. Teachers put so much energy to give attention to individual kids' improvement. They work so hard. Communications with teachers are excellent too. When I sent an email to ask a question, they sent me back right away. PTO is very active to help the school. Great organization. Many parents are involved for classroom or school volunteer. The great thing is parents are willing to help not being obligated. I have not heard any complains from other parents and I don't have any either. (Maybe one... the picking up kids is a little bit too hectic?)
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 11, 2011

I am very happy that my daughter got a chance to attend this school. I really like the way teacher works with each students in their class, The Homework covers everything which they need to do on based of their grade, My dughter is having fun in her second grade class. I will also have my son to go into this school once he would be 5 years old. PTO program in this school is very helpful and keep you in loop about their activities in school. I love this school so does my daughter. The teachers are wonderful. Thank you very much carter for taking my daughter in your school. Great School!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 4, 2009

The teachers at Carter Elementary School are creative, hard-working and involved.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 4, 2008

I have been a parent at Carter , this will be the 6th year. Both my girls love it and every year they get better and better. With one of my girls this being her last year --I plan on staying here for the next 3 years with my youngest. Great PTO and the teachers every year are the best teacher for each of my girls. And there is no waiting list or Pressure to volunteer. I do so with no contract and at my own time. Thank you Carter for such a wonderful education for my two daughters
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 31, 2008

I absolutely love this school all my children now have gone to this school and excelled here! Great caring and professional teachers here!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 10, 2008

I'm very greatful that my daughter is able to attend this school. She is currently in second grade and feels very happy at this school, her two cousins are also in second grade but in different classrooms. The teachers are excellent and I'm thankful for all the extra effort that PTO provides for all the school's activities.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 3, 2006

My child was formerly at a charter school in the district and I have seen no decline in their academic perfomance since coming to Carter School. The staff and leadership here are very prgressive and innovative in helping the students learn and take on a desire for learning. They are true academic professionals. Music, art and sports have not fell by the wayside here as budget cuts have hit hard across the state. Carter maintains these activities as important parts of their student's overall education. The Accelerated Reading program is very motivational to the student's reading achivement and gives them confidence to succeed in other academic areas and should be a must at every school. Parent involvement here is very high for those parents who do become actively involved in their children's education and have a positive attitude towards helping their child learn. To Carter Staff - Keep up the good work!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 1, 2006

The teachers at Carter are amazing!! All three of my kids have gone to this school.We are happy with the school overall, but it is definitely this group of dedicated and wonderful teachers that has kept us here!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 30, 2006

Carter is a wonderful school! The amount of staff/parent support is phenomenal. My children are receiving a top notch education as evidenced by their academic achievement and excitement for learning. My husband and I moved to this area four years ago and made sure to buy a home within Carter's boundaries and I am so glad we did. As with any campus, there are days that are much busier than others, but the staff, students and numerous parent volunteers make it all work. Anyone who has spent any amount of time on campus would see the devotion of Carter's administrators, teachers and volunteers. Yeah, Cougars!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 8, 2006

The office staff was obnoxiously difficult to work with during the registration process. The after school pick up is chaotic and frightfully dangerous. The children are herded to the parking lot under the trees and minimally supervised. Organization seems to be a giant weakness, and safety doesn't seem to be an issue anyone cares enough about to maintain. On the bright side, the class sizes are small, and the teachers are sweet.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 29, 2006

Academic programs are wonderful here. My son had Ms. Jacobson for 2nd grade. At the end of the year he's reading at a 5th grade level and mastered all tests. Extracurricular activities were limited, but i think with budget cuts they're going to be regardless. My main concern was the academic achievement, and Carter surpasses 9 out of 10 schools in the county, so i was happy. my child went from attending a private elementary school where they wanted to hold him back in kindergarten, then he attended carter and made a complete turn around. He's now an exceptional student. yes, the parents are snooty, but look at the area...and it's not a reflection on carter teachers or staff. The teachers have been very down to earth and just want what's best for the kids. You go, Carter.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 25, 2006

great school, great teachers, great parents all very dedicated.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 28, 2006

Carter is a great school, with good, positive academic and social environment for students.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 28, 2006

Very nice teachers. Nice building and study is good and upto the mark.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 2, 2006

Since the new principal started, the school has gone down significantly. The spirit of the schools seems down. I've noticed my child's grades and attitude has gone down. His friends don't seem happy there anymore. Mrs. Lamb was always so kind with the children and I believe that she made the school what it was. I really think they should have thought twice when hiring this guy. The teachers are great at Carter, but I've noticed a big change this school year.
—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

911

Change from
2011 to 2012

+5

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

9 / 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 met all student subgroup API targets for 2012

This school's
API score

911

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

+5

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)

9 / 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 58% in 2012.

121 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
63%

2010

 
 
63%

2009

 
 
66%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

121 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
78%

2009

 
 
69%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


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

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 48% in 2012.

99 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
59%

2011

 
 
65%

2010

 
 
63%

2009

 
 
70%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

99 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
79%
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.

108 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
98%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

113 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
94%
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.

106 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
80%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

107 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
73%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
69%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

106 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
87%
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 Students82%
Females83%
Males81%
African American89%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino73%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged76%
Non-economically disadvantaged88%
Students with disability42%
Students with no reported disability86%
English learner74%
Fluent-English proficient and English only85%
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)84%
Parent education - college graduate94%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate75%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students85%
Females86%
Males84%
African American92%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino76%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged81%
Non-economically disadvantaged90%
Students with disability67%
Students with no reported disability87%
English learner79%
Fluent-English proficient and English only87%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate91%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)81%
Parent education - college graduate92%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate85%
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 Students59%
Females63%
Males55%
African American66%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino46%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged58%
Non-economically disadvantaged64%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability60%
English learner22%
Fluent-English proficient and English only75%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate55%
Parent education - high school graduate42%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)54%
Parent education - college graduate80%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate76%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students92%
Females88%
Males98%
African American93%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino91%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged92%
Non-economically disadvantaged95%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability94%
English learner89%
Fluent-English proficient and English only94%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate91%
Parent education - high school graduate88%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)96%
Parent education - college graduate95%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate94%
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 Students90%
Females95%
Males83%
African American95%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino84%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged85%
Non-economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability92%
English learner67%
Fluent-English proficient and English only94%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate80%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)97%
Parent education - college graduate93%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate90%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students89%
Females91%
Males88%
African American92%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino85%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged88%
Non-economically disadvantaged91%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability92%
English learner67%
Fluent-English proficient and English only94%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate93%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)92%
Parent education - college graduate94%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate90%
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 Students81%
Females79%
Males85%
African American91%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino64%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged70%
Non-economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability80%
English learner45%
Fluent-English proficient and English only85%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate58%
Parent education - high school graduate67%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)94%
Parent education - college graduate79%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students73%
Females70%
Males78%
African American86%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino52%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged63%
Non-economically disadvantaged84%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability72%
English learner64%
Fluent-English proficient and English only74%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate58%
Parent education - high school graduate63%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)76%
Parent education - college graduate79%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate83%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students79%
Females76%
Males85%
African American89%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino62%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged68%
Non-economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability78%
English learner55%
Fluent-English proficient and English only82%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate58%
Parent education - high school graduate71%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)85%
Parent education - college graduate92%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate83%
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
Hispanic 42% 51%
White 42% 27%
Asian 9% 11%
Two or more races 5% 3%
Black 1% 7%
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 143%N/A54%
English language learners 221%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 85% 85%
Korean 3% 1%
Farsi (Persian) 2% 0%
Mandarin (Putonghua) 2% 1%
Vietnamese 2% 2%
Arabic 1% 1%
Gujarati 1% 0%
Japanese 1% 0%
Rumanian 1% 0%
Russian 1% 0%
Serbo-Croatian (Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian) 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 12N/A11
Average years teaching 17N/A13
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Full credential 96%N/A96%
Emergency credential or waiver 4%N/A2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

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74-251 Hovley Lane East
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Website: Click here
Phone: (760) 862-4370

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