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GreatSchools Rating

Joshua Hills Elementary School

Public | K-6 | 779 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

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

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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16 reviews of this school


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Posted January 8, 2013

I don't feel as though this school is doing all it can to help our kids achieve their full potential. My childs teacher has been absent more than I can count, I asked to have my child transfered to another class and was told no. The teacher yells at the kids, there is no communication between her and I. I have complained to the principal and nothing has been done. We will be moving out of Palmdale School district this summer to get away from this school. I would never send my kids to this school again!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 23, 2011

My suggestion is to avoid sending your child to this school if at all possible. The leadership at this school shows no real care for the children or their well being. My daughter was choked by a bully on the playground and I did not even receive a phone call to be informed of the incident. There were so many other reasons why this school is lacking but just be warned that if you want a safe environment and a place to nurture and develop your childrens minds, this is NOT the school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 20, 2011

I truley Love this school its the best ever . <3 over the 5 years i went here its was the best and i would for sure want my kids to go to school here since its a great place to learn.


Posted November 17, 2010

My son has been in this school for three years and I absolutely love the school. I do believe that there is severe overcrowding this year and I am not certain about the quality of teaching that will occur because of the extra bodies. I am also concerned about the new principal and hopefully she will continue the wonderful example of her predecessor.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 9, 2010

This is my 4th grader's first year at the school after redistricting forced a transfer from another school. So far, it just seems like an average but ok school with average academic challenge. There seems to be an abundance of ESL students. Though I don't have issues with safety once inside the school's gates, I am very uncomfortable with the situation with the older, unruly and foul mouthed siblings that come and hang out at the adjacent playground waiting to pick up their brother or sister. Some of the kids coming out of the school like to play on the playground afterward,
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 31, 2010

I absolutely love this school. All the staff are wonderful people, they are caring and kind.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 3, 2008

I think this is an average school that has potential to be a great school. I have 4 children attending and i would like to see a little more focus on advanced education. As far as teachers are concerned they are wonderful. I would like more focus on bully's and 'problem' students.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 15, 2008

this school is great but one problem the school lunch is the worst they need better food
—Submitted by a student


Posted December 7, 2007

This school has shown dramatic improvement since the new principal arrived. My children go to before and after school programs so that they can get the extra help they need. More should be done about the kids that like to bully others though.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 26, 2007

I'm very happy with our new principal, just in a few moths he has done a very good job in the safety of our children by closing all the gates early thank you.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 30, 2007

Joshua Hills elementary is a good school. Many of the teachers are excellent and I've had nothing but good experiences with them. One thing I find a bit exasperating is the turnover with Principals. My son is in 5th grade and we're now on our 3rd Principal. That's a problem. As far as parent involvement, for myself, I have made my presence known by being room parent for 4 years, making sure I attend each citizenship awards assembly, communicating on a regular basis via email and in person with my son's teacher. We as parents have to take the initiative. These are OUR children, OUR responsibility no matter what.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 19, 2007

I am totally dissolution with the Palmdale school district in all. Let me start by saying that Joshua Hills has some of the best teachers ever! Having said that, this here is the problem..... the school officials are more concerned with having the $ for kids being their seats, than the kids themselves.
—Submitted by e e, a parent


Posted February 6, 2006

This school would be in better shape if they had a principal who cared. There is no parent involvement because we feel like why bother.The principal does not care about the kids it seems he's there just to collect a check.He is not personable/approachable. I feel really bad for the good teachers&staff they have at this school by the way it seems all of his front office staff i.e Assistant principal,he can't seem to keep.The bully's run the school thanks to the principal and I don't feel safe leaving my child there because there is no discipline to those who do not follow the safety&discipline rules.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 11, 2006

Seems all calsses very full. Not much parent involvement in 1st grade classrooms. I must give my child extra help as there isn't enough help in the class to to just 2 teachers a not many volunteers. You need to do alot of extra work with on your own with your child if you want her to do well. District is part of the problem, principal is 'low key', doesn't show that her cares. Perhaps he does, but it doesn't come through. We get alot of 'nothing I can do about it's' from him. Not the best school in our opinion...at least this school year 2005-2006!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 5, 2005

I feel it is a wonderful school for my children to attend. But I do believe that libraries are very important for the children to have at the school. We tell our children that reading is so important to them, but what kind of example are we sending them if there is no library available to them. But the overall rating of the school is very good.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 8, 2005

joshua hills elementary is the best school for my kids. they make friends easily and they aren;t left out and the teacher leadership is great. all the teachers are nice and you make friends with the teachers too. i love thier school. it makes me wish i was a kid too.
—Submitted by a former student


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

766

Change from
2011 to 2012

+33

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

2 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

3 / 10


API Growth scores over time

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

API Growth scores by subgroup

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

This school's
API score

766

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

+33

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)

2 / 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)

3 / 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.

110 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
51%

2011

 
 
44%

2010

 
 
37%

2009

 
 
52%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

110 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
64%

2010

 
 
62%

2009

 
 
82%
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.

141 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
45%

2011

 
 
26%

2010

 
 
36%

2009

 
 
38%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

143 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
66%

2009

 
 
64%
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.

129 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
47%

2011

 
 
55%

2010

 
 
49%

2009

 
 
36%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

128 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
61%

2011

 
 
68%

2010

 
 
67%

2009

 
 
44%
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.

131 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
43%

2011

 
 
37%

2010

 
 
31%

2009

 
 
51%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

136 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
48%

2011

 
 
41%

2010

 
 
36%

2009

 
 
62%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

135 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
33%

2011

 
 
31%

2010

 
 
24%

2009

 
 
42%
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.

156 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
46%

2011

 
 
32%

2010

 
 
49%

2009

 
 
51%
Math

The state average for Math was 55% in 2012.

157 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
51%

2011

 
 
42%

2010

 
 
47%

2009

 
 
49%
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 Students51%
Females60%
Males40%
African American41%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino51%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged48%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability51%
English learner43%
Fluent-English proficient and English only56%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate42%
Parent education - high school graduate49%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)64%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students67%
Females65%
Males70%
African American53%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino69%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged65%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability67%
English learner52%
Fluent-English proficient and English only77%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate52%
Parent education - high school graduate68%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)80%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
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%
Females51%
Males40%
African American26%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino44%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged42%
Non-economically disadvantaged65%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability47%
English learner34%
Fluent-English proficient and English only52%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate29%
Parent education - high school graduate44%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)56%
Parent education - college graduate59%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students67%
Females77%
Males58%
African American50%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino66%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged64%
Non-economically disadvantaged85%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability71%
English learner56%
Fluent-English proficient and English only73%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate71%
Parent education - high school graduate64%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)73%
Parent education - college graduate76%
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 Students47%
Females36%
Males54%
African American24%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino49%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged44%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability47%
English learner30%
Fluent-English proficient and English only53%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate43%
Parent education - high school graduate43%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)57%
Parent education - college graduate55%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students61%
Females53%
Males67%
African American35%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino67%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged61%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability60%
English learner59%
Fluent-English proficient and English only62%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate60%
Parent education - high school graduate59%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)64%
Parent education - college graduate73%
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 Students43%
Females44%
Males42%
African American43%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino42%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged42%
Non-economically disadvantaged54%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability44%
English learner0%
Fluent-English proficient and English only51%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented94%
Parent education - not a high school graduate43%
Parent education - high school graduate42%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)38%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students48%
Females49%
Males46%
African American28%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino53%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged48%
Non-economically disadvantaged46%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability48%
English learner20%
Fluent-English proficient and English only53%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented94%
Parent education - not a high school graduate57%
Parent education - high school graduate50%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)43%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students33%
Females25%
Males40%
African American25%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino32%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged32%
Non-economically disadvantaged38%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability34%
English learner10%
Fluent-English proficient and English only37%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented88%
Parent education - not a high school graduate29%
Parent education - high school graduate29%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)32%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
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 Students46%
Females43%
Males49%
African American48%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino45%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged42%
Non-economically disadvantaged86%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability46%
English learner6%
Fluent-English proficient and English only57%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented93%
Parent education - not a high school graduate38%
Parent education - high school graduate44%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)54%
Parent education - college graduate73%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state36%

Math

All Students51%
Females46%
Males57%
African American33%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino54%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged49%
Non-economically disadvantaged71%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability52%
English learner26%
Fluent-English proficient and English only58%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented93%
Parent education - not a high school graduate44%
Parent education - high school graduate51%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)56%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state36%
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 66% 49%
African American 16% 7%
White 11% 28%
Multiple or No Response 4% 3%
Filipino 2% 3%
American Indian or Alaska Native 1% 1%
Asian 0% 8%
Pacific Islander 0% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 131%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 276%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 100% 85%
Arabic 0% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 12N/A11
Average years teaching 14N/A13
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Full credential 97%N/A96%
Emergency credential or waiver 0%N/A2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

3030 Fairfield
Palmdale, CA 93550
Website: Click here
Phone: (661) 265-9992

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