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GreatSchools Rating

Harry Wirtz Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 753 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

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

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9 reviews of this school


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Posted September 13, 2012

Great school Mrs. Leon Mrs. Reno have been such great teachers love it with there new drive thru there after school programs are great.....
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 8, 2012

As an ex student i can say this school has given me so many memories , i love this school .....................


Posted July 26, 2011

If you are involved in your child's education, this will be a great school for your children. Even though they may not have the best facilities or available programs, They do have a terrific and caring staff. I would much rather have better teachers and administrators than an occasional Christmas Play or freshly painted building. We have to realize that the Paramount School district is "Its Own District". There was a greater need at the High School and that has been addressed and it is only a matter of time before "Wirtz" gets its turn. This is a great school with great teachers who will help your child achieve. BUT... we as parents have to do our part and teach our children how to apply themselves. The teachers are not the parents nor are they babysitters. If your child does not apply themselves in school... Then it's time for parents to step up and add a little discipline in your child's life and take away that X-Box or TV. The habits our children learn at 5 years old can last a lifetime.... OK, i'm done ranting...
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 22, 2011

Mr. Caruso, Mr. Nelson, Ms. Garcia and the rest of this staff is awesome. Transfer your kids here from your expensive private school. They'll get a better education. Long live school uniforms!!!


Posted May 4, 2009

Cons: The location of the school is in a terrible location. Which right across from a refinery VERY BAD choice of location for a school. Since the new principal has taken over there have been less programs for the kids and for parent nights, worst of all there was no xmas show last year. Im not familiar with who makes the program decisions but with the previous principal Mr. San Miguel I believe was his name, there where alot of parent & child programs or activities. I don't see that happening since the new principal took over. Lunch is the worse, I ask my kid every day what she gets for lunch, i can see what's on the menu but she tells me that sometimes the food runs out and they an alternative lunch, for ex: one time they ran out of hot dogs and (CONTINUED...)
—Submitted by NUNYA, a parent


Posted October 31, 2008

I am really impressed with this school. The school buildings are old and run down, but the staff and students are great! The principal is kind and fair. The assistant principal is friendly. The counselor has helped many of our friends and families in the neighborhood. My children love attending there and have wonderful, caring teachers.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 24, 2007

I think this school is in a horrible location...Next to a refinar very dangerous for our childre. There was an inciden 2 years ago. There were fumes from the refinery and some children got sick.I think it should be moved to a diferent location!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 22, 2005

mother of a 5th grader who thinks teacher was not really capable of bringing up academic progess for my son. Very dissapointed no tutoring available.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 3, 2005

This school is not that great. There are no electives. Improving but still low test scores. There are great teachers there, but it will take more to change this school's situation. There are no extra curricular activities kids can attend after or before school. The camppus is rather small and the fact that the school is pre-k through 8 makes the situaition worse. Classrooms are 'over populated' with 38 students per class(in the upper grades 6-8). This makes it very difficult to learn, not to mention getting a little extra help. Make your kids a favor and find a better school and learning enviorment.
—Submitted by a 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

729

Change from
2011 to 2012

-12

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 did not meet 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 did not meet all student subgroup API targets for 2012

This school's
API score

729

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

-12

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.

119 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
36%

2011

 
 
37%

2010

 
 
42%

2009

 
 
29%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

119 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
54%

2011

 
 
56%

2010

 
 
49%

2009

 
 
37%
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.

108 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
20%

2011

 
 
37%

2010

 
 
28%

2009

 
 
16%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

108 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
49%

2011

 
 
58%

2010

 
 
52%

2009

 
 
39%
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.

116 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
55%

2011

 
 
48%

2010

 
 
43%

2009

 
 
38%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

117 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
58%

2011

 
 
57%

2010

 
 
66%

2009

 
 
50%
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.

98 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
44%

2011

 
 
37%

2010

 
 
36%

2009

 
 
37%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

99 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
61%

2011

 
 
58%

2010

 
 
56%

2009

 
 
39%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

99 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
20%

2011

 
 
16%

2010

 
 
18%

2009

 
 
16%
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 Students36%
Females44%
Males27%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino33%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged35%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability38%
English learner25%
Fluent-English proficient and English only54%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate29%
Parent education - high school graduate42%
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 state36%

Math

All Students54%
Females63%
Males44%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino52%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged53%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability56%
English learner47%
Fluent-English proficient and English only65%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate52%
Parent education - high school graduate54%
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 state57%
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 Students20%
Females22%
Males16%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino19%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged19%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability20%
English learner6%
Fluent-English proficient and English only43%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate18%
Parent education - high school graduate18%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)22%
Parent education - college graduate27%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students49%
Females44%
Males57%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino46%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged49%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability49%
English learner40%
Fluent-English proficient and English only63%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate44%
Parent education - high school graduate42%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)72%
Parent education - college graduate55%
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 Students55%
Females54%
Males55%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino56%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged54%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability55%
English learner34%
Fluent-English proficient and English only73%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate48%
Parent education - high school graduate47%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)60%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students58%
Females51%
Males66%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino60%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged57%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability59%
English learner45%
Fluent-English proficient and English only70%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate45%
Parent education - high school graduate64%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)60%
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 Students44%
Females48%
Males39%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino43%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged44%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability45%
English learner11%
Fluent-English proficient and English only64%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate31%
Parent education - high school graduate45%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)55%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students61%
Females67%
Males55%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino63%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged62%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability62%
English learner34%
Fluent-English proficient and English only79%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate51%
Parent education - high school graduate62%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)70%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students20%
Females21%
Males20%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino20%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged21%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability20%
English learner8%
Fluent-English proficient and English only28%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate17%
Parent education - high school graduate15%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)30%
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

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 87% 49%
African American 9% 7%
Asian 1% 8%
Filipino 1% 3%
Pacific Islander 1% 1%
White 1% 28%
American Indian or Alaska Native 0% 1%
Multiple or No Response 0% 3%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 156%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 288%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 97% 85%
All other non-English languages 2% 1%
Arabic 0% 1%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 0% 1%
Khmer (Cambodian) 0% 0%
Samoan 0% 0%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Average class size

  This school District averageState average
Average class size 26N/A25
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 9N/A11
Average years teaching 11N/A13
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Full credential 95%N/A96%
Emergency credential or waiver 0%N/A2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

School basics

School Leader's name
  • Kelly Williams
Special schedule
  • Year-round
Fax number
  • (562) 602-8069
School leaders can update this information here.
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

8535 Contreras Street
Paramount, CA 90723
Phone: (562) 602-8068

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