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GreatSchools Rating

Alisal Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 649 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
Based on 5 ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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21 reviews of this school


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Posted May 16, 2013

Awesome school. Balanced - Not very demanding at the same time, not laid back. I meet the parents of some other supposedly "top" schools in the same district and they tell horror stories about theirs. I feel my daughter is getting developed in an all round manner. Love it!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 21, 2012

My son went to Third grade last school year..I love everything about the school, except only one thing i.e they charge you more for class supplies compared to other Pleasanton schools..Most of the schools charge about $45 but Alisal charges between $65-75 per student, which I find to be very high..
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 23, 2012

Very high quality method of teaching. Basic skills being taught in Math, Science and English. Most students are smart and hardworking. I think the success of this school is due to parent participation in school activities and another factor is the high level of education of the parents. The amount of excitement i see t my daughter to go to school is speechless.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 16, 2011

This is a really great school. The principal, teachers and support staff are incredible. They are very caring and concerned for the kids. Its a nice community to be a part of. My older child attended another school in Pleasanton which we also loved but there is something special about Alisal.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 9, 2010

My child moved here this year after two horrible years in a charter school. I could not be happier about the care her teacher takes in providing individualized attention and true care for the students and their learning. The parent community is supportive and engaged in providing extra resources as the district and state are taking them away. The principal is incredibly present and welcoming. I could not be happier that we were "overflowed" to this school, and do not intend to leave.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 8, 2010

This is an excellent school. My son attended this school for a year in 2009-2010 and he learned a lot academically and socially. The teacher Mrs Weeks is really a wonderful teacher, and the principal and the staff were all very caring and dedicated. Since my attendance area is in Walnut Grove, we just moved my son to the Grove but we missed Alisal a lot.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 9, 2010

My daughter's are been so fortunate to attend such a great school. The teacher's here are extremely talented and creative. The principal is also very good about communicating with parents and dealing with any and all issues that may arise. Parent involvement is also very good.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 18, 2010

We've been at Alisal for 5 years now, I have 3 girls attending. We are extremely happy and feel fortunate our girls can attend a school in Pleasanton and perfectly happy and satisfied with Alisal. Every year I have been impressed and very happy with the teachers my girls get. Even more important, they have always loved their teachers!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 9, 2010

We are not happy with this school at all. From the principal to the teachers there is nothing but disfunctional behavior at this school. We are definitely looking to move next year! My child deserves way better than what they have received thus far!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 16, 2009

I love the education my child is receiving from Alisal. This his 6th year and I've had no disapointments. Growing up in private schools I had my reservations at first, but now I am completely satisfied and I know I made the right choice.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 20, 2008

My older daughter has attended Alisal for the past two years and my younger daughter will start next week. Alisal is a wonderful school with fantastic teachers, great students, and dedicated parents. I was amazed at the reading and writing level that my daughter was at when she ended First Grade and I think this speaks to the strong curriculum and hard work of the teachers. The teachers are lead by Principal Amy Simione who I am SOO impressed with. Ms. Simione started at Alisal in the Fall of 2006 and she is wonderful with the students. She makes herself very available on campus (she s out directing the drop-off traffic every morning and greeting students by name) and it seems that the staff is well organized and in strong support of her leadership. We have been very pleased with Alisal and look forward to many more successful years there.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 15, 2008

Both my sons attend Alisal. I moved to Pleasanton based on their school district. I am very happy with the level of learning and with the dedication and suuport of the staff with my children. Not only the pricipal and teachers, but other parents willingness to help out ALL children succeed. Many resources available to children and lots of volunteering year-round. Ms. Simione is very approachable and dedicated to each child overall well-being and success. She has been working with me and my son and his teacher, and I see a spectacular and positive change in my son's attitude and behavior. She has (and the teachers) made themselves available for communication by phone and e-mail on a regular basis. My children love Alisal and their happiness is my happiness. My little one just finished Kinder eager to learn and explore, my oldest one will be entering 5th grade this fall.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 15, 2007

My oldest went through Alisal and now my youngest is attending. I have had only wonderful teachers, who support my child and make sure that if he needs additional help, he receives it. The teachers work hard to make sure that students are challenged. The teachers and staff also work together to share ideas that work and are willing to try new programs to help keep up on the latest information and learning tools. The school has a very involved PTA who also stands behind the teachers and staff 100% and who is there to help parents when needed. I highly recommend Alisal to any family interested in their child receiving the very best education in a friendly, nuturing environment.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 5, 2006

I have only one year of experience at Alisal but, it's been great so far. Teachers work together a lot and I like that. Our classroom had many parent volunteers and that made a big difference the teacher said. I do believe that in this day and age, parents really need to step it up and volunteer a whole lot more. Being a working parent is no excuse either, as many in our class were working parents who volunteered... including dads. Our class made great strides this year, above average the teacher said, in part due to volunteers and of course, involved parents. That's the bottom line!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 26, 2006

I have not been impressed with Alisal at all. The principal seems to have a control issue. My child's teacher(s) have been a joke this year.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 22, 2006

Great school, fantastic and creative teachers!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 28, 2005

Alisal is a great school with great teachers and a lot of parent involvement (sometimes too much). My child loves his teacher and it is a safe environment.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 15, 2005

This is the best school around. My son had gone through some difficult personal issues and the teachers were wonderful with him. They also had a counselor on site that he met with weekly. I have moved and my son will not be able to attend alisal. I hope his new school will be half as good.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 23, 2004

My daughter and son attended Aliasl. My grandkids age 10 and 7 attend currently. It was a wonderful school many years ago and still is. A quality school is a school with great parent involvement. Alisal has that. The teachers are well rounded and disiplined. The District is one to be congratulated on a job well done.
—Submitted by Carol Withers


Posted February 23, 2004

I don't think that I ever met anyone who loves their job as much as Principal Heisser. Her committment shows through in the staff she has cultivated. Very competent and proactive staff. Her dedication to provide kids with the best possible learning environment is truly inspirational.
—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

896

Change from
2011 to 2012

-3

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

9 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

4 / 10


API Growth scores over time

Did this school meet the API goal this year?
The state goal for API is 800. All schools that are below 800 are assigned an API improvement target each year.
  • This school met the state goal of 800.

API Growth scores by subgroup

In addition to schoolwide API scores, each student subgroup receives an API score.
Did this school meet all the API goals for student subgroups this year?
The state goal for the API is 800. All the student subgroups at a school that are below 800 are assigned an API improvement target each year.
  • This school did not meet all student subgroup API targets for 2012

This school's
API score

896

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

-3

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)

4 / 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.

105 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
69%

2009

 
 
72%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

105 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
81%

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 48% in 2012.

95 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
73%

2011

 
 
65%

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
72%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

96 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
85%
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.

111 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
82%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

111 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
80%
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.

110 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
79%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

109 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
66%

2009

 
 
76%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

110 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
78%

2009

 
 
84%
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 Students83%
Females85%
Males80%
African Americann/a
Asian93%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)83%
Economically disadvantaged45%
Non-economically disadvantaged87%
Students with disability54%
Students with no reported disability87%
English learnern/a
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 graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)75%
Parent education - college graduate81%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate97%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students81%
Females83%
Males78%
African Americann/a
Asian93%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)79%
Economically disadvantaged45%
Non-economically disadvantaged85%
Students with disability46%
Students with no reported disability86%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only83%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)64%
Parent education - college graduate83%
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 Students73%
Females78%
Males67%
African Americann/a
Asian85%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)75%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged77%
Students with disability56%
Students with no reported disability76%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only76%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate50%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)55%
Parent education - college graduate78%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate81%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students90%
Females92%
Males88%
African Americann/a
Asian100%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)91%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disability67%
Students with no reported disability95%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only91%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate92%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)67%
Parent education - college graduate94%
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 Students89%
Females89%
Males89%
African Americann/a
Asian100%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino73%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)89%
Economically disadvantaged82%
Non-economically disadvantaged90%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability90%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only92%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate82%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduate85%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate96%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students85%
Females84%
Males87%
African Americann/a
Asian100%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino67%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)87%
Economically disadvantaged71%
Non-economically disadvantaged88%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability87%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only88%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate73%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduate88%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate91%
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 Students83%
Females90%
Males76%
African Americann/a
Asian87%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino54%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)88%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged87%
Students with disability50%
Students with no reported disability88%
English learnern/a
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 graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)57%
Parent education - college graduate85%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate94%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students82%
Females88%
Males74%
African Americann/a
Asian96%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino50%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)85%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged83%
Students with disability45%
Students with no reported disability86%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only82%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)71%
Parent education - college graduate79%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate90%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students85%
Females88%
Males82%
African Americann/a
Asian96%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino54%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)89%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged89%
Students with disability67%
Students with no reported disability88%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only88%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)79%
Parent education - college graduate85%
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

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
White 57% 28%
Asian 22% 8%
Hispanic or Latino 12% 49%
Filipino 4% 3%
African American 2% 7%
Multiple or No Response 2% 3%
American Indian or Alaska Native 1% 1%
Pacific Islander 0% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 112%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 29%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 34% 85%
All other non-English languages 24% 1%
Korean 13% 1%
Hindi 4% 0%
Farsi (Persian) 3% 0%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 3% 1%
Gujarati 3% 0%
Japanese 3% 0%
Mandarin (Putonghua) 3% 1%
Russian 3% 0%
Arabic 1% 1%
Assyrian 1% 0%
Rumanian 1% 0%
Urdu 1% 0%
Vietnamese 1% 2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Average class size

  This school District averageState average
Average class size 22N/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 100%N/A96%
Emergency credential or waiver 0%N/A2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

1454 Santa Rita Road
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Website: Click here
Phone: (925) 426-4200

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