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GreatSchools Rating

University Park Elementary School

Public | K-6 | 615 students

 
 
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

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

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11 reviews of this school


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Posted May 7, 2013

This is the third school in two years that my child has attended, and the worst school, by a long shot. The reasons for my distaste are many. I find my child to be bored, as the material they are covering, he covered at the beginning of first grade in his other school. Safety is another huge concern for me. Previous schools had a secure system for dismissal, in which a staff member would see first hand that each child was released only to an approved caregiver. Not the case here. At the end of the day, they merely open the gate and the kids are free to go, parent or no parent. I've witnessed parents smoking on the premesis during dismissal, and the issue was not once addressed by a staff member. I could go on for hours. All in all, I look forward to being relocated so that my children are back in a school that challenges them intellectually, and looks out for their safety.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 28, 2012

Yes, excellent teachers, strong leadership, good morale among staff and administrator. Waaay to sad that the reading program for students who just need a little "Hey I can do it" support was deleted two years ago. Language was not the issue as much as support, comprehension and confidence. Think about it.


Posted April 25, 2007

I have 2 children at U.P. and am extremely disappointed in the lack of parental involvement. It does hinder the kind of activities that will be offered. The teachers we have had so far are wonderful. Very willing to help when asked. I wish notices for special events would get sent home sooner. A lot of times the notices come home the same night of the event.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 30, 2006

Very good school among the best in the area. Needs more shaded areas. My daughter is getting sun burnt. shaded lunch tables is not a bad idea. Still uses some old classrooms. But most of the kids are in the new classroom type.
—Submitted by Kelly Alvarez, a parent


Posted September 9, 2005

My son was in the 1st and 2nd Grade. The 2nd Grade teacher was excellent. School does not have extra-curricular activities.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 13, 2005

University Park has a great staff and excellent academic program. When my daughter was in first grade I wanted her to repeat 1st grade,she was not reading well and not comprehending what she had already learned. She has an October birthday, youngest in her class and always forgot what she had learned prior. With the help of Pat Willingham (Principal)and Mrs. Budenholzer we designed a program to assist my children over the summer. Thank you for your hard work and recommending to not retain her. It paid off, I worked with my daughter all summer long. When school started, she was reading at grade level and retained everything she had learned. My son was also behind grade level with reading and was placed in a reading program. Yeah! Now he has excelled and gained confidence in reading. Now my children are starting 3rd & 4th in the 2005/2006 year. Thank you.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 11, 2005

The school has wonderful teachers and staff which make it a place I feel good about sending my children every morning, but despite the great efforts of all the teachers, this school is lacking so many things, now. There are no longer programs geared toward the gifted students, which could challenge them adequately, nor is there a music program any longer, which is unfortunate...I know the teachers and staff are doing the best they can, but I'm getting very discouraged with the way the educational system is heading in the state of CA.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 30, 2005

I have been very happy with UP. The teachers are outstanding and for the most part, the behavior from the studnts at the school is excellent. I love the staff and have felt very comfortable approaching the teachers with concerns about my child.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 29, 2004

My third grade daughter loves this school. She has had excellent teachers every single year. I am very happy with the way my daughter has been schooled. Her teachers have always kept me on top of what is going on and they welcome parent participation as much as possible. My 4 year old will be attending University Park as well.
—Submitted by Laura Aguilera, a parent


Posted August 10, 2003

University Park Elementary School has shown us a mixed bag. Some of the teachers have been outstanding. Yet others, very average(appear to be awaiting retirement). The campus is in poor condition and portables are used in place of solid classrooms. The inside of the portables, however, are mostly organized and kept clean. The 'Multi-purpose room' is out-dated and inadequate. I recommend replacing it with a new facility. Extracurricular activities are far and in between. Budgets are tight and few programs are funded. I recommend ralleys each Monday morning to form relationships with the students and parents, such as the ones held at Monte Vista School in Monterey. The school is safety orientated and teachers are on the lookout. However, Salinas Police School Resource Officers are never on campus and show no interest in the school. My children have no idea who they even are. The principle appears to balance- caring and on top of the students. She is a shining star on a big-mac budget value menu budget. Imagine if the funded her school properly!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 24, 2003

My daughter had four excellent teachers at this school over the course of four years. They valued her strengths and intelligently helped her with her weaknesses.


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

767

Change from
2011 to 2012

-6

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

4 / 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 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

767

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

-6

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)

4 / 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.

82 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
36%

2011

 
 
49%

2010

 
 
40%

2009

 
 
57%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

82 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
45%

2011

 
 
64%

2010

 
 
60%

2009

 
 
66%
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.

98 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
23%

2011

 
 
31%

2010

 
 
34%

2009

 
 
36%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

99 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
48%

2011

 
 
48%

2010

 
 
63%

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 67% in 2012.

67 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
50%

2011

 
 
61%

2010

 
 
51%

2009

 
 
61%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

68 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
61%

2011

 
 
60%

2010

 
 
41%

2009

 
 
65%
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.

80 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
46%

2010

 
 
59%

2009

 
 
49%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

82 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
56%

2011

 
 
39%

2010

 
 
67%

2009

 
 
56%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

80 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
32%

2011

 
 
31%

2010

 
 
49%

2009

 
 
36%
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.

73 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
48%

2011

 
 
48%

2010

 
 
50%

2009

 
 
53%
Math

The state average for Math was 55% in 2012.

73 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
37%

2011

 
 
52%

2010

 
 
46%

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 Students36%
Females38%
Males33%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino34%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)45%
Economically disadvantaged30%
Non-economically disadvantaged56%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability37%
English learner33%
Fluent-English proficient and English only37%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate20%
Parent education - high school graduate36%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)41%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students45%
Females51%
Males40%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino43%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)64%
Economically disadvantaged44%
Non-economically disadvantaged50%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability47%
English learner33%
Fluent-English proficient and English only51%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate28%
Parent education - high school graduate36%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)59%
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 Students23%
Females28%
Males20%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino23%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged19%
Non-economically disadvantaged40%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability23%
English learner4%
Fluent-English proficient and English only29%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate12%
Parent education - high school graduate26%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)26%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students48%
Females44%
Males52%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino47%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged42%
Non-economically disadvantaged75%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability49%
English learner30%
Fluent-English proficient and English only54%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate41%
Parent education - high school graduate42%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)54%
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 Students50%
Females50%
Males52%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino48%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged40%
Non-economically disadvantaged75%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability52%
English learner7%
Fluent-English proficient and English only63%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate22%
Parent education - high school graduate45%
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

Math

All Students61%
Females63%
Males60%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino55%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged50%
Non-economically disadvantaged90%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability64%
English learner20%
Fluent-English proficient and English only73%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate28%
Parent education - high school graduate70%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)71%
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 Students60%
Females64%
Males55%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino49%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)88%
Economically disadvantaged49%
Non-economically disadvantaged81%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability61%
English learner5%
Fluent-English proficient and English only80%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate26%
Parent education - high school graduate61%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)76%
Parent education - college graduate73%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students56%
Females60%
Males53%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino42%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)88%
Economically disadvantaged44%
Non-economically disadvantaged81%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability57%
English learner9%
Fluent-English proficient and English only73%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate19%
Parent education - high school graduate65%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)67%
Parent education - college graduate73%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students32%
Females29%
Males34%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino18%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)71%
Economically disadvantaged21%
Non-economically disadvantaged52%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability32%
English learner5%
Fluent-English proficient and English only41%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate0%
Parent education - high school graduate39%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)38%
Parent education - college graduate40%
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 Students48%
Females50%
Males45%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino41%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged41%
Non-economically disadvantaged71%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability49%
English learner0%
Fluent-English proficient and English only65%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate42%
Parent education - high school graduate46%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)47%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students37%
Females35%
Males39%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino31%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged30%
Non-economically disadvantaged59%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability38%
English learner6%
Fluent-English proficient and English only48%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented91%
Parent education - not a high school graduate42%
Parent education - high school graduate21%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)40%
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 72% 51%
White 16% 27%
Asian 6% 11%
Black 4% 7%
Two or more races 1% 3%
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 166%N/A54%
English language learners 223%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 91% 85%
Korean 4% 1%
Arabic 1% 1%
Cantonese 1% 2%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 1% 1%
Hindi 1% 0%
Italian 1% 0%
Portuguese 1% 0%
Punjabi 1% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 17N/A11
Average years teaching 20N/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

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833 West Acacia Street
Salinas, CA 93901
Website: Click here
Phone: (831) 753-5655

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