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GreatSchools Rating

Garfield Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 391 students

Our campus is beautiful and is one of the newer campuses in the district.
 

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Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

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

Teacher quality

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Parent involvement

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9 reviews of this school


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Posted June 4, 2013

Garfield Elementary The teachers are extremely committed, and engage the children to learn in a friendly atmosphere. We are very happy to have our daughter enrolled here. We moved from back east last year.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 14, 2013

I must say Garfield is an AMAZING school! The staff and teachers at this school are extremely dedicated to their students. My daughters have excelled academically since attending Garfield. Mr. Mosler and Mr. Hochman are amazing teachers! I am one proud Garfield parent! My son will definitely attend Garfield next year too.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 5, 2012

My son has been at Garfield for Kindergarten and First grade and will be attending next year as he heads into the Second grade. I will admit I had concerns about the school when we enrolled him for Kindergarten but I couldn't be any more happier. He has excelled socially and academically. The teachers, administration and Mr. Dale, the principal, have done an amazing job raising test scores and the integrity of this school. Their pride for their school and the children in this community really shows. We were also fortunate enough to be a part of the Prime Time program, before and after school care, run by the local YMCA. The Prime Time program and staff are also amazing and the children are given many opportunities to shine in all aspects of life. We recently ended up moving out of the area and we had to Choice in for the next year. Although I spend an additional 20-30 minutes commuting, IT IS WORTH IT TO GO TO THIS SCHOOL AND SEE THE JOY/COMFORT IT GIVES MY SON. I seriously recommend you check out the school for yourself.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 6, 2010

My son has excelled since being at this school. The staff is great!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 11, 2008

Wonderful school! My son is a kindergartner at Garfield Elementary and he absolutely loves the teachers and his fellow classmates. My son is advanced in his reading level and Garfield has helped him stay academically challenged by having him do reading classes with 1st graders twice a week. This school is very passionate about the students.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 25, 2007

great school. always looking for ways to help parents and students.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 19, 2006

Despite low a.p.i. scores, Garfield elementary has proven to be a more than sufficient launching pad for my two daughters. My seven year old is currently attending The Language Academy, and my four year old is currently still enrolled with Garfield. The fundamental teachings that guided my seven year old from kindergarten to the 1st and 2nd grades, have made her transition from Garfield to an immersion program relatively easy. Now I have the good fortune of seeing my seven year old's little sister benefit from the same support groups at Garfield. Test scores are important...and Garfield has improved in that regard; but test scores cannot fully appreciate the full scope of a good teaching staff's influence on a child's life.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 1, 2006

Our son has been going here since 1st grade. He has Asperger's Autism and we were not sure how we could get help for him. The teachers here we're not as experienced with the condition, but they rose to the challenge and LEARNED about it. Our son has grown and knows that it has been because of these absolutely stand-out teachers such as Mrs. Sater, Mrs. Moosa and Mr. Mosler who took it upon themselves to get the resources, learn about the disability and dare to make the student empowered and grow beyong themselves. The administration and staff there are accessable and VERY capable to helping the needs of the parents with their children. We only hope to have such high caliber administrators and teachers when we move away. Thank you for helping our son realize he has a future!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 27, 2005

Well, they have a great PTA president & the school is definately moving in the right direction. Last year there was a school dance, talent show, 5th grade promotion, field trips and they are getting funding from outside sources to start chess, drama, music & other extra activities. The teachers are fantastic and parents are beginning to come around. It's a great place for a child!
—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

836

Change from
2011 to 2012

-18

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

8 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

10 / 10


API Growth scores over time

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

API Growth scores by subgroup

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

This school's
API score

836

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

-18

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)

8 / 10

API Statewide Rank (2011)
The API Statewide Rank ranges from 1 to 10. A rank of 10, for example, means that the school’s API fell into the top 10% of all schools in the state with a comparable grade range. The 2011 rank is based on results from tests students took in Spring 2011.
API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

10 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)
The API Similar Schools Rank ranges from 1 to 10. It shows how the school compares to other schools with similar student demographic profiles. The California Department of Education uses parent education level, poverty level, student ethnicity and other data to identify similar schools.
English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 58% in 2012.

59 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
41%

2011

 
 
65%

2010

 
 
44%

2009

 
 
45%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

59 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
49%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
53%

2009

 
 
59%
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.

57 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
51%

2011

 
 
43%

2010

 
 
39%

2009

 
 
39%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

59 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
71%

2011

 
 
63%

2010

 
 
79%

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.

47 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
73%

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
68%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

48 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
73%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
72%
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.

57 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
73%

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
60%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

56 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
57%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

57 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
85%

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 Students41%
Females47%
Males33%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino35%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged41%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability45%
English learner28%
Fluent-English proficient and English only68%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented67%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate23%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)46%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state38%

Math

All Students49%
Females50%
Males46%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino40%
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 disability53%
English learner33%
Fluent-English proficient and English only79%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented67%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate38%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)38%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state46%
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 Students51%
Females53%
Males48%
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 disadvantaged51%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability53%
English learner46%
Fluent-English proficient and English only55%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented63%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate56%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)46%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state40%

Math

All Students71%
Females71%
Males71%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino68%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged71%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability70%
English learner69%
Fluent-English proficient and English only72%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented88%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate63%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)85%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state59%
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 Students77%
Females75%
Males78%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino75%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged77%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability74%
English learner57%
Fluent-English proficient and English only92%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented92%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
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 staten/a

Math

All Students73%
Females75%
Males71%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino73%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged73%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability72%
English learner59%
Fluent-English proficient and English only85%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented92%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
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 state82%
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%
Females71%
Males76%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino75%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged74%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability74%
English learner63%
Fluent-English proficient and English only79%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented73%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate83%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)75%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state67%

Math

All Students75%
Females70%
Males79%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino77%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged75%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability75%
English learner72%
Fluent-English proficient and English only76%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented93%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate82%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)75%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state67%

Science

All Students79%
Females71%
Males86%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino80%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged79%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability80%
English learner68%
Fluent-English proficient and English only84%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented80%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate92%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)88%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state67%
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 64% 51%
Black 19% 7%
White 9% 27%
Two or more races 4% 3%
Asian 3% 11%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 1% 1%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 1%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 190%N/A54%
English language learners 250%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 79% 85%
All other non-English languages 16% 1%
Arabic 1% 1%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 1% 1%
Khmer (Cambodian) 1% 0%
Vietnamese 1% 2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Average class size

  This school District averageState average
Average class size 18N/A25
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 13N/A11
Average years teaching 13N/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

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Art teacher(s)
ELL/ESL Coordinator
PE instructor(s)
Nurse(s)
School psychologist
Speech and language therapist(s)
Foreign languages spoken by school staff None
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Staff resources available to students
  • Speech and language therapist(s)

Arts & music

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Arts (all)
Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
Visual arts
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Photography
Music
  • Choir / Chorus
Performing and written arts
  • Drama

Language learning

Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular ESL/ELL needs
Languages supported by ESL/ELL programs
  • Spanish
Staff resources available to students
  • ELL/ESL Coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)

Health & athletics

Staff resources available to students
  • Nurse(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • School psychologist

Gifted & talented

Instructional and/or curriculum models used
  • Gifted / high performing
Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 7:45 am
School end time
  • 2:10 pm
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • Before school: starts at 6:00 a.m.
  • After school: ends at 6:00 p.m.
School Leader's name
  • Chip Dale
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Phone
Age at which early childhood or Pre-K program begins
  • 3 years old
Gender
  • Coed
Special schedule
  • Year-round
Is there an application process?
  • No
Fax number
  • (619) 284-2096

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Core knowledge
  • Gifted / high performing
  • Standards-based
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Arts (all)
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • Spanish
Level of special education programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Foreign languages taught
  • None
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular ESL/ELL needs
Languages supported by ESL/ELL programs
  • Spanish

Resources

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • ELL/ESL Coordinator
  • Nurse(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • School psychologist
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • None
Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
  • Counseling
  • Title I Schoolwide program (SWP)
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • School shares bus/van with other schools
School facilities
  • Internet access
  • Library
  • Playground
Partnerships with local resources and organizations
  • LaJolla Playhouse
  • San Diego Museum of Art
  • Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Museum of Photographic Arts
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • None
Girls sports
  • None

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Photography
Music
  • Choir / Chorus
Performing arts
  • Drama
Media arts
  • None

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Chess club
  • Student council/government
School leaders can update this information here.

Upcoming Events

No upcoming events found for this school
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School culture

Dress Code
  • Dress code
Parent involvement
  • Attend parent nights
  • Chaperone school trips
  • Join PTO/PTA
  • Organize cultural events
  • Organize fundraising events (school auction, bake sales, etc.)
  • Present special topics during curricular units
  • Serve on school improvement team or governance council
  • Tutor
  • Volunteer in the classroom
  • Volunteer time after school
School leaders can update this information here.

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Elementary school


 
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4487 Oregon St.
San Diego, CA 92116
Phone: (619) 284-2076

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