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GreatSchools Rating

Sunset Hills Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 415 students

Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

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

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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35 reviews of this school


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Posted April 23, 2013

Sunset Hills is not just a school, but a community that works together to insure our the students have a safe, caring learning environment. The parents, teachers, staff and administration all work together taking the best interest of the students to heart. Volunteerism is very high on parents' priorities at Sunset Hills and that is reflected in the excellence at the school. The teachers, staff and administration take learning very seriously and they themselves are continually take training and classes to bring the latest innovations to Sunset Hills. In the past few years, test scores have improved tremendously and have been recognized by the school District.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 26, 2012

Nice , worm school, kids feel comfortable with the teachers and staff. My son is very happy in this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 28, 2010

This school could be a great school. But it's run by a activist parents who have complete control over who teaches their child. Sadly, you'll not see diversity and balanced classes because of it. Read an article today reminded me of this school. It says "The parents on the PTA gave the principal what she wanted for the school with money from the PTA coffers, and the principal gave these parents the teachers they wanted for their little darlings. It was nauseating,and unfair to kids whose parents were not in the "in" crowd."But this can backfire. A child may want the more soft-spoken or less demanding teacher, but derive the most benefit from the teacher that pushes them just a bit more to achieve at a higher level than the child would work without the added push. You never know, that non-favorite teacher may be the one your child remembers for having put them on the road to success.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 8, 2010

Attended by mostly privileged children of stay-at-home moms who coddle. There is little diversity, and lots of drama and gossip (by admin, staff, teachers AND parents). Teachers are hit and miss, some great ones and some horrible (mean, don't follow curriculum, lazy). We have been very disappointed by this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 4, 2009

Our wonderful teachers, staff and parent volunteers give our kids many extra opportunities for learning and fun!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 2, 2009

The teachers are very kind and caring.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 2, 2009

Sunset Hills has a wonderful sense of community and school spirit!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 14, 2009

Wonderful special ed program for high functioning Autistic/Asperger kids.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 12, 2009

THe support staff is amazing and they believe in my children.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 10, 2009

Sunset Hills Elementary promotes a wonderful sense of community and school pride. The staff and volunteers are intelligent, passionate and welcoming to parents and children alike.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 7, 2009

The teachers really care about the success of the students. The principal is truly caring. The support staff (office, library, ESS, preschool, counselors) are all wonderful.


Posted October 1, 2009

My children graduated from this school and now my grandchildren are enrolled in it...it is a great school, teachers are very helpful..


Posted September 26, 2009

Great school with great teachers
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 24, 2009

The parents are passionate, the teachers are passionate, the children receive the fruit of all of this hard work and dedication. I have never seen a school as a whole come together so effectively for the sake of their children.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 24, 2009

This school has a wonderful family feel and we are always supported.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 24, 2009

My grandchildren, students at this school, are very involved and active in Sunset Hills Elementary school. They have learned the importance of community service, how to be 'good' citizens as well as being good students. I consider it a model school--one to be proud of.


Posted September 21, 2009

The teachers and administrators appreciate the efforts of the parents.


Posted September 21, 2009

It takes dedicated teachers, supportive parents, and well-behaved children to make a school great. Sunset Hills has all three.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 21, 2009

Sunset Hills is a great school because it is an elementary school where the staff and parents work as one to provide a safe, nurturing environment where all of the students can reach their full potential.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 21, 2009

Our school has the best network of families and people who really care about kids and their education!
—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

898

Change from
2011 to 2012

+26

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

8 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

3 / 10


API Growth scores over time

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

898

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

+26

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)

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.

63 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
75%

2009

 
 
81%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

63 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
86%
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.

51 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
69%

2010

 
 
70%

2009

 
 
75%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

51 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
76%
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.

74 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
93%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
75%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

75 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
77%

2009

 
 
70%
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.

68 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
75%

2009

 
 
80%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

69 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%

2011

 
 
61%

2010

 
 
66%

2009

 
 
79%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

68 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
70%

2009

 
 
76%
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 Students80%
Females83%
Males77%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)83%
Economically disadvantaged73%
Non-economically disadvantaged81%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability89%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only80%
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)n/a
Parent education - college graduate86%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate85%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students85%
Females88%
Males85%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)90%
Economically disadvantaged73%
Non-economically disadvantaged88%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability94%
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)n/a
Parent education - college graduate90%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate88%
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 Students78%
Females83%
Males74%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)87%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged81%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability79%
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)n/a
Parent education - college graduate71%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate90%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students92%
Females96%
Males89%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)94%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged95%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability91%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only95%
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)n/a
Parent education - college graduate88%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
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 Students93%
Females93%
Males93%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)89%
Economically disadvantaged82%
Non-economically disadvantaged95%
Students with disability88%
Students with no reported disability95%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only94%
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)82%
Parent education - college graduate97%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate96%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students92%
Females100%
Males87%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)89%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Non-economically disadvantaged91%
Students with disability76%
Students with no reported disability97%
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 graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)82%
Parent education - college graduate97%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate92%
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 Students85%
Females83%
Males87%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)88%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged85%
Students with disability58%
Students with no reported disability91%
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)n/a
Parent education - college graduate88%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate88%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students74%
Females74%
Males74%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)83%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged74%
Students with disability62%
Students with no reported disability77%
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 graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduate73%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate80%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students84%
Females87%
Males82%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)85%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged83%
Students with disability67%
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)n/a
Parent education - college graduate85%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate92%
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 60% 28%
Asian 12% 8%
Hispanic or Latino 10% 49%
Filipino 8% 3%
Multiple or No Response 7% 3%
African American 2% 7%
Pacific Islander 1% 1%
American Indian or Alaska Native 0% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 19%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 18% 85%
All other non-English languages 10% 1%
Arabic 10% 1%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 9% 1%
Russian 9% 0%
Japanese 8% 0%
Farsi (Persian) 7% 0%
Vietnamese 7% 2%
Cantonese 4% 2%
Korean 4% 1%
Burmese 2% 0%
Mandarin (Putonghua) 2% 1%
Armenian 1% 1%
French 1% 0%
German 1% 0%
Greek 1% 0%
Hebrew 1% 0%
Ilocano 1% 0%
Pashto 1% 0%
Polish 1% 0%
Samoan 1% 0%
Ukrainian 1% 0%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Average class size

  This school District averageState average
Average class size 21N/A25
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 16N/A11
Average years teaching 18N/A13
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Teacher credentials

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

9291 Oviedo Street
San Diego, CA 92129
Website: Click here
Phone: (858) 484-1600

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