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GreatSchools Rating

Benchley/Weinberger Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 531 students

Magnet School for interpersonal, global/media and artistic communication.
 
 
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 4 ratings
2012:
Based on 3 ratings
2011:
Based on 5 ratings
2010:
Based on 2 ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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26 reviews of this school


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Posted March 27, 2007

My son's first year and I must say, overall, BW is a wonderful school. Seems like the staff, teachers and students are all very happy. The school is clean and organized. My son's K-1 teacher is the best! Lots of parent involvement. Nothing negative to say about this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 11, 2006

Great kindergarten program. The kinder teachers did rotations in the afternoon and got to know other children and the children got to know another teacher. Big disappointment in the other grades. The magnet isn't upheld in many of the classrooms we saw and heard from other parents. Great parents- loved the classrooms being opened in the morning at 7:30, so the kids go in whenever they arrive instead of hanging outside. The principal wasn't visible at all except at the monthly assemblies. Our children attended one year but we moved on to another school the following year.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 9, 2006

Great school tons of parent involvement (too much with a few parents) very caring teachers (most of them) excellent principal most of the admin's are wonderful...One or two of them are rude. Nurse sandy is one of the most caring, sensitive staff we have ever encountered. Some of the kids at the school are not very nice, out of control but for the most part the kids are great too. Too much focus on the state testing.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 3, 2006

We have been attending this school for 4 years now and have found the quality of education to be excellent. The teachers are skilled and highly dedicated. The parent involvement is also amazing. There is a definite emphasis on character developement as well as academics. We feel very fortunate to have our children enrolled here and feel that this education is as good if not better that any private school options we may have had.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 12, 2006

They don't put enough emphasis on math; Most teachers are excellent, but there are a few that leave a lot to be desired.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 14, 2005

My child has attended this school since they were Five years old. It is a great school and my child has excelled in all academic areas. However my only concern is they don't put enough emphasis on hand writing. I was hoping that they would consider starting up a writing lab to assist the children because I noticed that a lot of the kids in the class have the same problem.
—Submitted by Gloria Williams, 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

934

Change from
2011 to 2012

+1

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

10 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

5 / 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

934

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

+1

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)

10 / 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)

5 / 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.

91 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
72%

2009

 
 
87%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

91 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
76%

2009

 
 
82%
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.

92 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
80%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

93 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
96%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
96%
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.

68 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
83%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

69 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
83%
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.

86 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
85%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

86 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
92%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

86 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
87%
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 Students92%
Females90%
Males95%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino93%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)89%
Economically disadvantaged93%
Non-economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability95%
English learner83%
Fluent-English proficient and English only94%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)90%
Parent education - college graduate94%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate96%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students86%
Females83%
Males90%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino85%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)85%
Economically disadvantaged74%
Non-economically disadvantaged91%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability87%
English learner83%
Fluent-English proficient and English only86%
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)81%
Parent education - college graduate86%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate96%
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 Students86%
Females85%
Males86%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino91%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)87%
Economically disadvantaged90%
Non-economically disadvantaged85%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability87%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only88%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented93%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)73%
Parent education - college graduate85%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate90%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students96%
Females95%
Males96%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino96%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)96%
Economically disadvantaged91%
Non-economically disadvantaged97%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability97%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only97%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)93%
Parent education - college graduate95%
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 Students87%
Females89%
Males85%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino83%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)91%
Economically disadvantaged71%
Non-economically disadvantaged91%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability88%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only91%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented89%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)77%
Parent education - college graduate86%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate90%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students83%
Females89%
Males76%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino79%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)83%
Economically disadvantaged71%
Non-economically disadvantaged85%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability86%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only86%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented93%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)69%
Parent education - college graduate90%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate80%
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 Students91%
Females98%
Males83%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino82%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)97%
Economically disadvantaged73%
Non-economically disadvantaged97%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability91%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only93%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)89%
Parent education - college graduate92%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students87%
Females88%
Males86%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino75%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)95%
Economically disadvantaged68%
Non-economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability89%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only89%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented96%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)85%
Parent education - college graduate83%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate96%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students89%
Females89%
Males88%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino79%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)95%
Economically disadvantaged68%
Non-economically disadvantaged95%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability91%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only90%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)93%
Parent education - college graduate88%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate96%
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 58% 28%
Hispanic or Latino 22% 49%
Asian 9% 8%
African American 8% 7%
Filipino 2% 3%
American Indian or Alaska Native 1% 1%
Pacific Islander 1% 1%
Multiple or No Response 0% 3%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 111%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 222%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 59% 85%
Vietnamese 13% 2%
All other non-English languages 9% 1%
Japanese 7% 0%
Russian 4% 0%
Arabic 2% 1%
Cantonese 2% 2%
Mandarin (Putonghua) 2% 1%
Polish 2% 0%
Thai 2% 0%
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 20N/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

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular special education needs

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Technology
School facilities
  • Computer lab
  • Science lab
Clubs
  • Math club

Arts & music

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Visual arts
School facilities
  • Art room
Music
  • Choir / Chorus
Media arts
  • Computer animation
  • Technical design and production
  • Video / Film production
Clubs
  • Art club

Language learning

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

Health & athletics

School facilities
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 7:40 am
School end time
  • 2:20 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
  • Marian Jacobs
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Phone
Gender
  • Coed
Fax number
  • (619) 697-8617

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Magnet
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Technology
  • Visual arts
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • No
Level of special education programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular special education needs
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

Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • None
School facilities
  • Art room
  • Audiovisual aids
  • Computer lab
  • Internet access
  • Library
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
  • Parent center
  • Science lab
Partnerships with local resources and organizations
  • Benchley-Weingberger Foundation
  • SDSU Science Department
  • Grossmont College Media
  • Everyone A Reader
  • Del Cerro Manor
School leaders can update this information here.

Arts & music

Music
  • Choir / Chorus
Media arts
  • Computer animation
  • Technical design and production
  • Video / Film production

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Art club
  • Math club
  • Spanish Club
  • Student council/government
  • Writers Club
School leaders can update this information here.

Photos

School culture

Dress Code
  • Dress code
Bullying policy
  • This school has a bullying and/or cyber bullying policy in place.
Parent involvement
  • Attend parent nights
  • Chaperone school trips
  • Coach sports teams or extracurricular activities
  • Join PTO/PTA
  • Organize cultural events
  • Organize fundraising events (school auction, bake sales, etc.)
  • Serve on school improvement team or governance council
  • Tutor
  • Volunteer in the classroom
  • Volunteer time after school
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

 

TIP: Don't forget to ask about documents required for enrollment, such as your child's birth certificate, proof of address, or a record of immunizations.

 
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Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

6269 Twin Lake Dr.
San Diego, CA 92119
Website: Click here
Phone: (619) 463-9271

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