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GreatSchools Rating

Farb Middle School

Public | 6-8 | 728 students

We are proud to be the District’s only all-AVID middle school.
Last modified
Community Rating

2 stars

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

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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24 reviews of this school


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Posted April 23, 2004

While a chaperone on the 8th grade trip to Serra, an 8th grader looked my husband square in the eye and cussed him out. The school never took a stand because the parent questioned the incident. Being military, we've lived in alot of different places and Farb is the worst school we've encountered. I wouldn't recommend this school to my worst enemy.
—Submitted by Brenda, a parent


Posted February 14, 2004

My son is in the 6th grade and he really likes this school. It shows in his grades and he is happy to go to school in the morning. we had heard that there was a problem with bulling, but we have not had any problems this far. My son really likes his teachers they take the time to help when the kids come forward and ask for it. We really like this school.
—Submitted by Terri Ramirez, a parent


Posted October 1, 2003

We are new to the area and so far my child has come home telling me how much he really likes it. In the previous school year we had concerns about his grades, but thanks to the teachers at Farb and there teaching methods, my child is doing better then he ever has.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 19, 2003

I am very concerned about the bullying at Farb my child comes home crying about how she is been hit and picked on. When I go to the school about it the councilor states my child needs therapy. What about the bullies? We are very unhappy with Farb and we pray we get housing soon at my husbands new command to get out of this district.


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

803

Change from
2011 to 2012

+40

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

5 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

6 / 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

803

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

+40

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)

5 / 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)

6 / 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 59% in 2012.

170 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
46%

2010

 
 
49%

2009

 
 
48%
Math

The state average for Math was 55% in 2012.

176 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
52%

2011

 
 
46%

2010

 
 
37%

2009

 
 
41%
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

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 86% in 2012.

20 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
70%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
n/a
English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 62% in 2012.

180 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
62%

2011

 
 
54%

2010

 
 
50%

2009

 
 
51%
Math

The state average for Math was 52% in 2012.

163 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
36%

2011

 
 
41%

2010

 
 
37%

2009

 
 
40%
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

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 49% in 2012.

147 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
15%

2011

 
 
19%

2010

 
 
27%

2009

 
 
33%
English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 59% in 2012.

168 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
66%

2011

 
 
55%

2010

 
 
55%

2009

 
 
39%
General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards)

The state average for General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards) was 32% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
0%

2010

 
 
4%

2009

 
 
26%
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 87% in 2012.

21 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
47%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative

The state average for History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative was 52% in 2012.

174 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
48%

2011

 
 
43%

2010

 
 
44%

2009

 
 
26%
Science

The state average for Science was 66% in 2012.

165 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
61%

2011

 
 
56%

2010

 
 
61%

2009

 
 
46%
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 Students65%
Females58%
Males71%
African Americann/a
Asian75%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino56%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)77%
Economically disadvantaged60%
Non-economically disadvantaged83%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability66%
English learner7%
Fluent-English proficient and English only70%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented83%
Parent education - not a high school graduate45%
Parent education - high school graduate58%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)77%
Parent education - college graduate86%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state50%

Math

All Students52%
Females40%
Males63%
African Americann/a
Asian85%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino46%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)63%
Economically disadvantaged51%
Non-economically disadvantaged53%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability53%
English learner0%
Fluent-English proficient and English only57%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented86%
Parent education - not a high school graduate39%
Parent education - high school graduate50%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)51%
Parent education - college graduate64%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state61%
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

Algebra I

All Students70%
Femalesn/a
Males69%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged80%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with no reported disability74%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only70%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented74%
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

English Language Arts

All Students62%
Females66%
Males57%
African American57%
Asian75%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino57%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)69%
Economically disadvantaged60%
Non-economically disadvantaged67%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability64%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only65%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented86%
Parent education - not a high school graduate55%
Parent education - high school graduate45%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)71%
Parent education - college graduate74%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state53%

Math

All Students36%
Females36%
Males34%
African American26%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino33%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)40%
Economically disadvantaged36%
Non-economically disadvantaged33%
Students with disability18%
Students with no reported disability37%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only37%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented78%
Parent education - not a high school graduate50%
Parent education - high school graduate29%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)43%
Parent education - college graduate23%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state35%
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

Algebra I

All Students15%
Females11%
Males20%
African American11%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino8%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)14%
Economically disadvantaged15%
Non-economically disadvantaged16%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability17%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only17%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented33%
Parent education - not a high school graduate23%
Parent education - high school graduate13%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)19%
Parent education - college graduate22%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state0%

English Language Arts

All Students66%
Females78%
Males57%
African American65%
Asian83%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino50%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)80%
Economically disadvantaged64%
Non-economically disadvantaged71%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability68%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only70%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented91%
Parent education - not a high school graduate54%
Parent education - high school graduate58%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)80%
Parent education - college graduate68%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state47%

General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards)

All Studentsn/a
Femalesn/a
Malesn/a
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)n/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disabilityn/a
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English onlyn/a
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 graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Geometry

All Students47%
Femalesn/a
Males54%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged40%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with no reported disability48%
Fluent-English proficient and English only48%
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)58%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative

All Students48%
Females41%
Males53%
African American45%
Asian75%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino26%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)66%
Economically disadvantaged45%
Non-economically disadvantaged54%
Students with disability11%
Students with no reported disability52%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only51%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented73%
Parent education - not a high school graduate20%
Parent education - high school graduate32%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)60%
Parent education - college graduate69%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate45%
Parent education - declined to state24%

Science

All Students61%
Females58%
Males63%
African American76%
Asian92%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino38%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)75%
Economically disadvantaged58%
Non-economically disadvantaged66%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability63%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only64%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented86%
Parent education - not a high school graduate23%
Parent education - high school graduate50%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)76%
Parent education - college graduate77%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state29%
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 or Latino 48% 49%
White 21% 28%
African American 16% 7%
Asian 9% 8%
Filipino 3% 3%
Pacific Islander 2% 1%
American Indian or Alaska Native 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 114%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 281%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 81% 85%
Vietnamese 4% 2%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 3% 1%
Japanese 3% 0%
All other non-English languages 2% 1%
Khmer (Cambodian) 2% 0%
Korean 2% 1%
Cantonese 1% 2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Average class size

  This school District averageState average
Average class size 24N/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 3%N/A2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Teacher resources

Foreign languages spoken by school staff Dutch
Spanish
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • AVID National Demonstration School (2010)

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Intensive - the school offers a full program for many needs and/or offers at least one very comprehensive program for very challenging needs such as autism or complete visual impairment

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

School facilities
  • Computer lab
  • Science lab

Arts & music

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Arts (all)
  • Music
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Orchestra
Performing and written arts
  • Creative writing
  • Drama
Media arts
  • Video / Film production
Clubs
  • Yearbook

Language learning

Foreign languages taught
  • 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
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Dutch
  • Spanish

Health & athletics

School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Gym
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")

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
  • 8:45 am
School end time
  • 3:35 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
  • Susan Levy
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Phone
Gender
  • Coed
Special schedule
  • Year-round
Is there an application process?
  • No
Fax number
  • (858) 576-0931

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • AVID
  • Gifted / high performing
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

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

Don't understand these terms?
  • No
Level of special education programming offered
  • Intensive - the school offers a full program for many needs and/or offers at least one very comprehensive program for very challenging needs such as autism or complete visual impairment
Foreign languages taught
  • 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

Resources

Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Dutch
  • Spanish
Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
  • Career/college counseling
  • Counseling
  • Mentoring
  • Remediation
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • None
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Auditorium
  • Cafeteria
  • Computer lab
  • Gym
  • Learning lab
  • Library
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
  • Parent center
  • Playground
  • Science lab
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Club sports in many areas
Girls sports
  • Club sports in many areas

Arts & music

Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Orchestra
Performing arts
  • Creative writing
  • Drama
Media arts
  • Video / Film production

Student clubs

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

School culture

Dress Code
  • Dress code
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.)
  • Present special topics during curricular units
  • Serve on school improvement team or governance council
  • Tutor
  • Volunteer in the classroom
  • Volunteer time after school
More from this school
  • Farb Middle School is the first and only schoolwide AVID program in our district. Students prepare for a college education by learning organizational skills, participating in rigorous classes, gaining confidence while collaborating with peers, and learning about the college entrance process. All teachers have been trained in AVID strategies and provide rigorous lessons with support for all students. All students in 6th and 7th grade have access to computer laptops and teachers us
School leaders can update this information here.

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Finding the right school

 

How to apply

Does this school have an application or enrollment process?
 

No

Planning Ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
Serra High School
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

4880 La Cuenta Dr.
San Diego, CA 92124
Website: Click here
Phone: (858) 496-8090

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