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Park Western Place Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 678 students

 

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Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 3 ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
No new ratings

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19 reviews of this school


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Posted July 7, 2012

My daughter has attended PW for 3 years now, and I commute to bring her due to a mid year move. I wouldn't change schools for anything. The teachers are dedicated to our childrens education, and with LACounty educational system having such issues in recent years, I feel that I lucked and made the best fit. The principals have changed also in recent years, and I am not too fond of the new principal, however I know that she means well.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 18, 2012

My two kids were in the magnet program and we had to move out of state mid-year. We moved to a school that was also highly rated, but were shocked at how far behind the classes were in the new school. The magnet program at Park Western really advances the kids beyond what is expected of their grade level. I also loved how committed the teachers and the principal were. Great, great school. We miss it!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 18, 2012

This is the best school! Wonderful staff, teachers and principal who work very hard with the children at being their best. I couldn't ask for a better place for my son.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 30, 2011

I absolutely love this school, my son and daughter love their teachers and friends...It's nice to see a atmosphere of closeness and togetherness within staff and teachers, as well as the parents. We are very fortunate to have great teachers, front office personell and a wonderful principal. The only bad thing people have to say, is that we need more parking but really in the scope of what is really important I will continue to be patient and take that extra walk so that my child continues to be a part of this great school. Park Western Keep Up The Good Work!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 13, 2010

Park Western is commimtted to educating the children. There is one goal and that is to eduate every child to the best of their ability. The school is open to parents comments and concerns. The children love the school and the administration.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 31, 2010

My daughter went to this school only one year, Grade 1, which was the best year ever. She loved every minute. It's like having a second family. The staff is super friendly and the principal is amazing. We don't have one bad thing to say about this school. Also, the after school program is great. The hardest part about moving away was to leave this school :(
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 3, 2009

We have a wonderful hard working staff. Our API score is 942. Our principal is very active and runs a great program. She has introduced reading and writing programs at our school that have proven fantastic results. The students have a love for learning.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted September 6, 2009

Outstanding elementary school. The reading, math and science programs are awesome. Teachers really do care. Second grade teacher just sent my daughter a welcome to 2nd grade letter! Fantastic!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 29, 2008

This is a grea school, although there are a few issues I have had, but nothing that was able o be worked through. I am a mother of 5 children 3 out of the five have attended park western, my daughter has been attending since pre-school with mrs. Espi, she had mrs. nasr for kindergaten she is one of he best teachers I have ever meet, she encourages her students to be open and and crative, my daughter loves her and when she found out that she wasnt going to be her teacher any more she cried. she is going into the first grade. my son just finished pre-school with mrs.Espi and will also have Mrs. Nasr for kindergarden. my youngest son will be attending pre-school with mrs. Espie. but over all the school is great wih wounderful programs and excellent appreciation for parent helpers.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 26, 2008

The rating of 10 is not hype. I don't usually spend time writing reviews but this one deserves my attention as a concerned parent of a daughter who has been attending this school since early 2007. The principal has a grip of this school as evidenced by her standing outside of the school every morning - watching out mainly for the kids' safety. Support for special-needs students is outstanding - a must for my daughter. Will surely miss this school when she leaves for middle school next year. Keep up the genuine interest for our children's educational and social upbringing!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 20, 2008

This school is great, the teachers,staff, the principal are very friendly people and the field trips are cool too...even the lunches are to not to good it's still a great school


Posted February 5, 2008

I'm a military spouse and we live in San Pedro's USAF base housing. This school is a Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) gem that I encourage all military children to attend. Take your child's test scores, or examples of reading/math levels if not yet tested, to the principal to see if she has room in her magnet (gifted) classrooms for another student. The school is allowed to directly accept students and bypass the LAUSD 'points' system (which works against military families living in LAUSD for a limited time). Once accepted LAUSD provides bus transportation to/from this school for magnet children. Park Western Place Harbor Magnet participates in the Science Olympiad at Cal-Poly, L.A. County math competitions, and an incredible Columbia Univ. reading/comprehension program. If your child is not gifted, this is still the best elementary school for them to attend (see the magnet/non magnet -combined- test scores on this website).
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 9, 2005

My daughter graduated elementary school from Park Western Harbor Magnet. I could not be more proud of her, since she graduated with a Presidents award for Outstanding Academic achievements. I have to admit that all would not be possible without the great teachers, and the great academics that are taught in this school. Not only that, but they had a wonderful art, music and extracurricular activities.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 2, 2005

My 5th Grade daughter has attended the magnet program at Park Western since First Grade. At first, I was reluctant to have her attend a magnet school, but it turned out that my fears were unnecessary. Overall, we have been very satisfied with this school. Also, the field trips they take are awesome. It turned out to be the best decision we ever made!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 8, 2005

My doughter is attending Park Western Harbor Magnet. I am very greatful for her having experienced teachers and very high academic acheivments. Sometimes is hard though because of the huge amount of homeworks and assignments, but is worthed. One thing that bothered me trough the years is the 'cool' kids that made some days not very plesant for mine, but I guess this is inevitable and it is a good lesson how to deal with them.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 2, 2004

I have a daughter started the first grade at Park Western Elementary and could not be happier. My daughter adores her teacher and classmates and truly enjoys her school life. The principal, teachers, and other staff are all very helpful.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 6, 2004

My child spent a couple of years here. This is one of the best schools in LA. The office staff and nurse are genuinely friendly, accommodating, and concerned about children, families and needs of the school. Working with teachers & volunteers (esp. parents) has been rewarding! It would be even better if more parents, volunteers got involved!
—Submitted by Veronica Greene, a parent


Posted July 27, 2004

Park Western is an excellent school. I believe it is one of Los Angeles Unified's best kept secrets. The magnet as well as regular programs are designed for each child to excel. The reading program is excellent as well as their math and science programs. There is no lack in parent involvement either. It is just a great place to be.
—Submitted by Tijera Brown, a parent


Posted May 24, 2004

There is amazing synergy with the staff, parents and students. Volunteers are welcome and greatly appreciated by the staff. The students are challenged on an individual level and are able to attain maximum growth in all areas of development. There is so much that test scores can't convey. If you are looking for a beautiful campus with friendly, happy, well-behaved students, opportunity for involvement and an extaordinary staff, visit our school.
—Submitted by Rogena Wightman, 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

947

Change from
2011 to 2012

-5

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

10 / 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

947

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

-5

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)

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.

115 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
92%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

115 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
91%
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.

113 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
80%

2010

 
 
78%

2009

 
 
74%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

113 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
97%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
99%
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.

110 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
89%

2009

 
 
83%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

110 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
89%
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.

110 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
78%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

110 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
88%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

110 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
91%
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 Students85%
Females92%
Males78%
African American87%
Asiann/a
Filipino100%
Hispanic or Latino76%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)100%
Economically disadvantaged80%
Non-economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability86%
English learner71%
Fluent-English proficient and English only87%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate72%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)82%
Parent education - college graduate93%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate96%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students92%
Females95%
Males89%
African American87%
Asiann/a
Filipino100%
Hispanic or Latino89%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)100%
Economically disadvantaged91%
Non-economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability93%
English learner79%
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 graduate83%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)88%
Parent education - college graduate96%
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 Students87%
Females88%
Males85%
African Americann/a
Asian95%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino80%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)95%
Economically disadvantaged77%
Non-economically disadvantaged96%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability89%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only92%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate71%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)87%
Parent education - college graduate94%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate97%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students97%
Females95%
Males98%
African Americann/a
Asian100%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino93%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)100%
Economically disadvantaged95%
Non-economically disadvantaged98%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability99%
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 graduate82%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)96%
Parent education - college graduate100%
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 Students88%
Females88%
Males88%
African American100%
Asian100%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino82%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)85%
Economically disadvantaged83%
Non-economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability93%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only91%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate83%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)94%
Parent education - college graduate94%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate96%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students92%
Females90%
Males93%
African American91%
Asian100%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino88%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)95%
Economically disadvantaged87%
Non-economically disadvantaged98%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability95%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only95%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate75%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)94%
Parent education - college graduate100%
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 Students83%
Females76%
Males89%
African American82%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino73%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)100%
Economically disadvantaged71%
Non-economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability85%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only85%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate64%
Parent education - high school graduate57%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)75%
Parent education - college graduate97%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students89%
Females88%
Males89%
African American82%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino83%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)100%
Economically disadvantaged84%
Non-economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability92%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only91%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate91%
Parent education - high school graduate79%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)84%
Parent education - college graduate97%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate89%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students89%
Females82%
Males93%
African American73%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino84%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)100%
Economically disadvantaged82%
Non-economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability91%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only91%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate82%
Parent education - high school graduate57%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)91%
Parent education - college graduate100%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate89%
Parent education - declined to staten/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
Hispanic 55% 51%
Asian 18% 11%
White 15% 27%
Black 10% 7%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 1%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 1% 1%
Two or more races 0% 3%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 149%N/A54%
English language learners 211%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 92% 85%
Japanese 5% 0%
Farsi (Persian) 1% 0%
Korean 1% 1%
Serbo-Croatian (Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian) 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 15N/A11
Average years teaching 15N/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

School basics

School Leader's name
  • Rena Fairchild
Fax number
  • (310) 833-6413

Resources

Extra learning resources offered
  • Title I Schoolwide program (SWP)
School leaders can update this information here.

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1214 Park Western Place
San Pedro, CA 90732
Phone: (310) 833-3591

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