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GreatSchools Rating

McFadden Intermediate School

Public | 6-8 | 1504 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

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

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14 reviews of this school


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Posted August 27, 2011

i have been a student at McFadden intermediate school for almost three years now i must say this school is such a great choice if it has bad reputation of some sort i am against it most of the students here are well working students who do care about there school and their education. but there are others who don't care about anything even though saying this McFadden intermediate school is a wonderful school i would give it 9 out of 10 stars.. and that is only because of the uniforms we need freedom and self expression with our uniforms. this school has excellent teachers, a strong principal, and challenging academic programs.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 7, 2011

McFadden has lost a great leader, friend and mentor with Ms. Lisa Hinshaw recieving a promotion.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 2, 2010

My son is attending McFadden Intermediate. I am very critical and protective of my child's education. I believe he is in good hands at McFadden. The principal is out with the students and she is engaging. At McFadden you have several children from local and state elected officials attending the school. To me that was a strong validation of the school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 24, 2010

I'm a former McFadden School student and I think the school has changed ever since Ms. Hinshaw took charge. The school still has a bad reputation, but ever since Ms. Hinshaw came to the school it became better and safer each year by the addition of rules. The only reason the school was in a bad shape was not only the test scores but the kids who make that happend. In my 3 years as a McFadden Scot, I believe this is a great school and I'm proud I came here.


Posted July 24, 2009

My child will be attending McFadden his second year, this year. Last year was a good year for both of us. The staff is very supportive and has a lot of incentives to motivate the students. They always return calls and are available to meet with the parents on request. The uniform policy is strict enough to prevent problems but relaxed enough to accommodate financial concerns. The students are typical tweens and teens. Having and receiving respect is promoted and enforced at this school. Stronger support from the parents is needed regarding functions, meetings and their own children's success. The principle, Mrs. Henshaw, and staff at McFadden do their part every day to show us they care!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 3, 2009

I am currently a student at McFadden and I have only, so far, been disappointed by its very low discipline and education standards. The general conversation of the students is of sex, drugs, music, and fighting. The only thing that has kept me personally from perusing a transfer to another Jr. High is the staff. The staff is by far the best staff I have ever had. I must specifically point out the always optimistic attitudes of Mr. Napier, Mr.Ryan, and Ms. AuBuchon. These teacher in particular have made my year at McFadden bearable, and are the only reason I want to go to school every day. I do also think they should be more strict on their uniform policies.
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 1, 2008

As a teacher with over 25 years of experience, I have found that McFadden surpasses most of my teaching experience in Santa Ana. Almost every teacher is dedicated to the educational growth of his/her students. Teachers work well as teams and truly support each other. The Principal and VP's are the best. Extremely supportive and fair with students and teachers. They go out of their way. It is not perfect but it is a very good working environment. The students for the most part are respectful and truly want to learn. The area that it needs a little more work is discipline that truly teaches the student rather than punishes. I am proud to be a teacher at McFadden. And I feel very happy to have the students I have had in the last year and now this year.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted July 29, 2008

Mcfadden is an ok school. it has a variety of great events and the principal(mrs.Hinshaw) is very nice. the only thing i don't like about the school is it's uniform policy. it could loosen up a bit at least.
—Submitted by a student


Posted May 28, 2008

They have a great tradition building in basketball. 2 years in a row they have beaten teams in the SAUSD to become champions. They have bested even the fundamental schools. It gives the kids a sense of pride and knowing that academics and sports are very important at McFadden. Kudos to the staff at McFadden
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 8, 2008

i think mcfadden is a nice school because i used to go there,lots of nice teachers.
—Submitted by a student


Posted February 15, 2008

I have a less positive thing about this school. My daughter attended 8th grade and I thought by going to a new school it would do her good. Well I was wrong! This school doesn't enforce homework at all. My daughter would never have homework at all. This schools never informs you when your child is failing in a class or don't want to schedule an appointment to meet with the teacher.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 22, 2007

I love mcfadden but why do they have to wear uniforms its kinda stupid.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 10, 2004

I think its a great school but what I think you should do is post the childern's homework for classes!
—Submitted by cherry franco, a student


Posted August 19, 2004

My son and I enjoyed his intermediate school years at McFadden. The principal (Mrs. Severy), her staff, and the teachers were very supportive of students. My son had conscientious teachers who went out of their way to help each student reach his full potential (My son was motivated enough that he graduated with the highest honors!). Because of this, he developed good study habits that are very helpful to him even now in high school. Aside from academics, students are given other opportunities to excel - in sports, in the arts, and other extra-curricular activities. Best of all, there's the academic pentathlon. McFadden's record in this competition is outstanding - even surpassing most private and fundamental schools! It was one of the most memorable experiences we ever had in middle school.
—Submitted by arlene santa ana, 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

741

Change from
2011 to 2012

+30

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

2 / 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 its schoolwide API target for 2012.
  • This school has not yet 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

741

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

+30

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)

2 / 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 59% in 2012.

396 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
42%

2011

 
 
37%

2010

 
 
36%

2009

 
 
31%
Math

The state average for Math was 55% in 2012.

402 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
40%

2011

 
 
49%

2010

 
 
33%

2009

 
 
34%
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.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
English Language Arts

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

407 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
45%

2011

 
 
40%

2010

 
 
41%

2009

 
 
41%
Math

The state average for Math was 52% in 2012.

415 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
61%

2010

 
 
54%

2009

 
 
35%
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.

319 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
72%

2011

 
 
31%

2010

 
 
35%

2009

 
 
39%
English Language Arts

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

452 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
41%

2011

 
 
38%

2010

 
 
38%

2009

 
 
36%
General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards)

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

170 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
21%

2011

 
 
17%

2010

 
 
19%

2009

 
 
7%
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 87% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a

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.

502 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
36%

2011

 
 
33%

2010

 
 
36%

2009

 
 
31%
Science

The state average for Science was 66% in 2012.

452 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
58%

2011

 
 
53%

2010

 
 
43%

2009

 
 
49%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


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

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

All Students42%
Females39%
Males45%
African Americann/a
Asian79%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino40%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged40%
Non-economically disadvantaged62%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability42%
English learner12%
Fluent-English proficient and English only66%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented94%
Parent education - not a high school graduate33%
Parent education - high school graduate40%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)59%
Parent education - college graduate63%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state51%

Math

All Students40%
Females38%
Males43%
African Americann/a
Asian79%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino39%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged40%
Non-economically disadvantaged48%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability40%
English learner17%
Fluent-English proficient and English only60%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented94%
Parent education - not a high school graduate37%
Parent education - high school graduate37%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)44%
Parent education - college graduate53%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state49%
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 Studentsn/a
Femalesn/a
Malesn/a
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantagedn/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

English Language Arts

All Students45%
Females46%
Males43%
African Americann/a
Asian32%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino44%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged44%
Non-economically disadvantaged51%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability45%
English learner12%
Fluent-English proficient and English only63%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented97%
Parent education - not a high school graduate40%
Parent education - high school graduate48%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)48%
Parent education - college graduate54%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state33%

Math

All Students65%
Females64%
Males68%
African Americann/a
Asian89%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino65%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged65%
Non-economically disadvantaged82%
Students with disability44%
Students with no reported disability67%
English learner48%
Fluent-English proficient and English only76%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented98%
Parent education - not a high school graduate60%
Parent education - high school graduate68%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)74%
Parent education - college graduate69%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state67%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


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

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

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

Algebra I

All Students72%
Females73%
Males71%
African Americann/a
Asian73%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino71%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)80%
Economically disadvantaged71%
Non-economically disadvantaged84%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability72%
English learner59%
Fluent-English proficient and English only78%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented97%
Parent education - not a high school graduate64%
Parent education - high school graduate76%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)74%
Parent education - college graduate93%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state86%

English Language Arts

All Students41%
Females40%
Males41%
African Americann/a
Asian55%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino40%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)50%
Economically disadvantaged40%
Non-economically disadvantaged49%
Students with disability27%
Students with no reported disability41%
English learner10%
Fluent-English proficient and English only58%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented95%
Parent education - not a high school graduate34%
Parent education - high school graduate45%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)44%
Parent education - college graduate46%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state53%

General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards)

All Students21%
Females13%
Males26%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino21%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged22%
Non-economically disadvantaged18%
Students with disability3%
Students with no reported disability27%
English learner8%
Fluent-English proficient and English only38%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate19%
Parent education - high school graduate18%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)13%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state33%

Geometry

All Studentsn/a
Femalesn/a
Malesn/a
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with no reported disabilityn/a
Fluent-English proficient and English onlyn/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

History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative

All Students36%
Females36%
Males37%
African Americann/a
Asian50%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino35%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)47%
Economically disadvantaged36%
Non-economically disadvantaged43%
Students with disability5%
Students with no reported disability41%
English learner14%
Fluent-English proficient and English only52%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented85%
Parent education - not a high school graduate29%
Parent education - high school graduate42%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)48%
Parent education - college graduate38%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state32%

Science

All Students58%
Females59%
Males57%
African Americann/a
Asian73%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino57%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)75%
Economically disadvantaged57%
Non-economically disadvantaged68%
Students with disability31%
Students with no reported disability59%
English learner30%
Fluent-English proficient and English only74%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate51%
Parent education - high school graduate63%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)65%
Parent education - college graduate71%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state62%
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 90% 49%
Asian 4% 8%
White 4% 28%
African American 1% 7%
Filipino 1% 3%
American Indian or Alaska Native 0% 1%
Multiple or No Response 0% 3%
Pacific Islander 0% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 143%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 96% 85%
Vietnamese 2% 2%
All other non-English languages 0% 1%
Cantonese 0% 2%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 0% 1%
Hmong 0% 1%
Indonesian 0% 0%
Khmer (Cambodian) 0% 0%
Lao 0% 0%
Marshallese 0% 0%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 12N/A11
Average years teaching 17N/A13
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Full credential 98%N/A96%
Emergency credential or waiver 3%N/A2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

2701 South Raitt
Santa Ana, CA 92704
Phone: (714) 435-3700

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