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GreatSchools Rating

Taft Elementary School

Public | K-6 | 802 students

 

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Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

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

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8 reviews of this school


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Posted December 12, 2012

As tax payers this school has had many repairs done to make it a better and safer place for our kids. It upsets me that the principle being the leader and example does not enforce the rules for running in, on, or around planters especially in handicapped bus loading areas. I heard a lady approach him and say a teacher asked the kids over there to quit running and climbing on pipes and they ignore her? He says, "that happens allot." Field trips, I have been embrassed when a 6th grade class is compared to a 2nd grade class and taxes or grants pay for this. The bus trip for a 6th grade field trip was unsafe when you have kids sitting backwards in a seats. Boys slugging each other, and a teacher saying they are having fun. It is a very disrespectful school and it starts at the top. Do the teachers care, YES, but they need to work together on rules, but that starts at the top. After school program for the 1st time is setting rules, making kids walk and be respectful. This is the 1st time I would ever consider putting my child in after school care
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 9, 2012

My brothers and sisters went to Taft back in the 90's during the year of Mr. Hart yes we where known as the Morgan's or Morgan 4. Now i have my fiances 6 yr old enrolled at Taft just finished Kinder who his teacher was Mrs. Jones now he's heading in to first grade. He loves the school and kids growing up as a only child he comes home always with stories about what he did at school or his new friend he made.and for those who say TAFT doesn't care about your child stop that because it takes both us parents and teachers to teach our kids so they may excel
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 2, 2009

My oldest daughter went to this school and my two little ones are there. I feel that the teachers are very caring and do what they can with the budget. Most spend their own money to make sure that their students have the supplies necessary. That's what makes a difference in schools Teachers and faculty that cares. All three of my children's have excelled at Taft. I feel it is one of the best in the district.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 13, 2008

My daughter started kinder last year. I don't know why anyone would say the school is not safe. They do the best they can with the present budget. I am envolved in the PFO and yes there is not a lot of parent participation but many parents do volunteer time in class. The school does their best with what they have and I do agree this school has to be one of the best in the district.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 25, 2006

Our daughter went to Taft for nearly 12 yrs. She is hearing impaired. I was surprised to see a post saying this school does not care about your child. That is false. This school is great with your child and they care very much. Mr. Longacre,(principal) is wonderful along with the teachers and Susan in the office. Our daughter had a wonderful childhood at Taft and we are thankful these great teachers were there for her.
—Submitted by Shores Family, a parent


Posted June 21, 2006

Overall this is a good school with great mix of students and caring teachers. I believe this school is one of the best academically in Santa Ana Unified. There was no afterschool program in place this year, but one is scheduled to start in the coming 2006-07 year. There is a music program - third graders play the recorder 20 minutes a week with a music teacher. 4th and 5th graders who excel in their 3rd grade music program can participate in a beginning orchestra. I haven't seen too many parents involved in the school. Usually there are a couple of parents from each class who are willing to dedicate their time.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted June 1, 2006

Some people have no choice but to send their child here, which is unfortunate. First of all, safety is a major issue as this school. The teachers are very good, yes, but sadly the school does not seem to care about you or your child. It was shocking. If you send your child here, get involved. Join the PTA and make safety a priority!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 7, 2003

Great School,I Say.


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

794

Change from
2011 to 2012

+8

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

4 / 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 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

794

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

+8

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)

4 / 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 58% in 2012.

91 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
53%

2011

 
 
52%

2010

 
 
34%

2009

 
 
38%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

91 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
57%

2011

 
 
59%

2010

 
 
44%

2009

 
 
53%
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.

89 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
48%

2011

 
 
48%

2010

 
 
32%

2009

 
 
33%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

89 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
69%

2010

 
 
70%

2009

 
 
70%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


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

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 67% in 2012.

71 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
55%

2010

 
 
49%

2009

 
 
63%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

72 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
68%

2010

 
 
60%

2009

 
 
74%
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.

97 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
51%

2011

 
 
50%

2010

 
 
50%

2009

 
 
42%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

97 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
50%

2011

 
 
63%

2010

 
 
58%

2009

 
 
51%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

97 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
48%

2011

 
 
47%

2010

 
 
43%

2009

 
 
32%
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 59% in 2012.

58 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
57%

2011

 
 
48%

2010

 
 
37%

2009

 
 
72%
Math

The state average for Math was 55% in 2012.

58 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
48%

2011

 
 
53%

2010

 
 
36%

2009

 
 
53%
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 Students53%
Females51%
Males55%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino45%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged50%
Non-economically disadvantaged67%
Students with disability15%
Students with no reported disability59%
English learner40%
Fluent-English proficient and English only65%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate42%
Parent education - high school graduate50%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)64%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students57%
Females53%
Males62%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino48%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged54%
Non-economically disadvantaged73%
Students with disability15%
Students with no reported disability64%
English learner44%
Fluent-English proficient and English only70%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate58%
Parent education - high school graduate50%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)57%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
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 Students48%
Females42%
Males53%
African Americann/a
Asian82%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino43%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged48%
Non-economically disadvantaged50%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability49%
English learner27%
Fluent-English proficient and English only67%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate50%
Parent education - high school graduate40%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)52%
Parent education - college graduate55%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students83%
Females72%
Males91%
African Americann/a
Asian100%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino80%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged82%
Non-economically disadvantaged86%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability84%
English learner73%
Fluent-English proficient and English only92%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate82%
Parent education - high school graduate85%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)90%
Parent education - college graduate82%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
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 Students68%
Females68%
Males68%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino68%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged67%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability66%
English learner46%
Fluent-English proficient and English only89%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate45%
Parent education - high school graduate78%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)83%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students79%
Females83%
Males75%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino77%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged79%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability79%
English learner69%
Fluent-English proficient and English only89%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate67%
Parent education - high school graduate87%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)89%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
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 Students51%
Females64%
Males40%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino47%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged51%
Non-economically disadvantaged54%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability51%
English learner26%
Fluent-English proficient and English only71%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented92%
Parent education - not a high school graduate42%
Parent education - high school graduate54%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)60%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students50%
Females51%
Males48%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino40%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged44%
Non-economically disadvantaged85%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability48%
English learner24%
Fluent-English proficient and English only69%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate30%
Parent education - high school graduate46%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)68%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students48%
Females49%
Males48%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino44%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged44%
Non-economically disadvantaged77%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability47%
English learner21%
Fluent-English proficient and English only69%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate27%
Parent education - high school graduate50%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)64%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
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 Students57%
Females66%
Males48%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino53%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged57%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability57%
English learner15%
Fluent-English proficient and English only79%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate20%
Parent education - high school graduate67%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)61%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students48%
Females55%
Males41%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino47%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged49%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability48%
English learner25%
Fluent-English proficient and English only61%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate40%
Parent education - high school graduate53%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)44%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
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 81% 51%
Asian 8% 11%
White 7% 27%
Black 2% 7%
Two or more races 1% 3%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 1%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 0% 1%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 181%N/A54%
English language learners 248%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 91% 85%
Vietnamese 6% 2%
Cantonese 1% 2%
All other non-English languages 0% 1%
Farsi (Persian) 0% 0%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 0% 1%
Japanese 0% 0%
Mandarin (Putonghua) 0% 1%
Urdu 0% 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 14N/A11
Average years teaching 15N/A13
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Full credential 93%N/A96%
Emergency credential or waiver 7%N/A2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

School basics

School Leader's name
  • Steven Longacre
Fax number
  • (714) 431-7799

Resources

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

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500 West Keller
Santa Ana, CA 92707
Phone: (714) 431-7700

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