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GreatSchools Rating

Guin Foss Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 419 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

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

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11 reviews of this school


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Posted October 17, 2012

I really enjoyed my childs first year in kindergarden at Guin Foss, however now in 3rd I have had problems and disappointments of the feeling and reaction my child feels, and I feel. Ever since the new principle took over its like a circus, the secretary use to be nice now she is a royal rude, mean ....! I had a problem last year that was serious enough for me to go to the district and the principe and secetary where to blame and knew they where and made excuese for their actions, and ever since then I have been treated like an outcast. I am one to speak my mind and let them know how I feel and because of that they treat me bad and maybe I am looking to deep, but my daughter is also not treated nice, and she is only 8. I wish the other principle was here because this one is a joke. plus I feel this school needs to employ young, fressh new educators, the ones that have been teaching 20 plus years seemed burnted out and not up- to date and not so much patients as maybe a younger teacher would. this is my opinion and I'm sticking with it! Smiles....
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 17, 2011

To clarify, a Title I school is not a school where there are a large number of second language students. It is a school where a large percentage of students are on free or reduced lunch and the school receives additional Federal aid. My two children go to school here and I couldn't be happier with the education they are receiving. Both of my kids are very bright and are challenged academically everyday. They feel loved by their teachers and the staff at the school. It is a GREAT neighborhood school. The school has a bully box in the office for any child that feels threatened by another. I have never seen the principal ignore a situation that she was aware of.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 19, 2009

We love Guin Foss!! The teachers, staff, PTO, and Mrs. Jenkins are very commited to the students. What a great team! My kids have had nothing but positive experiences at the school. We thank everyone for all of the hard work and dedication.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 26, 2009

Many of hte teachers at Guin Foss are qualified, caring and nuturing. It's too bad that the focus has twisted from learning to punishment. If a child doesn't get enough A/R points he is prohibited from participating in recess and other activities. Reading shouldn't be a tortuous experience but a life long love developed in the early years. It's too bad that the principal is more focused on A/R points and not reading for information and enjoyment.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 14, 2009

This is a wonderful school with excellent parental involvement and great educators who really care about the kids. Safe and nurturing environment where the kids are always excited to learn and get involved.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 6, 2009

I love this school!I have two children, my son has special needs. He went to this school k-5 and I couldn't have asked for a better school. The administration and staff at this school is and was exceptional. My second child is now in fourth grade and I am just as pleased with her opportunities on the other end of the spectrum. This school has excellent programs to meet the needs of children, no matter high, low and anywhere in between. The pto is very active and caring about enriching our childrens and supporting the school. This is truly a school that puts kids first ( the schools moto). But my favorite part of the school is this is truly a neighborhood school. The children are good to one another. I feel pride in this school and am so glad my children had this jewel of a school to attend.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 21, 2007

After reading the last posted review, I must add my opinion. I am very involved at Guin Foss. I can attest to the past 7 years at this school. My 2 children have not only been encouraged and supported in all their personal endeavors, but they have become great students and are on their way to becoming well rounded, intelligent people. My experience with over 10 different teachers has proven to be positive over all. While not all teachers are wonderful, most are willing to work with anyone who is willing to communicate. Mrs. Jenkins in always available to listen and will always act when necessary. The changes on campus are always well thought out and always put in place for the good of the kids. Kids first, and always.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 6, 2007

My son has been attending this school for 5 years. I have not been happy with this school. They lower the kids self-esteem making kids hate school. There aren't too many teachers willing to help the kids who have learning difficulties. If your child is a A student you won't have a problem with this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 15, 2003

My son had attended a private school previously. I can honestly say the overall quality of this school closely resembles that of a private school. The teachers show a genuine concern for the educational quality and growth of the children. The principal, Mrs. Jenkins is a true asset to this school.
—Submitted by Sandra Lozano, a parent


Posted September 9, 2003

Guin Foss Elementary is a wonderful school. My daughter has had a great experience in learning. Her test scores and reading levels have jumped since beginning at Guin Foss 2 years ago. The teachers are great. I have been very impressed with the teachers as well as the Principal Mrs. Jenkins. They are all very concerned with doing the best job possible for our kids. They all seem prepared and organized. There seems to be fairly good parent involement. Class sizes are appropriate. I would not send my kids to any other school is the district since attending Guin Foss!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 26, 2003

Excellent teachers, and a great Principal. All the staff at Guinn Foss really care about the kids. The PTA is really involved.
—Submitted by 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

887

Change from
2011 to 2012

-4

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

9 / 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

887

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

-4

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)

9 / 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.

66 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
55%

2011

 
 
53%

2010

 
 
76%

2009

 
 
75%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

66 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
56%

2011

 
 
60%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
83%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


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

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 48% in 2012.

64 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
59%

2010

 
 
70%

2009

 
 
61%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

62 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
83%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


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

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

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

68 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
82%

2009

 
 
92%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

69 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
92%
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.

64 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
89%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

65 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
94%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

65 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
60%
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 Students55%
Females63%
Males42%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino41%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)74%
Economically disadvantaged30%
Non-economically disadvantaged79%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability59%
English learner35%
Fluent-English proficient and English only68%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate45%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)53%
Parent education - college graduate50%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students56%
Females63%
Males46%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino49%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)63%
Economically disadvantaged36%
Non-economically disadvantaged76%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability61%
English learner46%
Fluent-English proficient and English only63%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate45%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)53%
Parent education - college graduate58%
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 Students65%
Females68%
Males63%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino48%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)90%
Economically disadvantaged59%
Non-economically disadvantaged69%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability68%
English learner35%
Fluent-English proficient and English only77%
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 graduate65%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate92%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students78%
Females78%
Males77%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino63%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)96%
Economically disadvantaged70%
Non-economically disadvantaged81%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability77%
English learner56%
Fluent-English proficient and English only85%
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 graduate74%
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 Students90%
Females94%
Males85%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino84%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)96%
Economically disadvantaged84%
Non-economically disadvantaged95%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability92%
English learner79%
Fluent-English proficient and English only93%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)87%
Parent education - college graduate100%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students88%
Females85%
Males91%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino88%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)89%
Economically disadvantaged77%
Non-economically disadvantaged97%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability89%
English learner80%
Fluent-English proficient and English only91%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)93%
Parent education - college graduate91%
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 Students83%
Females82%
Males83%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino75%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)90%
Economically disadvantaged78%
Non-economically disadvantaged86%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability85%
English learnern/a
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 graduate77%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)67%
Parent education - college graduate95%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students80%
Females80%
Males80%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino69%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)87%
Economically disadvantaged79%
Non-economically disadvantaged81%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability83%
English learner45%
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 graduate86%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)50%
Parent education - college graduate95%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students82%
Females86%
Males77%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino72%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)90%
Economically disadvantaged79%
Non-economically disadvantaged84%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability85%
English learner36%
Fluent-English proficient and English only91%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate79%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)75%
Parent education - college graduate95%
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 or Latino 50% 49%
White 37% 28%
Multiple or No Response 5% 3%
Asian 4% 8%
Filipino 3% 3%
African American 1% 7%
Pacific Islander 1% 1%
American Indian or Alaska Native 0% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 129%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 244%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%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 4% 1%
Indonesian 1% 0%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Average class size

  This school District averageState average
Average class size 23N/A25
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 9N/A11
Average years teaching 12N/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

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • California Golden Bell for Exemplary Program (2004)

Special education / special needs

Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Emotional behavioral disabilities
  • Other health impairments
  • Specific learning disabilities
  • Speech and language impairments

Arts & music

Music
  • Band
  • Orchestra
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 8:25am
School end time
  • 2:30pm
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • After school
  • Before school
School Leader's name
  • Nancy Jenkins
Fax number
  • (714) 838-5287

Programs

Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Emotional behavioral disabilities
  • Other health impairments
  • Specific learning disabilities
  • Speech and language impairments
School leaders can update this information here.

Arts & music

Music
  • Band
  • Orchestra
School leaders can update this information here.

School culture

Dress Code
  • Uniforms
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

 

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

 
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Planning ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
Columbus Tustin Middle School
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

18492 Vanderlip Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Website: Click here
Phone: (714) 730-7552

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