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Teacher quality
Principal leadership
Parent involvement
This is a good public junior high school. The drop-off and pick -up is not the best but is ok.
—Submitted by a parent
I was not happy with my childs experience here and I am a very involved parent. Some teachers are so mean but nothing can be done. Over crowding makes a teachers job difficult and not all parents participate. We are seeking private education or the charter schools now. It is terrible what is happening to the schools out here.
—Submitted by a parent
I had some very good times at this school and also some very bad times, and I miss the school very much. The teachers were just amazing, they all took great pride in teaching. The band was very dedicated. The P.E. program is incredibly well-rounded. The campus is simple and you can quickly get used to it. The library is BEYOND AMAZING, very nice people running it, nice and spacious, a lot of nice literature, nicely organized. The only thing that I can really complain about is the bullying. There is a lot of bullying at this school. It isn't always apparent but it occurs. I don't blame the administration. The traffic in the morning is a minor problem, the drop-off area is much too small. There were a few fights, a few drug problems, and some pretty bad kids, but if you leave them alone and hang with the right people, you should be fine. Overall I had a pretty nice experience at this school, learned a lot, and made good friends. The staff is very helpful and they TRULY care, trust me. It has its rough moments, but I believe that's normal.
I am in ASB leadership class! i luv it! i luv this school! (even though the councilers dont need to be in my buisness) but i have a lot of fun! i reccomend ur child to go here!!! :)
I didn't really like this school, I don't miss it a lot. The teachers weren't amazing, the curriculum was below average, the PE program was .... terrible. The students are not encouraged to be kind or respectful, and the principal doesn't do a good job of overseeing the school.
I HAVE BEEN A PARENT AT LA MESA FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS AND I CAN NOT SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THE PRINCIPAL, VICE PRINCIPALS AND OFFICE STAFF!!! THEY ARE THE BEST. MY CHILD STRUGGLES IN MATH AND I AM SO PLEASED TO HAVE SUCH AN EXCELLENT MATH TEACHER THAT OFFERS EXTRA HELP!! I WOULD NOT HAVE GONE TO ANY OTHER SCHOOL IN THE DISTRICT!!!! THANK YOU LA MESA!!
—Submitted by a parent
When I went to this school, I made it into Algebra1 in 7th grade and expected myself to fail because you have to have a B+ to pass. The teachers in my team were sooo good i got over 100% in each class [including Algebra 101.8%!]. I was amazed with my accomplishments and loved this school so much. I recommend this school to anyone. This year, it's full of amazing and nice people. The school has strict rules against many things and some, a little unreasonable but it's okay because you will absolutely love this school. The teachers teach amazingly well too. Don't be afraid to enroll your children here.
This is an unsatisfactory school. The ASB is especially poor, and the students do not to get to vote on much. There are no ASB officers, and the teacher quality is below average. The traffic in the mornings and afternoons are also terrible. The curriculum is very behind and the state test scores were also very low. Only 16 points above average, whereas other schools in this district reached the 890s. The dress code is also not very strongly enforced, there is a lot of language and fights that go unnoticed. The activities and dances are also unorganized. Also, teachers don't try to motivate the students to do their best here. The PE program is also unsatisfactory. Many of the teachers are rude and behave just as badly as the students.The only thing that saved this review from getting only one star was the decent quality band.
—Submitted by a student
i loved this school; and when i moved i missed it sooooo much; and the taechers there teach really good; in my new school their behind ; lamesa is one of the best school i've evr been to
—Submitted by a student
well the kids dont want to learn and some teachers dont tech or enforce rules in their classroom but some teachers are really cool and just make learning fun
—Submitted by a student
I love this school. I wake up every morning and I just cant wait to get to school. It has amazing teachers and staff, perfect atmosphere, and the best class of '09 baby! Bottom line: this school is the bomb!
—Submitted by a student
I loved this school, it was the best. I am in eighth grade and my teachers taught me a lot and prepared me for my journey into highschool. The principal is beyond amazing. I used to go to Sierra Vista, but I LOVE La Mesa.
—Submitted by a student
I had a daughter who went to this school 2 years and graduated with very good grades 2008. Though she didn't do well in her first year due to the fact she didn't turn in her work not because of the teachers. I myself communicated with each of her teachers on a daily basis. The teachers have expectations because they are getting the kids ready for High School, If a patent cant work with the Staff to convince the student to do well then any of these students will fail. I have personaly worked through behavior problems and this staff with my child in this school and won in the end with 99.9% improvement in grades. It is true that the Music Program is 100% excelent this band 2008 had 2-4 students in the Honors Band 2008 and the teacher is commited 100%.
—Submitted by a parent
Hear me out. 99.9% of them are all from lazy students who do not know what they are doing. The band program is amazing! If your a good person and do what your supposed to do you'll be fine. LA Mesa has fewbullying problems. The only people who get bullied are people who ask for it. They are rude,pompous, and just plain jerks. La mesa is a great school. As a 7th grader I must say. Just do what your supposed to do and you'll be fine. As for the teachers,all of the teachers I've had are pretty cool. They only seem mean when you are rude or don't do your work. Which is understandable. The teachers have over 100 students. They help you if you ask for it. They cannot look over everyone at the same time. Its time to grow up kids. its not preschool anymore.
—Submitted by a student
i hated this school. it ruined my middle school life! if you are considering putting your child here, dont. try rio norte or something else. i switch after being held back from laack of teaching. the teachers at lamesa dont know how to help students and they are mean. try rio norte. thats where i switch after la mesa. its one of the best schools in calfornia
—Submitted by a student
I am so disappointed in this school. My daughter and other students we know have been subjected to bullying and nothing is done about it. Security is lax, as you can see from all the fights that have been taking place between students. Many kids don't feel safe there and unfortunately the problem seems to be getting worse. There doesn't seem to be much communication between parents & teachers. Most parents don't realize their student is failing until they get a report card and then it's too late to do anything about it. That's it for me, I'm currently looking for a private school.
—Submitted by a parent
My son recently completed 2 years at this school. He enjoyed his 2 years immensely, and we are truly sad to leave. The administration was very helpful, the teachers were both challenging and nurturing, and I agree with the other post, the band program is stellar!! Lobos are awesome!
—Submitted by a parent
I am a 7 grader at this school and i it! the teachers, counselers, principal and the extracirricular activities are outstanding!
—Submitted by a parent
I am currently a 7th grader at La Mesa. I love this school. Even though they have taken off the uniforms ( due to polls) they still care about their dress code immensely. Our teachers and Counselors are very helpful, and are always there. They openly tell us everyday where and when they are open in their classrooms to help us. We are teenagers now, young adults, we should have the responsibility to come during our break to come for help. Our principal is always boosting us up with ' what kind of day is it? It's a great day for learning!' Many Extracurricular activities such as Running and Tennis Club. This school is far by the best in everything. PE, electives, teachers.
—Submitted by a student
The principal is very involved with this school. His motto: 'Every day is a great day for learning here at La Mesa' The band program is stellar.
—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.
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 API reflects year-over-year schools performance based on STAR test score results from spring 2012.
The state average for Algebra I was 86% in 2012.
70 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for English Language Arts was 62% in 2012.
532 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Math was 52% in 2012.
462 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
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
The state average for Algebra I was 49% in 2012.
270 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for English Language Arts was 59% in 2012.
525 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards) was 32% in 2012.
237 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Geometry was 87% in 2012.
54 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative was 52% in 2012.
558 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Science was 66% in 2012.
524 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
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
| All Students | 97% |
| Females | 97% |
| Males | 97% |
| African American | n/a |
| Asian | 100% |
| Filipino | n/a |
| Hispanic or Latino | 95% |
| White (not Hispanic) | 92% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 94% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 98% |
| Students with no reported disability | 97% |
| English learner | n/a |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 97% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | 96% |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | n/a |
| Parent education - college graduate | 100% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | 100% |
| Parent education - declined to state | n/a |
| All Students | 68% |
| Females | 70% |
| Males | 66% |
| African American | 64% |
| Asian | 81% |
| Filipino | 96% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 61% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| Samoan | n/a |
| Other Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 73% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 57% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 75% |
| Students with disability | 35% |
| Students with no reported disability | 70% |
| English learner | 40% |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 74% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | 100% |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | 50% |
| Parent education - high school graduate | 59% |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | 72% |
| Parent education - college graduate | 80% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | 74% |
| Parent education - declined to state | 60% |
| All Students | 57% |
| Females | 56% |
| Males | 58% |
| African American | 46% |
| Asian | 67% |
| Filipino | 67% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 52% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| Samoan | n/a |
| Other Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 66% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 52% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 60% |
| Students with disability | 24% |
| Students with no reported disability | 59% |
| English learner | 41% |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 61% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | 95% |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | 53% |
| Parent education - high school graduate | 56% |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | 61% |
| Parent education - college graduate | 66% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | 59% |
| Parent education - declined to state | 38% |
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
| All Students | 77% |
| Females | 78% |
| Males | 75% |
| African American | 72% |
| Asian | 100% |
| Filipino | 83% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 76% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| Samoan | n/a |
| Other Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 75% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 76% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 77% |
| Students with disability | n/a |
| Students with no reported disability | 77% |
| English learner | 69% |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 77% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | 90% |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | 78% |
| Parent education - high school graduate | 80% |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | 77% |
| Parent education - college graduate | 68% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | 83% |
| Parent education - declined to state | 86% |
| All Students | 61% |
| Females | 70% |
| Males | 52% |
| African American | 53% |
| Asian | 92% |
| Filipino | 77% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 51% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| Samoan | n/a |
| Other Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 70% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 45% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 72% |
| Students with disability | 22% |
| Students with no reported disability | 63% |
| English learner | 22% |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 68% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | 100% |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | 48% |
| Parent education - high school graduate | 46% |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | 65% |
| Parent education - college graduate | 72% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | 85% |
| Parent education - declined to state | 38% |
| All Students | 35% |
| Females | 38% |
| Males | 33% |
| African American | 22% |
| Asian | n/a |
| Filipino | n/a |
| Hispanic or Latino | 30% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| Other Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 51% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 30% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 43% |
| Students with disability | 9% |
| Students with no reported disability | 43% |
| English learner | 20% |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 43% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | n/a |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | 29% |
| Parent education - high school graduate | 30% |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | 37% |
| Parent education - college graduate | 47% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - declined to state | 26% |
| All Students | 99% |
| Females | 96% |
| Males | 100% |
| African American | n/a |
| Asian | 100% |
| Filipino | n/a |
| Hispanic or Latino | 100% |
| White (not Hispanic) | 94% |
| Economically disadvantaged | n/a |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 100% |
| Students with no reported disability | 98% |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 98% |
| Gifted and talented | 100% |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | 100% |
| Parent education - college graduate | 100% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | 93% |
| Parent education - declined to state | n/a |
| All Students | 58% |
| Females | 62% |
| Males | 54% |
| African American | 47% |
| Asian | 92% |
| Filipino | 77% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 47% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| Samoan | n/a |
| Other Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 67% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 40% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 71% |
| Students with disability | 14% |
| Students with no reported disability | 63% |
| English learner | 16% |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 67% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | 98% |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | 43% |
| Parent education - high school graduate | 48% |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | 58% |
| Parent education - college graduate | 74% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | 87% |
| Parent education - declined to state | 33% |
| All Students | 72% |
| Females | 74% |
| Males | 70% |
| African American | 58% |
| Asian | 92% |
| Filipino | 90% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 62% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| Samoan | n/a |
| Other Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 84% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 56% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 83% |
| Students with disability | 39% |
| Students with no reported disability | 73% |
| English learner | 39% |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 78% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | 100% |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | 48% |
| Parent education - high school graduate | 64% |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | 73% |
| Parent education - college graduate | 83% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | 89% |
| Parent education - declined to state | 62% |
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
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 »
Grade 7
Grade 8
All students
Female
Male
All students
African American
Asian
Filipino
Hispanic or Latino
White (not Hispanic)
All students
Economically disadvantaged
Non-economically disadvantaged
Students with disability
Students with no reported disability
English learner
Fluent-English proficient and English only
Gifted and talented
Parent education - not a high school graduate
Parent education - high school graduate
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)
Parent education - college graduate
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate
Parent education - declined to state
All students
| Ethnicity | This school | State average | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hispanic or Latino | 45% | 49% | ||
| White | 32% | 28% | ||
| African American | 10% | 7% | ||
| Asian | 6% | 8% | ||
| Filipino | 6% | 3% | ||
| Multiple or No Response | 1% | 3% | ||
| American Indian or Alaska Native | 0% | 1% | ||
| Pacific Islander | 0% | 1% |
| This school | District average | State average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| English language learners 1 | 16% | N/A | 24% |
| Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 2 | 25% | N/A | 52% |
| Language | This school | State average | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spanish | 87% | 85% | ||
| Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) | 4% | 1% | ||
| Korean | 4% | 1% | ||
| All other non-English languages | 2% | 1% | ||
| Arabic | 1% | 1% | ||
| Armenian | 1% | 1% | ||
| Assyrian | 1% | 0% | ||
| Farsi (Persian) | 1% | 0% | ||
| Greek | 1% | 0% | ||
| Vietnamese | 1% | 2% |
| This school | District average | State average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average years teaching in district | 8 | N/A | 11 |
| Average years teaching | 11 | N/A | 13 |
| This school | District average | State average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full credential | 97% | N/A | 96% |
| Emergency credential or waiver | 5% | N/A | 2% |
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26623 May Way
Santa Clarita,
CA 91351
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Phone: (661) 250-0022
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