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GreatSchools Rating

La Mesa Junior High School

Public | 7-8 | 1267 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
Based on 2 ratings
2010:
Based on 8 ratings

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26 reviews of this school


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Posted August 24, 2012

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


Posted June 3, 2011

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


Posted February 27, 2011

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.


Posted December 1, 2010

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!!! :)


Posted November 1, 2010

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.


Posted October 26, 2010

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


Posted June 4, 2010

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.


Posted May 12, 2010

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


Posted April 15, 2010

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


Posted January 27, 2010

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


Posted May 1, 2009

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


Posted December 8, 2008

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


Posted October 6, 2008

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


Posted September 17, 2008

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


Posted September 11, 2008

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


Posted September 9, 2008

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


Posted June 5, 2008

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


Posted April 19, 2008

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


Posted April 12, 2007

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


Posted March 24, 2006

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.

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

821

Change from
2011 to 2012

+21

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

6 / 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 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 did not meet all student subgroup API targets for 2012

This school's
API score

821

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

+21

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)

6 / 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.
Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 86% in 2012.

70 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
97%

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
89%

2009

 
 
96%
English Language Arts

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

532 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
62%

2010

 
 
60%

2009

 
 
59%
Math

The state average for Math was 52% in 2012.

462 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
57%

2011

 
 
51%

2010

 
 
54%

2009

 
 
54%
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.

270 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
87%
English Language Arts

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

525 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
61%

2011

 
 
61%

2010

 
 
56%

2009

 
 
55%
General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards)

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

237 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
35%

2011

 
 
33%

2010

 
 
57%

2009

 
 
50%
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 87% in 2012.

54 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
99%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
90%
History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative

The state average for History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative was 52% in 2012.

558 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
58%

2011

 
 
55%

2010

 
 
57%

2009

 
 
52%
Science

The state average for Science was 66% in 2012.

524 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
72%

2011

 
 
67%

2010

 
 
65%

2009

 
 
67%
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

All Students97%
Females97%
Males97%
African Americann/a
Asian100%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino95%
White (not Hispanic)92%
Economically disadvantaged94%
Non-economically disadvantaged98%
Students with no reported disability97%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only97%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented96%
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 graduate100%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

English Language Arts

All Students68%
Females70%
Males66%
African American64%
Asian81%
Filipino96%
Hispanic or Latino61%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)73%
Economically disadvantaged57%
Non-economically disadvantaged75%
Students with disability35%
Students with no reported disability70%
English learner40%
Fluent-English proficient and English only74%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate50%
Parent education - high school graduate59%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)72%
Parent education - college graduate80%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate74%
Parent education - declined to state60%

Math

All Students57%
Females56%
Males58%
African American46%
Asian67%
Filipino67%
Hispanic or Latino52%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)66%
Economically disadvantaged52%
Non-economically disadvantaged60%
Students with disability24%
Students with no reported disability59%
English learner41%
Fluent-English proficient and English only61%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented95%
Parent education - not a high school graduate53%
Parent education - high school graduate56%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)61%
Parent education - college graduate66%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate59%
Parent education - declined to state38%
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 Students77%
Females78%
Males75%
African American72%
Asian100%
Filipino83%
Hispanic or Latino76%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)75%
Economically disadvantaged76%
Non-economically disadvantaged77%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability77%
English learner69%
Fluent-English proficient and English only77%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented90%
Parent education - not a high school graduate78%
Parent education - high school graduate80%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)77%
Parent education - college graduate68%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate83%
Parent education - declined to state86%

English Language Arts

All Students61%
Females70%
Males52%
African American53%
Asian92%
Filipino77%
Hispanic or Latino51%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)70%
Economically disadvantaged45%
Non-economically disadvantaged72%
Students with disability22%
Students with no reported disability63%
English learner22%
Fluent-English proficient and English only68%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate48%
Parent education - high school graduate46%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)65%
Parent education - college graduate72%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate85%
Parent education - declined to state38%

General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards)

All Students35%
Females38%
Males33%
African American22%
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino30%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)51%
Economically disadvantaged30%
Non-economically disadvantaged43%
Students with disability9%
Students with no reported disability43%
English learner20%
Fluent-English proficient and English only43%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate29%
Parent education - high school graduate30%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)37%
Parent education - college graduate47%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state26%

Geometry

All Students99%
Females96%
Males100%
African Americann/a
Asian100%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino100%
White (not Hispanic)94%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged100%
Students with no reported disability98%
Fluent-English proficient and English only98%
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)100%
Parent education - college graduate100%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate93%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative

All Students58%
Females62%
Males54%
African American47%
Asian92%
Filipino77%
Hispanic or Latino47%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)67%
Economically disadvantaged40%
Non-economically disadvantaged71%
Students with disability14%
Students with no reported disability63%
English learner16%
Fluent-English proficient and English only67%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented98%
Parent education - not a high school graduate43%
Parent education - high school graduate48%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)58%
Parent education - college graduate74%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate87%
Parent education - declined to state33%

Science

All Students72%
Females74%
Males70%
African American58%
Asian92%
Filipino90%
Hispanic or Latino62%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)84%
Economically disadvantaged56%
Non-economically disadvantaged83%
Students with disability39%
Students with no reported disability73%
English learner39%
Fluent-English proficient and English only78%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate48%
Parent education - high school graduate64%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)73%
Parent education - college graduate83%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate89%
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 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%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 116%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 225%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 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%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 8N/A11
Average years teaching 11N/A13
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Full credential 97%N/A96%
Emergency credential or waiver 5%N/A2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

26623 May Way
Santa Clarita, CA 91351
Website: Click here
Phone: (661) 250-0022

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