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GreatSchools Rating

Big Springs Elementary School

Public | K-6 | 604 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 3 ratings

Teacher quality

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Parent involvement

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16 reviews of this school


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Posted April 1, 2013

This school is amazing! The level of parent and teacher involvement is remarkable. I am so pleased with this school. The PTA is awesome too!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 18, 2012

Love this school! I have two children attending Big Springs. The teachers and staff are amazing. There is so much parent involvement and this makes the school a better place for our children. The PTA offers so many extra programs to make this school even more special.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 12, 2010


—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 26, 2010

I am a Grandparent of a second grader and spend a lot of time at the school.Kindergarten and first grade were excellent.However I cannot say the same for second grade.The teachers she has have not motivated her in any way.She is a great student and gets good grades.She has never received a word of praise and is beginning to feel discouraged.I'll be happy to see third grade


Posted April 21, 2010

I love this school. They have such great teachers and staff and the kids always come first. My kids have thrived there!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 5, 2010

My kindergardner and I love Big Springs. Great Staffs and Great school
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 28, 2009

We also moved to Simi from porter ranch Where my Kids attend a High Achieving school at first it was a shocker due to the low Parent involvement (financial). We came from a school that raised a lot of money for the kids, at Big Springs you don't have that. The staff does a great job with what they have and Miss Radloff is a no non sence person she runs a great ship. All my kids did great there and I still have one there.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 26, 2008

I'am a Grandparent and find this an excellent and caring school, I'am happy my Granddaughter attends this school.


Posted July 28, 2008

I really love this school. I debated on sending my children to private school, but I had heard such great things about Big Springs, I thought we'd try it first. All of my kids are currently attending school here or will be soon. I have been extremely pleased with the staff and all of the teachers they have had through the years. The PTA and most of the parents are committed to donating their support (in too many ways to count) to the school. I feel that we made the right choice for our children's education.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 23, 2007

My daughter just started Kindergarten this year. It has been a great experience. her teacher is great with the kids.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 27, 2007

We love Big Springs Elem. school. The teachers are wonderful and the principal is so involved and caring. The parent involvement is first class. The PTA is very strong and does a lot for the school. I wish they had a full day Kindergarten program and more programs afterschool, however.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 3, 2006

So far so good! My Kindergardner is thriving @ Big Springs and loving it!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 25, 2006

SImi Valley schools are known for their academic performance and Big Springs is no exception. Big Springs is listed as a 10 out of 10 in the state API index. The teachers are great and when it comes to parent involvement, there is never an empty seat, from PTA meetings, field trips to the special events held almopst weekly. I am certain you couldn't get a better education at a private school. No disapointments here, whatsoever.
—Submitted by Daniel Farr, a parent


Posted August 25, 2005

Big springs elementry school was a very big dispointment. My experience with the principal as well as the teachers was horrifying. The pricipal was extremely unprofessional in both her attitude and appearance. I was unhappy with their attitudes, and their inability to recognise a parent for their efforts and what they are trying to accomplish as a team for the sake of the childs education. I felt judged, ridiculed, and demoralized, and labeled as person based on the principles veiws of what she feels are proper morals and values. Due to a divorce and having to relocate my child had excessive absences, and staff repremanded her in such a manner that she started to show low self esteem and low self worth. Adapting to new surroundings, new school, and new city was hard enough on my child. I was extremly dissatisfied with the principal and staff!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 2, 2005

Thank You for allowing me to student teach at your wonderful school. Mrs. Dianne Brunner was the best mentor I could have had, and Mrs. Radloff was helpful and kind. The children were good students and quick to learn. Again, thank you for this opportunity.
—Submitted by Nancy Renbarger, a former student


Posted January 31, 2005

I have been extremely impressed by the level of participation given by the teachers. The don't hesitate to give extra time to benefit the students. This school boasts a music program with an extracurricular student choir and bell orchestra. They often have student drama productions. The classrooms are dynamic. The student's manners and discipline upon the school grounds are incredible. The school facilities, while aging, are impeccably clean and well cared for daily. The teachers are obviously well supported by their administration and is shows in their creativity and their students.
—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

923

Change from
2011 to 2012

+6

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

9 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

9 / 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

923

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

+6

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)

9 / 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.

89 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
78%

2009

 
 
70%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

89 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
78%

2009

 
 
77%
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.

82 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
56%

2009

 
 
74%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

84 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
89%
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.

89 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
89%

2009

 
 
87%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

92 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
93%

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
89%

2009

 
 
81%
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.

96 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
93%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

97 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
88%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

96 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
84%

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 59% in 2012.

89 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
83%
Math

The state average for Math was 55% in 2012.

93 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
82%
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 Students81%
Females84%
Males78%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)81%
Economically disadvantaged67%
Non-economically disadvantaged83%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability86%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only79%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate82%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)68%
Parent education - college graduate93%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students82%
Females81%
Males83%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)84%
Economically disadvantaged75%
Non-economically disadvantaged83%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability85%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only81%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate82%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)73%
Parent education - college graduate83%
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 Students80%
Females81%
Males80%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino75%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)80%
Economically disadvantaged75%
Non-economically disadvantaged81%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability81%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only80%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate59%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)83%
Parent education - college graduate88%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students92%
Females91%
Males92%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino69%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)95%
Economically disadvantaged85%
Non-economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability94%
English learnern/a
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 graduate87%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)89%
Parent education - college graduate96%
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 Students88%
Females93%
Males86%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino92%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)87%
Economically disadvantaged83%
Non-economically disadvantaged90%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability89%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only90%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate67%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)90%
Parent education - college graduate95%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students93%
Females90%
Males94%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)90%
Economically disadvantaged83%
Non-economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability93%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only92%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate82%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)90%
Parent education - college graduate95%
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 Students79%
Females80%
Males78%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino76%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)82%
Economically disadvantaged71%
Non-economically disadvantaged80%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability80%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only79%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate54%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)84%
Parent education - college graduate88%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students80%
Females76%
Males83%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino77%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)80%
Economically disadvantaged67%
Non-economically disadvantaged82%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability81%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only79%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate54%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)80%
Parent education - college graduate92%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students78%
Females76%
Males78%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino76%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)78%
Economically disadvantaged79%
Non-economically disadvantaged77%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability79%
English learnern/a
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 graduate58%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)76%
Parent education - college graduate88%
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 Students92%
Females98%
Males86%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)92%
Economically disadvantaged92%
Non-economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability92%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only93%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate92%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)100%
Parent education - college graduate89%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate92%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students89%
Females92%
Males84%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)88%
Economically disadvantaged73%
Non-economically disadvantaged91%
Students with disability85%
Students with no reported disability89%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only89%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate88%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)91%
Parent education - college graduate89%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate92%
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
White 79% 28%
Hispanic or Latino 10% 49%
Asian 5% 8%
Multiple or No Response 4% 3%
American Indian or Alaska Native 1% 1%
African American 0% 7%
Filipino 0% 3%
Pacific Islander 0% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 12%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 29%N/A52%
Source: 1 CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Source: 2 NCES, 2008-2009

Average class size

  This school District averageState average
Average class size 22N/A25
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 11N/A11
Average years teaching 19N/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
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

3401 Big Springs Avenue
Simi Valley, CA 93063
Phone: (805) 520-6710

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