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GreatSchools Rating

Westborough Middle School

Public | 6-8 | 687 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 4 ratings

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21 reviews of this school


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Posted April 21, 2010

I currently go to WMS as a 7th grader and so far, most of the teachers,counselors,and the principal is really nice. The school only has 1 class where you are like 1 year ahead, as far as i know. I love their contests, events,and prizes. They got great teachers. Most of them push you to do your work and it really helps.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 20, 2010

I'm am so glad my child is at Westborough. He is having a great experience at this school. Have not heard a thing about bullying or any other sort of problem. The principal is great as are the teachers I've encountered thus far.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 19, 2010

Westborough is probably the best middle school in the district but not the best school out there. The students aren't at all very nice and there are cliques everywhere. None of the students really excel and some of the classes are way too easy. And, the rules are super strict. They have cameras around the school because they don't trust the students.
—Submitted by a student


Posted March 24, 2010

Westoborough is by far the best Middle school in the city of South San Francisco. All three of my children have attended this school and love it so much! It is safe, kids are friendly, the principal and the teachers are great and go beyond their duties. Especially Mr. Grant, who wonderfully supports the children in need. I totally recommend this school. Thank you
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 5, 2010

i am a student here, AND I LOVE THIS SCHOOL !!! the teachers are great,kids are nice, and you can get great rewards for getting good grades!!! I COULD NEVER ASK FOR A BETTER LEARNING ENVIRONMENT OR SCHOOL !!! i hope you like it (for yourself or for your children :))
—Submitted by a student


Posted July 4, 2009

I think the school is safe, but it does not really challenge higher level students. I think they simply teach to tests--and don't really engage students and foster a love of learning. Most assignments seem simplistic and rote. I son is not motivated to simply take a bunch of tests. Some of the teachers are really great; I guess they have their hands tied by the District Office which must be dictating the need to teach to tests.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 3, 2009

I am currently a student at westborough, and I totally love this school. It rocks! It got clubs, and stuff. I'm a cheerleader. And, they have student stores, gym, anything you would ever want in a great middle school.
—Submitted by a student


Posted March 8, 2009

I am currently a student of Westborough. Please excuse any grammar mistakes I may make due to the fact that I am typing really fast. I love Westborough this is my third year and I will surely miss it. This school is very friendly and the teachers really care. They will spend all of there spare time if you are in need of assistance. Mr. Grant is a great help to all students. The greatest fact about my school is that they have extra help which goes beyond paid hours. I hope that in the future my school will be the same so others can get the education I did. Our school just got new textbooks, Smartboards ( High technology touch screen boards), and will be putting in a Geometry class next year. I hope this betters your son/daughters life.
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 7, 2008

I currently go to westborough and i have one the TOP grades in Social Studies,Science,and P.E. The teachers are real supportive. Yes, and i know of the 'thuggish' problem overthere. One word: WANNABES! They just want to be cool and 'fit' in. I prefer to stand out because i know of the trouble that would happen if your child gets engaged in this kind of what i call stupidity.
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 4, 2008

My girls went from a very EXPENSIVE private school to Westborough...and we are COLLEGE BOUND! It was the best decision that we could have made and we are greatful for the dedication and the careing help that we received. GO WILDCATS!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 13, 2008

I think Westborough is a terrific school. The principal, Beth is terrific. The staff and teachers are terrific. I can only think of two teachers i don't like. Most of the kids are terrific. The only negative comment I have is that there is definitely a 'thugish' element that is there now (with my third child) that wasn't there with my first child. But that is still a very small segment of the student population. And just to be clear, 'thugish' is not racist shorthand...one of the things we love about Westborough is its' wonderfully diverse student population. In response to the last review, I politely disagree but feel I have to point out that whoever wrote the review doesn't know to add an apostrophe to make the word 'childs' possessive, so that might help explain his/her child's poor grades. Westborough does have some demanding teachers.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 21, 2007

Westborough is awful. My child went there and he went from Straight A's to Straght F's. The teachers dont support my childs needs and the kids there are mainly bullying. I feel unsafe that my child goes to this horrible school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 19, 2007

Being a former student of Westborough, and a recently promoted one at that, I know the benefits of going to this school. The administrative staff is prompt with responses, and teachers make sure their students are getting what they need to achieve academic success. I feel students and teachers at Westborough can easily connect, thus making it even easier for the students to learn what is needed. The WEB, Peer Tutor, and Big Brother/Sister programs are great for helping new and attention-needing students, as well.
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 7, 2006

WMS is an excellent school thanks to the leadship of Beth Orofino. She really cares about the school and the students. She knows all 700 plus students. I went to WMS myself and I am happy my son is there now. The teachers are good.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 8, 2006

I feel that so many programs are being cut. Not many students have regular access to computer classes, wood and metal shop and art classes.
—Submitted by a former student


Posted March 20, 2006

Westborough Middle School in my opinion has high level of academic programs. I have 2 children who attend this scool for 2005-2006 and both have challenging academic programs. Access to information regarding child's status in class (homeworks; tests; etc.) via web is extremely beneficial. Teachers are consistent in their ability to inform parents. My daughter is in basketball team and I have noticed that there is much support from the school regarding these activities. Parents attendance at these activities are extremely high. Consistent programs in the schools safety are constantly implemented. Extra curricular activities for students are awarded via points basis and are given awards at the end of the school year once milestones are achieved. Overall, my children seem to enjoy going to this school very much and also enjoy being a non-uniform school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 12, 2006

WMS is a great middle school. Ms. Orofino and Ms.Cummings are a wonderful, caring team! I wish more parents were involved!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 24, 2006

Westborough is a great school to go to. They run a great program. The teachers are very polite and cool.
—Submitted by a former student


Posted August 29, 2005

I have learned a lot from this school. And I am truly proud to have had the honor fo going to Westborough.
—Submitted by Jaymie Payuran, a student


Posted August 15, 2005

This is a school that truly cares about each and every student who walks through the doors each morning!
—Submitted by a staff


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

843

Change from
2011 to 2012

+2

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

8 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

4 / 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

843

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

+2

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)

8 / 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)

4 / 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 59% in 2012.

213 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
61%

2010

 
 
60%

2009

 
 
58%
Math

The state average for Math was 55% in 2012.

220 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
56%

2011

 
 
60%

2010

 
 
64%

2009

 
 
55%
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 86% in 2012.

53 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
98%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
97%
English Language Arts

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

230 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
69%

2010

 
 
70%

2009

 
 
56%
Math

The state average for Math was 52% in 2012.

176 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
58%

2011

 
 
66%

2010

 
 
60%

2009

 
 
39%
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.

151 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
61%

2011

 
 
56%

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
99%
English Language Arts

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

201 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
67%

2010

 
 
62%

2009

 
 
53%
General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards)

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

37 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
8%

2011

 
 
4%

2010

 
 
57%

2009

 
 
60%
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 87% in 2012.

24 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
n/a
History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative

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

212 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
67%

2010

 
 
60%

2009

 
 
53%
Science

The state average for Science was 66% in 2012.

200 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
68%

2009

 
 
71%
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 Students67%
Females65%
Males68%
African Americann/a
Asian73%
Filipino71%
Hispanic or Latino64%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)68%
Economically disadvantaged51%
Non-economically disadvantaged75%
Students with disability50%
Students with no reported disability68%
English learner44%
Fluent-English proficient and English only71%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate48%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)63%
Parent education - college graduate75%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate76%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students56%
Females53%
Males58%
African Americann/a
Asian84%
Filipino57%
Hispanic or Latino42%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)60%
Economically disadvantaged42%
Non-economically disadvantaged63%
Students with disability19%
Students with no reported disability59%
English learner37%
Fluent-English proficient and English only59%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented96%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate38%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)47%
Parent education - college graduate67%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate65%
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

Algebra I

All Students98%
Females100%
Males95%
African Americann/a
Asian100%
Filipino95%
Hispanic or Latinon/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged100%
Non-economically disadvantaged98%
Students with no reported disability98%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only98%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented97%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)94%
Parent education - college graduate100%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

English Language Arts

All Students80%
Females85%
Males74%
African Americann/a
Asian89%
Filipino82%
Hispanic or Latino77%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)75%
Economically disadvantaged70%
Non-economically disadvantaged83%
Students with disability47%
Students with no reported disability83%
English learner40%
Fluent-English proficient and English only84%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate53%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)79%
Parent education - college graduate87%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate77%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students58%
Females57%
Males59%
African Americann/a
Asian88%
Filipino60%
Hispanic or Latino38%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)75%
Economically disadvantaged43%
Non-economically disadvantaged64%
Students with disability33%
Students with no reported disability60%
English learner26%
Fluent-English proficient and English only62%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate44%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)49%
Parent education - college graduate66%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate72%
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

Algebra I

All Students61%
Females65%
Males58%
African Americann/a
Asian67%
Filipino68%
Hispanic or Latino43%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)71%
Economically disadvantaged59%
Non-economically disadvantaged63%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability62%
English learner69%
Fluent-English proficient and English only61%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented75%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate57%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)53%
Parent education - college graduate63%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate83%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

English Language Arts

All Students68%
Females68%
Males67%
African Americann/a
Asian88%
Filipino80%
Hispanic or Latino45%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)78%
Economically disadvantaged55%
Non-economically disadvantaged73%
Students with disability19%
Students with no reported disability72%
English learner29%
Fluent-English proficient and English only71%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented92%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate58%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)60%
Parent education - college graduate85%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate66%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards)

All Students8%
Females6%
Males10%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino7%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged0%
Non-economically disadvantaged14%
Students with disability9%
Students with no reported disability7%
English learner0%
Fluent-English proficient and English only12%
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)8%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Geometry

All Students88%
Femalesn/a
Males82%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipino73%
Hispanic or Latinon/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged86%
Students with no reported disability88%
Fluent-English proficient and English only88%
Gifted and talented94%
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 graduate93%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative

All Students67%
Females66%
Males67%
African American36%
Asian84%
Filipino75%
Hispanic or Latino53%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)63%
Economically disadvantaged56%
Non-economically disadvantaged71%
Students with disability21%
Students with no reported disability73%
English learner25%
Fluent-English proficient and English only72%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented92%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate65%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)54%
Parent education - college graduate81%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate73%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students70%
Females66%
Males72%
African Americann/a
Asian88%
Filipino80%
Hispanic or Latino49%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)72%
Economically disadvantaged62%
Non-economically disadvantaged73%
Students with disability38%
Students with no reported disability72%
English learner56%
Fluent-English proficient and English only71%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented89%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate60%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)60%
Parent education - college graduate81%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate83%
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
Filipino 48% 3%
Hispanic or Latino 17% 49%
Asian 14% 8%
White 12% 28%
African American 5% 7%
Pacific Islander 3% 1%
American Indian or Alaska Native 0% 1%
Multiple or No Response 0% 3%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 112%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 228%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
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 37% 1%
Spanish 37% 85%
Arabic 10% 1%
Cantonese 5% 2%
Portuguese 4% 0%
All other non-English languages 1% 1%
Hindi 1% 0%
Ilocano 1% 0%
Indonesian 1% 0%
Punjabi 1% 1%
Samoan 1% 0%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 12N/A11
Average years teaching 15N/A13
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Full credential 89%N/A96%
Emergency credential or waiver 0%N/A2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

2570 Westborough Boulevard
South San Francisco, CA 94080
Website: Click here
Phone: (650) 877-8848

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