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GreatSchools Rating

Ponderosa Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 545 students

 
 
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
Based on 1 rating

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Parent involvement

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20 reviews of this school


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Posted June 8, 2013

My daughter finished her Kindergarten in Ponderosa, and it was a great year for her at school. Her Kindergarten Teacher for always very responsive, and addressed my daughter's academic, social as well as artistic needs. The Principal is very approachable, and dedicated to the school programs. The PTA group does a great job in supporting various events, and communication with parents is great. I will definitely recommend the school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 23, 2012

I'm very happy with Ponderosa. I have two daughters my oldest one has been going there for 4 years and youngest one for 2 years. So far I have liked all of there teachers. I like Mrs. Jackson I think she does a GREAT JOB.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 22, 2012

My child has been attending Ponderosa since K and we are very happy with the teachers and Principal of this school. Staff and Principal truly care about the well-being of every child. The principal knows every student (all 500 of them!) by sight and is very involved in activities that promote academic enrichment and achievement among the students. Like in any other school, some teachers are more stellar in their instructional technique than others, but overall, there is a genuine interest in ensuring that each child succeeds, academically and socially. Strong PTA presence and involvement among the parents. Would highly recommend this school to others.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 19, 2011

My daughter just started her kindergarten here at Ponderosa. She loves it ! Her teacher is very caring for her students. We are happy at this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 20, 2010

My child has been attending Ponderosa school since last three years and we are very pleased with his progress. Overall, he is very happy in the school especially when we moved him from Challenger school. Teachers pay attention on a 1:1 basis and get parents involved when needed. Staff and principal is very supportive to innovative ideas (in the time of budget crisis) and implement those ideas. We are fortunate to be in the neighborhood of Ponderosa school. I will highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 2, 2009

It is one of the best schools. I am very blessed to have my son study in that school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 11, 2008

My son went to this school and i can say this is one of the best school he has attended.The teachers here are great and principal is very very experienced.This school has played a major role in developing neighbourhood areas.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 15, 2007

I think it's a great school. The language curriculum is fantastic! Teachers are very educated and caring. It's very easy to meet and talk with them. All the parents know each other and the kids. Our new principal is very strong and the PTA is excellent. We have lots of events and activities going on. I'm happy that my son attends Ponderosa.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 8, 2006

I have had 4 children enrolled at Ponderosa and know most of the teachers there. We have had our children in 3 different elementary schools over the years. The teachers at Ponderosa are exceptional. One of our children was struggling academically when we moved to the area. The teachers at Ponderosa have made a tremendous difference in his performance and adademic confidence. I can't praise them enough.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 18, 2006

I student taught at this school and the atmosphere was incredibal. Very positive staff. In it to help the children.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted March 15, 2006

Poor math curriculum compared to the same grade in other schools, which are already teaching multiplication and division in the second grade.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 8, 2006

My daughter is in Ponderosa Grade 1. I am happy with the teachers but I feel that studetns are capable of much more than they asked to do.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 7, 2006

I am very pleased with the quilty of teaching at ponderosa. It is a great place for children to learn and thrive.The school over all is a great place to be.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 29, 2005

My two kids went to ponderosa and we are very happy with the school.Excellent school. Very caring teaches. It's very safe school also. I like reading program the best. Math and science is excellent. So many different fun program during school year and PTA is the best.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 27, 2005

Excellent school... amazing teaching staff that really cares about the kids. Exemplary program in writing, but good math teaching, as well.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 14, 2005

Ponderosa is a wonderful school. The teachers truly care about their students and have year around functions for families and students giving it a real sense of community.
—Submitted by chas, a parent


Posted April 20, 2005

My son goes to Ponderosa (3rd grade). Our experience with Ponderosa has been very good. They seem to focus on academics and their math and science curriculum is good. They are little on the lighter side as far as extracurricular activities are concerned. My sone enjoys going to Ponderosa.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 28, 2005

Good school. Teachers are good.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 17, 2005

My daughter transferred from Benjamin Cory Elementary and the quality of education she is now receiving is monumenmtal. The environment at Ponderosa made the transition into the 3rd grade very easy for her and she has really excelled, and even receiveed a superstar award for reading.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 1, 2004

A very caring and nurturing school. I was so pleased, and pleasantly surprised when I moved from Massachussets. I had heard horror stories about California public schools, but could not have been more surprised. The faculty works very hard, and they are supported by very understanding staff.
—Submitted by Ram Nad, 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

867

Change from
2011 to 2012

+15

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

7 / 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 met all student subgroup API targets for 2012

This school's
API score

867

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

+15

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)

7 / 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 58% in 2012.

104 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
63%

2011

 
 
61%

2010

 
 
62%

2009

 
 
68%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

104 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
66%

2011

 
 
68%

2010

 
 
64%

2009

 
 
76%
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.

84 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
55%

2011

 
 
50%

2010

 
 
67%

2009

 
 
62%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

85 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
73%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
73%
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.

76 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
69%

2009

 
 
72%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

77 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
74%

2009

 
 
73%
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.

75 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
72%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
68%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

75 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
77%

2009

 
 
74%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

75 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
72%

2010

 
 
77%

2009

 
 
63%
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 Students63%
Females74%
Males54%
African Americann/a
Asian81%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino34%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)76%
Economically disadvantaged29%
Non-economically disadvantaged81%
Students with disability38%
Students with no reported disability67%
English learner57%
Fluent-English proficient and English only68%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate17%
Parent education - high school graduate23%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)58%
Parent education - college graduate68%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate90%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students66%
Females68%
Males65%
African Americann/a
Asian86%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino34%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)76%
Economically disadvantaged31%
Non-economically disadvantaged84%
Students with disability31%
Students with no reported disability71%
English learner62%
Fluent-English proficient and English only72%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate33%
Parent education - high school graduate38%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)42%
Parent education - college graduate73%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate90%
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 Students55%
Females54%
Males55%
African Americann/a
Asian71%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino22%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)55%
Economically disadvantaged23%
Non-economically disadvantaged69%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability56%
English learner35%
Fluent-English proficient and English only68%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate44%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)53%
Parent education - college graduate69%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate65%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students73%
Females71%
Males74%
African Americann/a
Asian83%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino43%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)91%
Economically disadvantaged46%
Non-economically disadvantaged85%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability75%
English learner65%
Fluent-English proficient and English only78%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate72%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)53%
Parent education - college graduate88%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate86%
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 Students77%
Females74%
Males82%
African Americann/a
Asian82%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino64%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)89%
Economically disadvantaged62%
Non-economically disadvantaged86%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability75%
English learner64%
Fluent-English proficient and English only84%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate67%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)82%
Parent education - college graduate92%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate72%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students83%
Females87%
Males79%
African Americann/a
Asian89%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino72%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)89%
Economically disadvantaged69%
Non-economically disadvantaged90%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability84%
English learner76%
Fluent-English proficient and English only87%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate60%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)100%
Parent education - college graduate92%
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

English Language Arts

All Students88%
Females89%
Males88%
African Americann/a
Asian91%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino73%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)95%
Economically disadvantaged65%
Non-economically disadvantaged96%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability87%
English learner50%
Fluent-English proficient and English only95%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)82%
Parent education - college graduate97%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students89%
Females89%
Males90%
African Americann/a
Asian97%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino67%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)95%
Economically disadvantaged70%
Non-economically disadvantaged96%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability89%
English learner67%
Fluent-English proficient and English only93%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)73%
Parent education - college graduate100%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students89%
Females89%
Males90%
African Americann/a
Asian91%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino87%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)95%
Economically disadvantaged80%
Non-economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability89%
English learner75%
Fluent-English proficient and English only92%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)73%
Parent education - college graduate97%
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
Asian 37% 11%
Hispanic 30% 51%
White 26% 27%
Two or more races 4% 3%
Black 2% 7%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 1%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 0% 1%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 148%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 232%N/A54%
Source: 1 CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Source: 2 NCES, 2010-2011

Average class size

  This school District averageState average
Average class size 21N/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 13N/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

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804 Ponderosa Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Phone: (408) 423-4000

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