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GreatSchools Rating

John Adams Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 412 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

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

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15 reviews of this school


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Posted May 14, 2013

The teachers are really responsive and care for every kid. The principal stays well involved in school activities. The parents frequently and happily volunteer in the classes. Having YMCA in the same campus is a huge blessing. A nice cultural blend will surely help in the development of young minds. Overall a very healthy school environment.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 3, 2009

John Adams Elem. has the best carriculum and the best teachers.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 16, 2009

John Adams Elementary School has wonderful, qualified and warm teachers and John Adams has provided our daughters with the best education. We purchased our home in Torrance because of the school reputation and John Adams has not disappointed us. Our daughters have grown and excelled in their academics and I contribute it to their school. Thank you John Adams for being such a great school and family to us. We wish we could keep you through middle and high school. Our daughters will certainly leave with more knowledge and many happy memories. You're the best!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 22, 2009

Both my children attend Adams, as did I and my mother (she was in the first graduating class). The teachers make the school. My oldest son (7y.o) has ADHD and currently has a 504 plan. His teacher and the team were very creative in devising strategies to meet his unique needs, and all of the accomodations were implemented immediately and with respect for my son. As a County Social Worker I have seen the lack of support in other schools and I am thankful that my children attend Adams.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 27, 2008

Our son started first grade and we are very happy with his development, his teacher is an excellent teacher and the Principal has introduce great changes to the school. Our Daughter will start first grade this year as well. The best thing is that is a small school and hope to keep it that way, we hope that the city of Torrance don't raise the number of student per class due to budget cuts.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 10, 2008

As a parent of an Adams alum, I have to say that I am surprised to see a negative review on this site. We moved from South Redondo and my son received a much better education at Adams. I give credit to his teachers and the Principal for working with him to bring out his best and welcoming us as parent volunteers. The academic standards were set high and my highly gifted child was able to excel thanks to them. They work with the whole child and everyone right down to the 'cafeteria lady' takes an interest in seeing your child succeed. Kudos, John Adams, keep up the good work.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 7, 2007

i just moved from los angeles to torrance.i have 1 kid in 3 grade and the other in k1.I'm pleased with my kids grades and progress compared to those at LAUSD.All i can say is thank teachers and torrance district spirit .
—Submitted by albert sidney palacios, a parent


Posted August 29, 2007

I love this school. It is small enough so that parents can be involved as they choose. The Academics are top notch & teacher, child, parent communication is A++!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 28, 2007

As a parent I m VERY displeased with the current academic structure at John Adams. I was extremely disappointed to find that this school lacks the strong academic values that are crucial to young children and that every parent seeks. The teacher and aide's respect towards these children and their parents is embarrassing to the entire TUSD. Having known what I know today I would have NEVER enrolled my children at this school. The lack of responsibility in the day to day academics is unfortunate.
—Submitted by Kim, a parent


Posted February 28, 2007

Very safe school with a small town feel. The teachers and staff really care for these students
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 1, 2006

PTA is full of self centered snobs.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 1, 2006

Disappointed in the quality of academics, leadership, safety and discipline,overall quality of this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 20, 2006

Sad to see the old principal retire. The new one is making progress though it's too soon to tell. Overall a very nice small school, a very safe and nurturing environment. Creative and fun approach. All teachers are caring, highly qualified and very involved in their students' progress.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 15, 2006

This school was a big disappointment academically.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 22, 2006

Teachers at Adams care about their students. Most are creative and make learning fun. High quality academics where kids can excell. Lots of parents involved in classroom and PTA.
—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

852

Change from
2011 to 2012

-20

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

8 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

7 / 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

852

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

-20

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)

7 / 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.

70 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
52%

2010

 
 
68%

2009

 
 
68%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

70 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%

2011

 
 
64%

2010

 
 
70%

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.

79 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
45%

2011

 
 
59%

2010

 
 
58%

2009

 
 
59%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

78 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
77%

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 67% in 2012.

45 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
91%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

45 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
91%
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.

65 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
72%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
74%

2009

 
 
58%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

67 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
73%

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
55%

2009

 
 
50%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

67 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
80%

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

All Students60%
Females55%
Males65%
African Americann/a
Asian83%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino41%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)67%
Economically disadvantaged40%
Non-economically disadvantaged75%
Students with disability42%
Students with no reported disability64%
English learner30%
Fluent-English proficient and English only72%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate27%
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)53%
Parent education - college graduate83%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students74%
Females70%
Males78%
African Americann/a
Asian100%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino62%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)73%
Economically disadvantaged57%
Non-economically disadvantaged88%
Students with disability58%
Students with no reported disability78%
English learner60%
Fluent-English proficient and English only80%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate55%
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)73%
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 Students45%
Females54%
Males37%
African Americann/a
Asian64%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino32%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)57%
Economically disadvantaged30%
Non-economically disadvantaged57%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability48%
English learner8%
Fluent-English proficient and English only52%
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)n/a
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state47%

Math

All Students68%
Females68%
Males68%
African Americann/a
Asian100%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino48%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)75%
Economically disadvantaged48%
Non-economically disadvantaged82%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability68%
English learner50%
Fluent-English proficient and English only71%
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)n/a
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state81%
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 Students84%
Females95%
Males77%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino79%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged81%
Non-economically disadvantaged89%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability84%
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 graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)91%
Parent education - college graduate83%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students82%
Females95%
Males73%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino79%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged81%
Non-economically disadvantaged84%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability84%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only83%
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)64%
Parent education - college graduate92%
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 Students72%
Females83%
Males64%
African Americann/a
Asian89%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino59%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)92%
Economically disadvantaged74%
Non-economically disadvantaged71%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability76%
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 graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)59%
Parent education - college graduate82%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students73%
Females76%
Males71%
African Americann/a
Asian89%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino67%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)69%
Economically disadvantaged68%
Non-economically disadvantaged77%
Students with disability50%
Students with no reported disability78%
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 graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)72%
Parent education - college graduate72%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students68%
Females66%
Males71%
African Americann/a
Asian89%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino48%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)85%
Economically disadvantaged61%
Non-economically disadvantaged74%
Students with disability42%
Students with no reported disability75%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only75%
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)67%
Parent education - college graduate61%
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

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 30% 28%
Hispanic or Latino 27% 49%
Asian 21% 8%
Multiple or No Response 18% 3%
Filipino 2% 3%
African American 1% 7%
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 118%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 234%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 44% 85%
Korean 14% 1%
Japanese 13% 0%
All other non-English languages 10% 1%
Cantonese 4% 2%
Farsi (Persian) 3% 0%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 3% 1%
Hindi 1% 0%
Mandarin (Putonghua) 1% 1%
Portuguese 1% 0%
Punjabi 1% 1%
Turkish 1% 0%
Urdu 1% 0%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Average class size

  This school District averageState average
Average class size 20N/A25
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 12N/A11
Average years teaching 12N/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!

2121 238th St
Torrance, CA 90501
Phone: (310) 533-4480

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