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GreatSchools Rating

Wanda Hirsch Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 663 students

Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

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

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23 reviews of this school


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Posted September 27, 2010

The Principal is fantastic. Always available and around the school ensuring that everything is going well.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 19, 2010

Excellent teachers who really challenge students .. I couldn't be happier.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 6, 2010

Hirsch is awesome! As a teacher and parent I have the opportunity to work with an unbelievable staff, and a supportive, positive principal. Both my kids attended Hirsch from k-5th. Trust me, there isn't a better school out there in Tracy.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 21, 2009

I think that the teachers at Hirsch are truly some of the best teachers out there! I will be extremely sad when my youngest daughter (my oldest went through Hirsch & is now at Williams) moves on to middle school! Thank you to all the excellent teachers at Hirsch....you really did make a difference!! Go Patriots!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 21, 2009

Awesome, awesome, awesome teachers and Mr. Fine is the best principle ever!! My kids love Wanda Hirsch!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 20, 2009

We've got great kids, great parents, a great principal and a great staff!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 20, 2009

They have a great staff that works there. They have a wonderful reading program for kids.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 20, 2009

We have the best teachers and principal in Tracy. Go Patriots !!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 2, 2009

All of my children have had wonderful experiences at this school. The teachers are caring, and go above and beyond to provide excellent classromm experiences.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 15, 2009

The teacher at this school don't care and the pricipal is useless I was happy to get my child out of that school he did not learn a thing while he attended the school
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 27, 2008

Unfortunately, we've had some bad experiences with two different teachers at Wanda Hirsch. However, we believe these may be isolated incidents because overall, our children have enjoyed their learning experiences with other teachers. Additionally, the office staff and principal are very helpful and supportive.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 28, 2008

It is the best school with best teachers around.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 17, 2007

Wanda Hirsch is an awesome school. Our children have enjoyed their experience, the teachers have been awesome and the principal has an excellent rapport with both the staff and the kids. There is a great deal of parental involvement. I am thrill that this is 'our' school, and will fight relocating to keep it!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 28, 2007

Wanda Hirsch has been an excellent school for my children. I highly recommend this school to anyone looking for a great school for their kids.The principal is awesome and the teachers give a 100% all the time. Wanda Hirsch has a student council program for 4th and 5th graders. Boys and Girls basketball after school for 4th and 5th graders a teacher volunteers to coach.This is my oldest son last year at Hirsch and we have had nothing but positive experiences at the school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 19, 2007

My two grandchildren have attended Wanda Hirsch since kindergarden (one is in 5th now). We have been so fortunate to have the very best teachers, Principal, and office staff at Hirsch school. The teachers, Principal, and office staff go 150% out of their way in helping with any problems or situations that come up -- and show the highest concern and care towards helping the children learn both academically and socially. Hirsch teachers, Principal, and office staff have consistently over the past 5 plus years treated my grandchildren with the utmost respect and concern - even in difficult times. I appreciate all they have done for us over the years, and when we have to move on to another school, we will greatly miss their caring ways and excellence in academic teaching. I recommend Hirsch Elementary to anyone looking for the very best school in Tracy for their children to attend.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 12, 2006

Good school and great teachers.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 21, 2005

For an elementary school in CA, this school attempts to maintain all aspects of learning, even with budget cuts. That includes sports and music. The teachers are really dedicated to their students. There is so much parental involvement, that the children truly benefit at all levels. Hirsch consistently out performs the other elementary schools in the district on state tests. I'm glad my children have had the opportunity to attend a school that has provided a couple of teachers, whose approach has been so unique, that I doubt they will ever have another teacher that's any better. Quite remarkable in that my kids are only in second and fourth grade.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 11, 2005

This school has been terrific. The parents are very involved in the extracurricular activities as well as the PTA. We have many fun family nights. The administration and staff are exceptional. The are organized and are there to teach children. I moved into Tracy looking for a good school and was told to live in the Jefferson School District. I did my own research and decided to choose the Tracy School District. I don't know about the other elementary schools, but Wanda Hirsch is fabulous.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 1, 2005

Our family has continued to be impressed by the high quality of teaching at this school. This is an award winning school with award winning teachers. There is a high level of parental involvement, also, the many field trips and level of these outings are unmatched at other schools.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 23, 2004

Wanda Hirsch is a school that cares about its students , staff, and parents and does so in well cared for, bright and cheerful surroundings. As principle, John Fine does a great job making sure his teachers are happy so their energy can go into teaching, not grumbling. It is absolutly the best elementary in town.
—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

870

Change from
2011 to 2012

+33

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

7 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

2 / 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

870

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

+33

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)

2 / 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.

118 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
65%

2009

 
 
66%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

118 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%

2011

 
 
80%

2010

 
 
64%

2009

 
 
79%
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.

92 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
61%

2011

 
 
49%

2010

 
 
39%

2009

 
 
36%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

94 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
67%

2010

 
 
64%

2009

 
 
60%
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.

108 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
73%

2010

 
 
66%

2009

 
 
59%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

110 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
73%

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

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 63% in 2012.

85 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
56%

2010

 
 
58%

2009

 
 
73%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

87 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%

2011

 
 
60%

2010

 
 
51%

2009

 
 
74%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

85 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
41%

2011

 
 
34%

2010

 
 
35%

2009

 
 
56%
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 Students78%
Females81%
Males75%
African Americann/a
Asian79%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino79%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)75%
Economically disadvantaged60%
Non-economically disadvantaged84%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability79%
English learner65%
Fluent-English proficient and English only82%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate68%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)89%
Parent education - college graduate77%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate83%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students74%
Females74%
Males73%
African Americann/a
Asian79%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino64%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)77%
Economically disadvantaged57%
Non-economically disadvantaged80%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability73%
English learner65%
Fluent-English proficient and English only76%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate68%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)83%
Parent education - college graduate70%
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

English Language Arts

All Students61%
Females59%
Males65%
African Americann/a
Asian60%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino49%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)72%
Economically disadvantaged44%
Non-economically disadvantaged72%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability63%
English learner50%
Fluent-English proficient and English only67%
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)56%
Parent education - college graduate73%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students79%
Females85%
Males73%
African Americann/a
Asian80%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino67%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)92%
Economically disadvantaged67%
Non-economically disadvantaged85%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability81%
English learner69%
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 graduate64%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)74%
Parent education - college graduate91%
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 Students76%
Females81%
Males71%
African Americann/a
Asian79%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino71%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)74%
Economically disadvantaged66%
Non-economically disadvantaged80%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability77%
English learner38%
Fluent-English proficient and English only85%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate69%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)64%
Parent education - college graduate84%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state77%

Math

All Students74%
Females75%
Males75%
African Americann/a
Asian73%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino67%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)79%
Economically disadvantaged53%
Non-economically disadvantaged83%
Students with disability55%
Students with no reported disability77%
English learner41%
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 graduate63%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)65%
Parent education - college graduate82%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state62%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

All Students79%
Females83%
Males75%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino63%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)87%
Economically disadvantaged70%
Non-economically disadvantaged82%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability79%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only82%
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)78%
Parent education - college graduate90%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate88%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students69%
Females73%
Males65%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino53%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)77%
Economically disadvantaged55%
Non-economically disadvantaged73%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability71%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only74%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate46%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)70%
Parent education - college graduate83%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate75%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students41%
Females41%
Males41%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino34%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)40%
Economically disadvantaged20%
Non-economically disadvantaged48%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability41%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only43%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate17%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)30%
Parent education - college graduate66%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate38%
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 36% 28%
Hispanic or Latino 32% 49%
Asian 15% 8%
African American 8% 7%
Filipino 6% 3%
Multiple or No Response 2% 3%
Pacific Islander 1% 1%
American Indian or Alaska Native 0% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 120%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 224%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 56% 85%
Farsi (Persian) 8% 0%
Punjabi 7% 1%
Vietnamese 7% 2%
All other non-English languages 5% 1%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 5% 1%
Cantonese 4% 2%
Burmese 2% 0%
Hindi 2% 0%
Tigrinya 2% 0%
Arabic 1% 1%
Hebrew 1% 0%
Khmer (Cambodian) 1% 0%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 13N/A11
Average years teaching 14N/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

School basics

School Leader's name
  • Jon Fine
Special schedule
  • Year-round
Fax number
  • (209) 830-3313
School leaders can update this information here.
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

1280 Dove Drive
Tracy, CA 95376
Website: Click here
Phone: (209) 830-3312

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