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GreatSchools Rating

W. R. Nelson Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 616 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

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

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28 reviews of this school


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Posted September 23, 2007

W.R. Nelson has just been asked to apply for California Distinguished status for the third time. This is because of the great teachers, great staff, involved parents and hard working students. I know this school will achieve this goal and am glad my child is in one of the best schools in Orange county.my child has been involved in all the activities that Nelson has to offer and it has made him a better student and is preparing him for his entrance into middle school.Ask any Nelson student and they will tell you this is a great school and a great place to learn. There are families out side of our district that get on the waiting list to be able to send their child to Nelson. They are thrilled when they get notified that there is room and we are thrilled to have them.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 22, 2007

Nelson used to be a great school a few years ago when it received Distinguished school of the year award. With the massive influx of English Learning students the school has focused on them. After school programs are getting smaller.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 21, 2006

Nelson Elementary is a fantastic environment for children to learn in. My daughter has been to several different schools and none has had such wonderful and consistent teachers as Nelson. From Gate to Art Masters to all the wonderful afterschool programs, Nelson is a gem in Tustin. Parents are very involved and willing to help out in class and after school when needed. I highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 22, 2005

I love Nelson. 2 of my girls went there. The teachers are really great and keep the parents up to date with whats going on with your child. There is alot of parent involvment from the classroom to the festival to the dinodash. My oldest was put into GATE and loves it.
—Submitted by Melissa Sherlin, a parent


Posted August 29, 2005

Tutoring on campus did not exist. Team teaching (shared contracts)may work for the teachers, but the child is faced with satisfying two sets of expectations and personalities. As a parent, I had this same challenge, and a difficult time establishing accountability. Principal access was no easy task either.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 30, 2005

Nelson School has great teachers and an excellent curriculum to fit students' individual needs. The school also welcomes parent involvement and makes a concerted effort to communicate with parents on your childs progess.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 31, 2005

W. R. Nelson is the best-kept secret Tustin has to offer. The staff, especially the teachers are all phenomenal. The focus is always on the child. The number parents that volunteer on campus will astound you. The PTA provides John Yeiser Music Assembly s that are so much fun they are not aware they are learning. The Art Masters program is also provided to the school from the PTA. The teachers and children get to learn from this program. Overall, if you have to opportunity to join the W. R. Nelson team, you will not be disappointed. It is one of the happiest places in Tustin.
—Submitted by Pat Cunningham, a parent


Posted January 26, 2005

This is a great school. Especially their Kindergarten program. They have excellent Kindergarten teachers who care a great deal about all of their students.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.

The API reflects year-over-year schools performance based on STAR test score results from spring 2012.

This school's
API score

841

Change from
2011 to 2012

+9

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

7 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

6 / 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

841

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

+9

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)

6 / 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.

111 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
56%

2011

 
 
49%

2010

 
 
38%

2009

 
 
50%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

111 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
68%

2010

 
 
38%

2009

 
 
54%
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.

112 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
48%

2011

 
 
39%

2010

 
 
44%

2009

 
 
52%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

113 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
71%

2011

 
 
40%

2010

 
 
66%

2009

 
 
65%
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.

99 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
77%

2009

 
 
82%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

98 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
51%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
75%

2009

 
 
70%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


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

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

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

100 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
73%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

100 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
78%

2009

 
 
71%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

100 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
71%

2011

 
 
71%

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 Students56%
Females53%
Males58%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino46%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)68%
Economically disadvantaged44%
Non-economically disadvantaged69%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability58%
English learner49%
Fluent-English proficient and English only60%
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)41%
Parent education - college graduate79%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate83%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students67%
Females69%
Males63%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino59%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)84%
Economically disadvantaged56%
Non-economically disadvantaged80%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability70%
English learner62%
Fluent-English proficient and English only70%
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)53%
Parent education - college graduate89%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate75%
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 Students48%
Females50%
Males46%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino36%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)76%
Economically disadvantaged39%
Non-economically disadvantaged63%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability48%
English learner36%
Fluent-English proficient and English only61%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate44%
Parent education - high school graduate31%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)65%
Parent education - college graduate59%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate58%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students71%
Females70%
Males74%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino64%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)82%
Economically disadvantaged68%
Non-economically disadvantaged78%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability72%
English learner64%
Fluent-English proficient and English only79%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate75%
Parent education - high school graduate64%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)83%
Parent education - college graduate68%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate75%
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 Students74%
Females78%
Males69%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino66%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)88%
Economically disadvantaged73%
Non-economically disadvantaged76%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability74%
English learner58%
Fluent-English proficient and English only88%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate60%
Parent education - high school graduate71%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)75%
Parent education - college graduate91%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students51%
Females55%
Males47%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino43%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)71%
Economically disadvantaged47%
Non-economically disadvantaged64%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability51%
English learner38%
Fluent-English proficient and English only64%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate47%
Parent education - high school graduate47%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)44%
Parent education - college graduate82%
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 Students81%
Females84%
Males80%
African Americann/a
Asian92%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino75%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)93%
Economically disadvantaged74%
Non-economically disadvantaged95%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability82%
English learner54%
Fluent-English proficient and English only93%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate63%
Parent education - high school graduate77%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)84%
Parent education - college graduate95%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students91%
Females89%
Males92%
African Americann/a
Asian100%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino86%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)100%
Economically disadvantaged89%
Non-economically disadvantaged95%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability91%
English learner75%
Fluent-English proficient and English only97%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate81%
Parent education - high school graduate87%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)89%
Parent education - college graduate100%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students71%
Females61%
Males77%
African Americann/a
Asian92%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino67%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)75%
Economically disadvantaged64%
Non-economically disadvantaged82%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability72%
English learner50%
Fluent-English proficient and English only79%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate44%
Parent education - high school graduate70%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)79%
Parent education - college graduate85%
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
Hispanic or Latino 56% 49%
White 21% 28%
Asian 11% 8%
Multiple or No Response 5% 3%
African American 3% 7%
Filipino 3% 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 138%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 251%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 84% 85%
Vietnamese 9% 2%
Khmer (Cambodian) 2% 0%
All other non-English languages 1% 1%
Cantonese 1% 2%
Cebuano (Visayan) 1% 0%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 1% 1%
Bengali 0% 0%
Korean 0% 1%
Punjabi 0% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Average class size

  This school District averageState average
Average class size 23N/A25
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 10N/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
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

14392 Browning Avenue
Tustin, CA 92780
Phone: (714) 730-7536

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