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GreatSchools Rating

Alvarado Middle School

Public | 6-8 | 1469 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
Based on 2 ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

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15 reviews of this school


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Posted December 15, 2012

Good school from our brief attendance. We came mid year as an 8th grader. the principal was so personable and we really liked her. She genuinally cared for her students. They offer anti bullying and it carries out in the community. The school really seems to stick together and the special ed teacher was wonderful. They have more activities and they do not cut athletes regardless of their experience. They encourage them and keep them motivated. Very impressed for the time we were there.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 24, 2012

My boy has graduated from this middle school and I am very happy with his achievements and learning. One thing that is emphasized less here is focus on science and technology projects that some other Silicon Valley schools tend to do. I hear from my kid there are once in a while disruptions in the class due to some distracted kids, but over-all emphasis on studies is reasonable. AMong good things, the band program is good and gave my kid very good confidence to perform in public. I was also happy with his learning in subjects like Algebra and Geometry.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 13, 2011

i give this school below anerage because this school change too much. i use to go to this school back in the day it was fun but now . my daughter is going to this school n she tell me about the school now.1.is they have the student eat at a area n can't walk around on school groungs. They only go to the basketball coult, black top and the field only.The time i was there all the student was walking around on school groungs.This teacher made some of the students call their paretsbecause they just forgot to do 1 of the pages of homework.my daughter for got to do a page of her homework and her teacher told my daughter to call me n tell me she forgot to do it.Just for that wow. the only time schools should call if is a emergency.Her teacher say if u absence get your homework assignment from a other student, the teacher wont give you the homework that u need when you were absence.They make the student take a tast about the school rules. two times about the rules ane one for p.e just make sure you get it.I was happy about my daughter going to this school and i'm not happy about. That is a shame about this school.I told my daughter she going to have fun at this school but i was wrong
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 12, 2011

this is a great school if you want to put your child in a public middle school, Alvarado middle is the right place. Go Cougars!


Posted February 12, 2010

As parents of a 7th grader, we love this school! We were nervous at first, with my daughter entering the school in 7th grade, her first time in a public school and expecting students to be set with friends, but was pleasantly surprised from her first day. All the teachers, students, staff, welcomed my daughter and were so supportive, the environment so inclusive, that she felt right at home. She's now getting straight A's, named captain for her team next year, and will be running for student council. This school is the best!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 16, 2009

My son just started 6th grade, and they just had Back to school night last nite. All of the teachers all seem very enthusiatic and on track wanting the best for our kids, preparing them for high school and the future- Kuddos for AMS- They do stress that parent and student daily interaction is a necessity for a successful school year, and also encouragement and praise is a valuable tool.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 11, 2009

I am a current student in alvarado and I love it! For starters the students are really helpful, on my first day there I asked any random person for help, and they even showed me around. Making friends is a breeze. The teachers are really supportive, so if you're having any struggles, they'll make sure that you'll understand clearly. Let's see, the only negative thing I can say is that the dress code is a little strict. But it doesn't get in the way of how much I love the school. :) so if you're a parent/student that's wondering what school to take your child to. Why Alvarado of course! LOL. woo! <3
—Submitted by a student


Posted August 24, 2009

AMS is a great school. The staff is nice and they are willing to help.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 31, 2008

This school is good, with many teachers willing to go over the top to help students. Some, however, slack back because they have tenure. Overall, I believe AMS is a great place for kids to recieve an educaqtion
—Submitted by a student


Posted March 28, 2008

This is a great school but students are just not ready to focus. The teachers will give everyone many chances thinking they will improve but they just don't. Many racial problems. It is good school and needs to improve a little bit. Very nice programs and friendly staff. Many rude people but, you will get over them.
—Submitted by a student


Posted February 14, 2008

This school is supporting and has a wonderful staff. My daughter always comes home safe, responsible, and smiling.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 25, 2007

i Have a son that goes to this school and he is totally unhappy. He hates all the teachers except for on named Mr.Higgerson. We have had the chance to talk with this man and he is a good teacher. and all the students i have spoken to have told me they hate this school the only part about this school that is good is the sports.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 14, 2007

I have an eighth grader at Alvarado Middle School and I cannot be happier. Ms. Hull leads the supportive staff to meet the needs of all students, including Gate and students of color. I have been impressed with the online grading, rigorous academic program, the quick response to emails and the amazing office staff at the school. I was hesitant to send my son to such a large school after moving here at the start of his 6th grade year but have found the environment to be warm and inclusive. There are so many learning and fun opportunities for students, and as a parent I have always felt welcome at the school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 12, 2007

Check now, the school should be better, the school staff is much more strict, and the information is being passed out. Besides the conselors have many students to deal with.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 7, 2005

My personal experience as far as a student goes was not the best. The counselors were not there when I needed them. I do not recommend this school for students who need diversity and who are not capable of handling prejudice.
—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

817

Change from
2011 to 2012

+3

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

7 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

3 / 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

817

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

+3

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)

3 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)
The API Similar Schools Rank ranges from 1 to 10. It shows how the school compares to other schools with similar student demographic profiles. The California Department of Education uses parent education level, poverty level, student ethnicity and other data to identify similar schools.
English Language Arts

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

455 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
58%

2010

 
 
65%

2009

 
 
63%
Math

The state average for Math was 55% in 2012.

456 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
52%

2011

 
 
49%

2010

 
 
52%

2009

 
 
50%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


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

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 86% in 2012.

243 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
49%

2011

 
 
68%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
99%
English Language Arts

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

423 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
72%

2011

 
 
70%

2010

 
 
66%

2009

 
 
71%
Math

The state average for Math was 52% in 2012.

179 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
22%

2011

 
 
18%

2010

 
 
32%

2009

 
 
45%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


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

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 49% in 2012.

237 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
28%

2011

 
 
29%

2010

 
 
71%

2009

 
 
90%
English Language Arts

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

443 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
66%

2011

 
 
69%

2010

 
 
71%

2009

 
 
60%
General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards)

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

72 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
11%

2011

 
 
17%

2010

 
 
41%

2009

 
 
42%
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 87% in 2012.

166 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
86%
History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative

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

475 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
52%

2011

 
 
57%

2010

 
 
63%

2009

 
 
49%
Science

The state average for Science was 66% in 2012.

461 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
71%

2011

 
 
74%

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

All Students70%
Females77%
Males64%
African American37%
Asian80%
Filipino72%
Hispanic or Latino59%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islander69%
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islander71%
White (not Hispanic)93%
Economically disadvantaged54%
Non-economically disadvantaged80%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability71%
English learner22%
Fluent-English proficient and English only74%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented97%
Parent education - not a high school graduate54%
Parent education - high school graduate60%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)64%
Parent education - college graduate78%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate88%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students52%
Females49%
Males53%
African American17%
Asian70%
Filipino46%
Hispanic or Latino38%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islander38%
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islander43%
White (not Hispanic)70%
Economically disadvantaged36%
Non-economically disadvantaged60%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability51%
English learner14%
Fluent-English proficient and English only54%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented96%
Parent education - not a high school graduate42%
Parent education - high school graduate37%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)41%
Parent education - college graduate60%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate70%
Parent education - declined to state9%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


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

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

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

Algebra I

All Students49%
Females51%
Males46%
African American31%
Asian61%
Filipino49%
Hispanic or Latino28%
White (not Hispanic)50%
Economically disadvantaged38%
Non-economically disadvantaged52%
Students with no reported disability49%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only50%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented75%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate32%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)43%
Parent education - college graduate47%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate65%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

English Language Arts

All Students72%
Females78%
Males68%
African American60%
Asian81%
Filipino74%
Hispanic or Latino67%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islander39%
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islander43%
White (not Hispanic)75%
Economically disadvantaged58%
Non-economically disadvantaged81%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability72%
English learner15%
Fluent-English proficient and English only79%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented98%
Parent education - not a high school graduate54%
Parent education - high school graduate59%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)68%
Parent education - college graduate79%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate88%
Parent education - declined to state71%

Math

All Students22%
Females21%
Males23%
African American0%
Asian31%
Filipino23%
Hispanic or Latino21%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islander25%
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islander21%
White (not Hispanic)25%
Economically disadvantaged16%
Non-economically disadvantaged30%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability22%
English learner6%
Fluent-English proficient and English only26%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate9%
Parent education - high school graduate17%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)18%
Parent education - college graduate27%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate50%
Parent education - declined to staten/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


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

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

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

Algebra I

All Students28%
Females30%
Males26%
African American13%
Asian40%
Filipino33%
Hispanic or Latino16%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islander27%
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)22%
Economically disadvantaged24%
Non-economically disadvantaged31%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability29%
English learner15%
Fluent-English proficient and English only30%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented67%
Parent education - not a high school graduate24%
Parent education - high school graduate23%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)26%
Parent education - college graduate34%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate35%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

English Language Arts

All Students66%
Females73%
Males60%
African American35%
Asian77%
Filipino64%
Hispanic or Latino48%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islander71%
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islander78%
White (not Hispanic)88%
Economically disadvantaged48%
Non-economically disadvantaged76%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability66%
English learner10%
Fluent-English proficient and English only72%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented98%
Parent education - not a high school graduate47%
Parent education - high school graduate45%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)64%
Parent education - college graduate76%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate88%
Parent education - declined to state58%

General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards)

All Students11%
Females0%
Males19%
African American7%
Asiann/a
Filipino6%
Hispanic or Latino18%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantaged9%
Non-economically disadvantaged15%
Students with disability8%
Students with no reported disability13%
English learner0%
Fluent-English proficient and English only16%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate0%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)22%
Parent education - college graduate6%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Geometry

All Students65%
Females66%
Males66%
African Americann/a
Asian77%
Filipino55%
Hispanic or Latinon/a
White (not Hispanic)77%
Economically disadvantaged59%
Non-economically disadvantaged67%
Students with no reported disability66%
Fluent-English proficient and English only66%
Gifted and talented79%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate47%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)55%
Parent education - college graduate68%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate76%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative

All Students52%
Females49%
Males55%
African American28%
Asian66%
Filipino54%
Hispanic or Latino30%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islander50%
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islander53%
White (not Hispanic)54%
Economically disadvantaged36%
Non-economically disadvantaged61%
Students with disability18%
Students with no reported disability55%
English learner6%
Fluent-English proficient and English only57%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented93%
Parent education - not a high school graduate33%
Parent education - high school graduate33%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)53%
Parent education - college graduate60%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate68%
Parent education - declined to state38%

Science

All Students71%
Females70%
Males72%
African American42%
Asian85%
Filipino74%
Hispanic or Latino50%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islander68%
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islander74%
White (not Hispanic)71%
Economically disadvantaged58%
Non-economically disadvantaged78%
Students with disability29%
Students with no reported disability73%
English learner28%
Fluent-English proficient and English only75%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented99%
Parent education - not a high school graduate49%
Parent education - high school graduate52%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)70%
Parent education - college graduate81%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate85%
Parent education - declined to state85%
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 27% 8%
Filipino 27% 3%
Hispanic or Latino 14% 49%
African American 11% 7%
White 10% 28%
Multiple or No Response 6% 3%
Pacific Islander 4% 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 114%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 226%N/A52%
Source: 1 CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Source: 2 NCES, 2008-2009

Home languages of english learners

Language This school State average
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 25% 1%
Spanish 23% 85%
Punjabi 16% 1%
Vietnamese 11% 2%
Farsi (Persian) 9% 0%
All other non-English languages 3% 1%
Cantonese 3% 2%
Hindi 2% 0%
Arabic 1% 1%
Burmese 1% 0%
Gujarati 1% 0%
Hungarian 1% 0%
Ilocano 1% 0%
Khmer (Cambodian) 1% 0%
Mandarin (Putonghua) 1% 1%
Pashto 1% 0%
Tigrinya 1% 0%
Tongan 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 98%N/A96%
Emergency credential or waiver 0%N/A2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Painting
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
Performing and written arts
  • Drama
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 8:15
School end time
  • 2:35
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • After school
  • Before school
School Leader's name
  • Hui Stevens
Fax number
  • (510) 475-3936
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Track
  • Volleyball
  • Wrestling
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Track
  • Volleyball

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Painting
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
Performing arts
  • Drama
School leaders can update this information here.

School culture

Dress Code
  • Dress code
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

 

TIP: Don't forget to ask about documents required for enrollment, such as your child's birth certificate, proof of address, or a record of immunizations.

 
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Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

31604 Alvarado Boulevard
Union City, CA 94587
Website: Click here
Phone: (510) 489-0700

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