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GreatSchools Rating

Walnut Heights Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 391 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 4 ratings

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15 reviews of this school


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Posted May 14, 2010

The school community is amazing. Parents are involved and really care about how the students are doing. It's like an extended family. The teachers are great.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 12, 2010

The staff at Walnut Heights are so compassionate and caring. When I drop my daughter off, I know they will support her educationally as well as physically and emotionally. There is so much these teachers want to give our children educationally and I know if they had the funds, they could really do a lot for their students. These students are our future leaders and innovators and without these funds, we cannot properly educate them. Please help our school financially so our teachers can help their students educationally.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 12, 2010

We love walnut Heights because of the wonderful loving and creative styles of all of the teachers educating! It is a extremely safe and everyone wants the best for eachothers children.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 11, 2010

A lot of parent involvement and support for the teachers and students. Many after school enrichment activities and classes. Couldnt ask for a better administration and instruction from a public school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 11, 2010

Dedicated and creative teachers, hard working, involved parents and fantastic facilities.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 11, 2007

We have nothing but positive things to say about Walnut Heights Elementary. The teachers are on the cutting edge of the latest school curriculum. They have provided a structured yet fun learning environment in which my kids have thrived. In particular, my daughter's kindergarten teacher, Miss Nancy, was so enthusiastic and caring that my daughter was very sad to see the school year end! The parents are incredibly involved which allows the kids to have experiences above and beyond your typical school. We feel very fortunate to be a part of the Walnut Heights Community!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 11, 2007

We are very happy and mostly grateful that our daughter has had an opportunity to attend Walnut Heights Elementary school. The teaching staff far exceeds my expectations in reading, math and social skills. Our daughter is going into the second grade with confidence, academic and socials skills that was introduced and developed by her Kindergarten teacher Miss Nancy Rossiter and First grade teacher Gaila Dury. The countless hours and dedication that Miss Rossiter devoted to each child unique personality and learning ability was outstanding. Miss Rossiter would connect with my daughter on her level and have her excited about the days events. Thank you to all the wonderful staff and parents. D.C.
—Submitted by D C, a parent


Posted June 10, 2007

Miss nancy is the best teacher any of our three kids has ever had. Her level of commitment is unbelievable. She taught kindergarten to our hs jr. as well as his 6 yr old brother and both adore her. Anyone lucky enough to have her should count their blessings!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 9, 2007

My child's teacher has been very supportive of my son, and taught good behavior and encouraged the childern to model such. I find that I am able to communicate with the staff and they respect the thoughts and wishes of the parents.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 9, 2007

We just finished kindergarten at Walnut Heights with Miss Nancy Rossiter. This is our 4th child with the 1st just graduating high school. Never have we seen a teacher who cares and RESPECTS the child or us as much as Miss Nancy. Our child is reading fluently, can't wait to go to school, doesn't want to miss school. WE LOVE IT. There was one child with a lot of allergies and the teacher always watched to be sure he didn't have any foods that were handed out unless they were OK for him, she cared greatly not only about the academics but about our children succeeding socially! We only have positive things to say about our year at Walnut Heights with Miss Nancy
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 8, 2007

The school has a well-deserved reputation for excellence- primarily due to the passion of the teaching staff and the incredible support of the parents. We have three children in the school and are continually impressed with the dedication, creativity and effectiveness of the teaching staff in spite of educational system limitations that typically stifle these attributes. The parents are expected to play an active role in the homework (even in Kindergarten!) and the teachers do not hesitate to provide guidance that is detailed and actionable to foster child development. There are many special projects that stimulate creativity (e.g., public speaking and presentations in 1st grade through an 'Author's Tea' session where each child authors a 'novel' and presents the story on stage to parent and peer applause) and field trips to worthwhile venues.
—Submitted by Shane Bartling, a parent


Posted June 7, 2007

Walnut Heights is a wonderful school, with tremendous parent-participation, quality educators, and fabulous enrichment programs (e.g., computers, science and art). You could not ask for a better teacher or school and I feel blessed to have my child at Walnut Heights Elementary.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 30, 2007

Our son's kindergarten experience could not have been better! His teacher, Miss Nancy, goes above and beyond what could possibly be expected... teaching advanced academics and cultivating social skills all within the framework of fun-something that I think is so often lost in today's schools. Our son's reading and writing abilities have improved in a way that I never would have anticipated at the start of the year. Her committment is inspiring! The children are also afforded an opportunity for individual attention during both class and through the stay-day program, which is unique to Walnut Heights, and allows them to further grow and build confidence. There is also a great emphasis on out of classroom learning, through our many field trips to butterfly and animal farms, the Dean Lescher theater, Lindsay Wildlife Museum... Parent involvement is incredible and is so appreciated since we are a dual-income family. Our son is very lucky!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 28, 2006

It's a good school, and the teachers care. It seems there is slightly more diversity now in the student body.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 10, 2005

Wonderful school! Supportive parents and great teachers. Best in the Walnut Creek school district.
—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

946

Change from
2011 to 2012

+3

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

10 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

9 / 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

946

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)

10 / 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)

9 / 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.

75 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
79%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

75 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
78%
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.

74 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
72%

2009

 
 
77%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

75 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
95%

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 67% in 2012.

64 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
91%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

66 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
94%
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.

63 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
91%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

63 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
91%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

63 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
87%
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 Students86%
Females90%
Males79%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)84%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged86%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability86%
English learnern/a
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 graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduate79%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate89%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students92%
Females93%
Males91%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)88%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability93%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only92%
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 graduate86%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate95%
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 Students84%
Females94%
Males74%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)86%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged86%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability84%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only88%
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 graduate83%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate94%
Parent education - declined to state75%

Math

All Students91%
Females92%
Males90%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)93%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged91%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability92%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only94%
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 graduate92%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate97%
Parent education - declined to state75%
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 Students94%
Females97%
Males91%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)96%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability95%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only95%
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 graduate100%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate97%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students94%
Females90%
Males97%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)92%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability95%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only93%
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 graduate96%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate97%
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 Students90%
Females94%
Males88%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)94%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged90%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability90%
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)n/a
Parent education - college graduate91%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate97%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students88%
Females94%
Males84%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)90%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged88%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability90%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only89%
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 graduate87%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate97%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students89%
Females90%
Males88%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)92%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability90%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only89%
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 graduate100%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate90%
Parent education - declined to staten/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


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

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

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

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 72% 28%
Multiple or No Response 14% 3%
Hispanic or Latino 7% 49%
Asian 4% 8%
African American 2% 7%
Filipino 1% 3%
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 17%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 27%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 29% 85%
Russian 24% 0%
Cantonese 12% 2%
Farsi (Persian) 12% 0%
Hebrew 6% 0%
Japanese 6% 0%
Mandarin (Putonghua) 6% 1%
Vietnamese 6% 2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Average class size

  This school District averageState average
Average class size 21N/A25
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 10N/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!

4064 Walnut Boulevard
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Website: Click here
Phone: (925) 944-6834

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