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GreatSchools Rating

Westlake Hills Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 593 students

Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 4 ratings

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14 reviews of this school


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Posted October 25, 2012

I LIKE SCHOOL BUT I VISIT TODAY AND AND........... PLEASE VISIT LUNCH TIME AND SEE WHAT'S YOUR CHILDREN DOING I VISIT TODAY AND I SEE 70% KIDS THROUGH THE LUNCH
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 1, 2010

I have friends who go here and the LOVE IT! I might have to make a move to this school for my kids!


Posted September 19, 2010

Best school, offers band, orchestra, chorus and Spanish as electives, at a small cost. Teachers and kids are great.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 31, 2010

Best Elementary School in the area (including private schools). We are absolutely thrilled with the staff, principal and parent participation!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 7, 2010

Westlake Hills Elementary is the best public school around. Absolutely amazing principal, teachers, staff and parents. We love this school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 3, 2009

our school is incredible because of our teachers and parents! in 5 years of being here... each teacher has blown my mind. my kids are so blessed to have such a great team. and our parents donate hours and hours to make our school great. total dedication from everyone!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 10, 2009

An unbelievable committed and dedicated staff.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 31, 2009

My children have just graduated from Westlake Hills Elementary and it was such a great experience for them. In each grade they had amazing teachers and the staff was outsanding.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 21, 2006

Westlake Hills sets the standard for the impact of concerned parent involvement, as well as the importance of having a devoted principal. Jon Sand has done much for this school in the past few years. He's caring and effective, and he genuinely cares about the individual student. He even started playing chess at lunch recess with a couple of highly gifted (and yes, probably somewhat bored) students. He knows the kids by name. He walks the campus, picking up trash, clearing the blacktop of sand, reinforcing good sportsmanship among the kids. The teachers, generally speaking, are highly motivated to be an outstanding and lasting influence on the kids. Despite state cuts, they manage to inspire and engage the kids. The parents are amazing. Most moms seem to devote themselves to volunteering, and it shows! We raised about 300K in one evening this spring, to fund PE, music, art and the library! Westlake Hills rocks!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 11, 2006

We have been at this chool on a nd off for the last 10 years . I believe it to be the best elementary school in the conejo valley. We are leaving this year and I feel like I am leaving my famiy. My two children have grown up at this school and recieved top educations . Teachers are beyond reproach. Dr. sand the pricipal is caring and approachable and knows an amazinf # of the students and parents by their first names. the after school programs are very good. You cannot find a more devoted group of teachers. A little tough in the carpool line so get there early. I have always walked my children to and from school. But overall I give the school an A+
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 19, 2004

This is a great school with very dedicated and capable teachers. Students are encouraged to participate in meaningful activities that encourage the use of higher order thinking skills. The collaborative approach to education, between teachers, staff, parents and community, enhances the students' learning experience.
—Submitted by a former student


Posted May 13, 2004

This school is excellent. We transfered my son from a private school in the Conejo Valley, where he was unchallenged and not given work according to his ability. Now that he is at Westlake Hills Elementary, he is thriving. This school rivals all the private schools in the area.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 3, 2004

As a credentialed teacher, I can tell you that W. Hills Elem. gives way too much HW, (expectations of 7th grade reading for 3rd graders?)cares little about how they affect the students emotionally as long as they get to show off their scores. They willingly hold kids back to up scores, not to help the kids. I have seen devastation here, but the parents are not understanding because they are told scores is all that counts.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 30, 2003

Westlake Hills Elementary is the reason we moved to the Conejo Valley and specifically this neighborhood. This is an exemplary schhol with highly involved parents. Rachelle Morga raised the bar for principals. She will be missed. There are many families that have the means available for Private School tuition, yet they choose Westlake Hills Elementary for the academic, social and community benefits. Parents that involve themselves in the school at any level make this school an outstanding environment for their kids.
—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

918

Change from
2011 to 2012

-19

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

10 / 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

918

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

-19

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)

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.

110 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
87%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

110 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
93%
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.

90 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
76%

2009

 
 
79%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

91 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
80%
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.

92 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
96%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
90%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

92 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
89%
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.

107 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
90%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

109 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
86%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

107 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
85%
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%
Females74%
Males67%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino38%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)74%
Economically disadvantaged47%
Non-economically disadvantaged74%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability73%
English learner58%
Fluent-English proficient and English only72%
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)69%
Parent education - college graduate70%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate73%
Parent education - declined to state75%

Math

All Students68%
Females69%
Males68%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino29%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)77%
Economically disadvantaged38%
Non-economically disadvantaged73%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability70%
English learner42%
Fluent-English proficient and English only71%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)62%
Parent education - college graduate70%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate76%
Parent education - declined to state71%
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%
Females98%
Males83%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)90%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged91%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability93%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only90%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented94%
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 graduate95%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate97%
Parent education - declined to state85%

Math

All Students92%
Females98%
Males88%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)95%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability94%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only92%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
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 state94%
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 Students96%
Females96%
Males95%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)94%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Non-economically disadvantaged95%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability98%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only96%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
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 graduate92%
Parent education - declined to state97%

Math

All Students91%
Females87%
Males96%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)90%
Economically disadvantaged82%
Non-economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability92%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only92%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
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 graduate88%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate89%
Parent education - declined to state94%
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%
Males86%
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)93%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disability57%
Students with no reported disability95%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only92%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)75%
Parent education - college graduate91%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate96%
Parent education - declined to state94%

Math

All Students83%
Females84%
Males81%
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)86%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged84%
Students with disability56%
Students with no reported disability87%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only86%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)73%
Parent education - college graduate88%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate86%
Parent education - declined to state84%

Science

All Students85%
Females86%
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)88%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged88%
Students with disability64%
Students with no reported disability88%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only87%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)75%
Parent education - college graduate88%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate93%
Parent education - declined to state84%
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 77% 28%
Asian 10% 8%
Hispanic or Latino 6% 49%
Multiple or No Response 6% 3%
American Indian or Alaska Native 1% 1%
Filipino 1% 3%
African American 0% 7%
Pacific Islander 0% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 13%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 23%N/A52%
Source: 1 CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Source: 2 NCES, 2008-2009

Average class size

  This school District averageState average
Average class size 22N/A25
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 14N/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
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

3333 Medicine Bow Court
Westlake Village, CA 91362
Phone: (805) 497-9339

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