All but one regular Arcadia school ranks in the top percentile of schools across California in the API ratings. A comparison to Monrovia and Pasadena schools is included.
In Arcadia, 8 schools increased their Academic Performance Index (API) scores and two declined. Dana Middle School and First Avenue Middle School were the schools that showed declines in API scores.
Approximately 8,230 students will attend Arcadia schools during the 1980-81 school year. This is 432 fewer students than at the close of schools in June. There will be 30 fewer teachers.
Arcadia schools fared very will on the Performance Report for California schools, grade 8, according to a report received by the Arcadia Board of Education. All 3 Arcadia junior high schools meet or exceed all statewide targets.
Arcadia schools start on Tuesday, Sept. 2 along with other area schools. Due to state budget cuts students in the Arcadia Unified School District will no longer be buses to school for free. Enrollment for Arcadia 9,720.
Enrollment in Arcadia public schools has declined steadily for the past five years and the schools are destined to continue losing students for at least the next years. This has already necessitated the closing of two elementary schools and elimination of numerous teachers.
A chart shows the API scores for West San Gabriel Valley schools for 2004 on page A4. 85 percent of schools in the West San Gabriel Valley maintained or increased their Academic Performance Index ranking compared to schools across the state.
The school board has begun studying the proposed $17.4 million budget. It does not include salary increases. The budget includes all eight elementary schools. Depending on the election, two schools may be closed.
The California State Department of Education has released test scores and rankings. Every spring the state gives each public school two rankings from 1 to 10. A "statewide" rank compares each school in the state and the "similar schools" rank compares schools with similar demographics and populations. Oak Avenue Intermediate in Temple City Unified School District and Huntington Middle School and San Marino High School in San Marino Unified all got 10s in both categories. All schools in the Arcadia Unified School District earned a rank of 10 in the "statewide" category, but ranks varied in the "similar schools" category.
All of Arcadia's six elementary and each of its three junior high schools were identified as high-performing schools in the latest California Assessment Program.
Cal Poly Pomona hosted the 20th annual Science Olympiad for the Southern California region. Six San Gabriel Valley schools were among the 48 schools that participated. Arcadia High School student Alanna Mori competed.