Bird Rock Elementary is a public elementary school located in the Bird Rock neighborhood of La Jolla, San Diego, California. It is part of the San Diego Unified School District. Bird Rock Elementary serves students in grades K-5 and has a current enrollment of around 400 students.
Academic Performance
Bird Rock Elementary is considered one of the top performing elementary schools in the San Diego Unified School District. The school consistently earns high marks for academic achievement and student performance on standardized tests.
On the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) exams administered in 2021, Bird Rock students scored well above average on both English Language Arts and Math compared to other elementary schools in California:
Subject | Bird Rock Pass Rate | California Average Pass Rate |
---|---|---|
English Language Arts | 91% | 48% |
Mathematics | 84% | 37% |
In the San Diego Unified School District, Bird Rock Elementary is consistently one of the top scoring schools on the CAASPP assessments. On the 2021 exams, Bird Rock students had higher pass rates and average scores than the district average on both Math and English.
The school has also earned California’s prestigious Blue Ribbon School award multiple times, most recently in 2019. The Blue Ribbon program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools across the country that have high achievement or have made significant progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
Standardized Test Performance
On other standardized tests, Bird Rock students consistently score well above state and national averages:
- Bird Rock’s average scores on the iReady diagnostic tests in Math and Reading are in the top 15% of schools nationally.
- Students routinely score in the 90th percentile or higher on the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) in categories like verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning abilities.
- The school has earned top awards from the Educational Results Partnership for having high achieving and improving students based on California state assessments.
Rankings
Due to its high levels of student achievement over many years, Bird Rock Elementary is ranked as one of the top public elementary schools in California on various school rating and ranking lists such as those published by Niche and US News & World Report.
Some specific examples of Bird Rock’s rankings and ratings:
- Niche – Rated an A+ school and ranked #2 Best Public Elementary School in California for 2023
- US News – Earned a GreatSchools Rating of 10/10 and ranked among the Top 15 Public Elementary Schools in California
- Public School Review – Rated 10/10 and ranked #1 elementary school in San Diego
Student Body
Bird Rock Elementary has an enrolled student body of around 400 students in grades K-5. Here are some key facts about the makeup of the student population:
- Racial/ethnic breakdown: 64% White, 24% Hispanic/Latino, 7% Asian, 3% Two or More Races, 2% Black/African American
- 37% of students are socioeconomically disadvantaged
- 10% of students have disabilities
- 15% of students are English learners
Compared to the district and California averages, Bird Rock has lower rates of students who are socioeconomically disadvantaged or English learners. The student body is predominantly white and middle/upper-middle class.
Class Size
Bird Rock Elementary has a student-teacher ratio of 20:1, which is lower than the California state average of 23:1 for elementary schools. The average class size is 18 students.
The table below shows the average class size by grade level:
Grade | Average Class Size |
---|---|
Kindergarten | 18 students |
1st Grade | 18 students |
2nd Grade | 19 students |
3rd Grade | 17 students |
4th Grade | 19 students |
5th Grade | 17 students |
The small class sizes allow for more individualized attention and support for each student. Teachers are able to provide differentiated instruction tailored to each child’s unique needs and learning abilities.
Parental Involvement
Parental involvement is very high at Bird Rock Elementary. In surveys, over 90% of parents say they are satisfied with the level of family engagement at the school.
Some examples of how parents are involved at Bird Rock:
- Active PTA organization that fundraises and provides support programs for the school
- Regular volunteer work by parents in classrooms, school events, and field trips
- Donations and fundraising provides over $100,000 annually for school programs and staffing
- High attendance rate at school events, Back to School Night, Open House, concerts and other events
The high level of parental engagement contributes to Bird Rock’s educational community and resources available for students.
Programs and Curriculum
Bird Rock Elementary provides a well-rounded curriculum focused on core academics as well as enrichment opportunities.
Academic Program
For grades K-5, students take classes in:
- English/Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
The school utilizes district-adopted curricula that are aligned to the Common Core State Standards. Teachers also supplement with hands-on projects, technology integration, and cross-curricular learning activities.
Starting in 1st grade, students receive instruction in Spanish language and culture. The Spanish enrichment program focuses on introductory reading, writing, vocabulary, and conversation skills.
Enrichment and Electives
Students also take classes in:
- Physical Education
- Music – choir, band, orchestra
- Art
- Library and Technology Skills
Gifted students may participate in accelerated classes and enrichment programs. Students with disabilities receive support services and accommodations based on their IEP.
Technology Access
Classrooms at every grade level have access to Chromebooks, iPads, laptop carts, and SMART Boards to incorporate technology into lessons. The school has a computer lab and mobile laptop carts to support technology education.
After School Programs
Bird Rock Elementary offers fee-based after school enrichment programs in STEM, arts, sports, and academics. These programs are run by external organizations and held on the school campus.
Teachers and Staff
Bird Rock Elementary is staffed by approximately 30 teachers, administrators, and support personnel.
- 100% of teachers are fully credentialed and certified in their subject areas.
- The average teacher has 10 years of experience.
- The principal has been the school leader for 5 years.
- Support staff includes reading and math specialists, special education teachers, and paraprofessionals.
In surveys, teachers at Bird Rock report high job satisfaction, strong leadership, and a positive work environment. The school has a low teacher turnover rate.
Professional Development
Bird Rock Elementary prioritizes ongoing professional development and training for teachers and staff. Areas of focus include:
- Training on California state standards and curriculum frameworks
- Technology integration strategies
- Data-driven instruction and differentiation
- Cultural sensitivity and inclusion practices
Teachers have 5-6 paid professional development days built into the school calendar annually.
Facilities and Resources
Bird Rock Elementary School opened its current facility in 2005 after extensive renovations funded by a district bond measure. The school campus features:
- Spacious, modern classrooms equipped with technology
- Library with over 15,000 books and a computer lab
- Music room, art room, and performance space
- Gymnasium, athletic fields, and playground structures
- Community Garden maintained by students and staff
- After school program facilities
Parent fundraising has helped upgrade school facilities with additions like an outdoor performance stage, garden/nutrition classrooms, and a new playground.
Safety
Bird Rock Elementary has security protocols in place to ensure a safe environment for students. The campus has a controlled entry point, visitor check-in system, security cameras, and fenced perimeters.
Staff receive ongoing training in emergency preparedness and response procedures. The school has an active safety committee comprising administrators, teachers, and parents.
Community
Bird Rock Elementary serves the Bird Rock community of La Jolla, a coastal neighborhood of San Diego. The area is known for its thriving community feel, ocean views, and popularity with families.
Many parents are drawn to Bird Rock Elementary for its high test scores, safe environment, focus on community, and neighborhood location. The school has strong connections with the Bird Rock community through partnerships, events, and local businesses.
The Bird Rock neighborhood is considered to be relatively affluent with higher than average median home prices compared to the rest of San Diego. Many parents work as professionals in fields like healthcare, business, and engineering.
Accreditation
Bird Rock Elementary is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the primary accrediting organization for both public and private schools in California and Hawaii.
WASC accreditation involves a comprehensive process to ensure the school’s programs, operations, infrastructure, and academic outcomes meet high standards for quality, engagement, and continuous improvement. Bird Rock Elementary earned a full 6-year term of WASC accreditation through 2024.
Admissions
As a public school in the San Diego Unified School District, admission to Bird Rock Elementary is based primarily on location within the school’s designated neighborhood boundary zone. Families who live within the Bird Rock boundary area have priority to attend the school.
Prospective students must complete a district application form and provide proof of age, residency, and immunization records. There are no entrance exams or prerequisites for admission.
If capacity allows, Bird Rock may also accept transfer students who live outside the neighborhood zone through the district’s Voluntary Enrollment Exchange Program (VEEP). However, out-of-boundary students are not guaranteed admission.
Tuition
As a public school within the San Diego Unified School District, Bird Rock Elementary does not charge tuition or fees for students living within the school’s attendance boundary. Taxpayer funding from the district and state of California cover the school’s operating expenses.
Some optional elective programs, after school activities, field trips or supplies may require additional fees. However, no mandatory fees are charged for core academic instruction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bird Rock Elementary stands out as one of the top performing elementary schools in San Diego and California based on its stellar academics, engaged community, exceptional teachers, and resources for students to thrive. Its consistent record of high student achievement on standardized tests, Blue Ribbon recognition, and ranking on school rating lists cement its reputation as an excellent public school option for families in the Bird Rock and greater La Jolla area.