Is Barbara Benson Elementary a good school?

Barbara Benson Elementary ranks 1874 th of 5862 California elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

How many students attend Barbara Benson Elementary?

In the 2022-23 school year, 327 students attended Barbara Benson Elementary.

What is the racial makeup of Barbara Benson Elementary?

Students at Barbara Benson Elementary are 62% Hispanic, 20% White, 11% Asian, 5% Two or more races.

What schools do graduates of Barbara Benson Elementary attend?

Students who attend Barbara Benson Elementary usually go on to attend: Middle : C. E. Utt Middle High : Tustin High

Barbara Benson Elementary

Summary:

Barbara Benson Elementary is a public elementary school in Tustin, California, serving 327 students in grades K-5 as part of the Tustin Unified School District. While the district is ranked 404 out of 1,568 districts in California and has a 4-star rating, Barbara Benson Elementary faces several challenges, including lower test scores, high chronic absenteeism, and a high percentage of students from low-income families.

The school's test scores are generally lower than the district and state averages across various subjects and grade levels. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, the school's proficiency rates in English Language Arts/Literacy ranged from 41.46% to 54.35%, compared to the district's 54.26% to 60.08% and the state's 42.8% to 47.37%. Similarly, in Mathematics, Barbara Benson's proficiency rates ranged from 48.78% to 50%, while the district's were 52.15% to 57.84% and the state's were 35.02% to 45.64%. The school's Science proficiency rates were also lower than the district and state. Additionally, Barbara Benson Elementary has experienced a significant increase in chronic absenteeism, rising from 9% in 2017-2018 to 33.4% in 2022-2023, which is notably higher than the district's and state's averages.

Compared to nearby schools within the Tustin Unified School District, Barbara Benson Elementary generally performs lower in test scores, with the exception of Ladera Elementary and Arroyo Elementary, which outperform the district and state averages. However, Tustin Memorial Elementary and Red Hill Elementary stand out with significantly higher test scores, ranking among the top 5% and 10% of California elementary schools, respectively. While Barbara Benson's Hispanic students and low socioeconomic status students perform better than the school's overall performance, the school's English Language Learner students rank in the bottom 25% of California elementary schools, indicating a need for targeted support and intervention.

Detail:

Public K-5

12712 Elizabeth Way
Tustin, CA 92780-2811

(714) 730-7531

District: Tustin Unified

SchoolDigger Rank:
1874^th of 5,862 California Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $10,872

Students who attend Barbara Benson Elementary usually attend:

Middle:	C. E. Utt Middle
High:	Tustin High

Student/teacher ratio: 21.8

Number of students: 327

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:

62.4%

White:

20.2%

Asian:

10.7%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 59.6%

See top rated California elementary schools

Compare Barbara Benson Elementary to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Barbara Benson Elementary ranks better than 68% of elementary schools in California. It also ranks 12^th among 18 ranked elementary schools in the Tustin Unified School District. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 63.97. (See more...)

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: Hispanic (62.4%), White (20.2%), Asian (10.7%). (See more...)

Compare Details 59.6% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Compare Details (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Barbara Benson Elementary is 21.8, which is the lowest among 18 elementary schools in the Tustin Unified School District! (See more...)

Compare Barbara Benson Elementary employs 15 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Barbara Benson Elementary is $10,872, which is the 3^rd highest among 18 elementary schools in the Tustin Unified School District.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Barbara Benson Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks Barbara Benson Elementary 1874^th of 5862 California public elementary schools. (See Barbara Benson Elementary in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

Female students:

Male students:

Hispanic students:

Tustin Unified:

SchoolDigger ranks Tustin Unified 404^th of 1568 California school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

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Rank History for Barbara Benson Elementary

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Rank History for all students at Barbara Benson Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	CA State Percentile
2004	73.47	1174^th	4809	75.6%
2005	78.50	990^th	4822	79.5%
2006	82.49	853^rd	4818	82.3%
2007	82.95	852^nd	5113	83.3%
2008	75.43	1168^th	5113	77.2%
2009	62.22	1803^rd	5193	65.3%
2010	66.68	1641^st	5314	69.1%
2011	69.41	1511^th	5377	71.9%
2012	68.06	1629^th	5390	69.8%
2013	61.72	2015^th	5530	63.6%
2015	71.83	1427^th	5611	74.6%
2016	75.44	1291^st	5614	77.0%
2017	52.97	2379^th	5692	58.2%
2018	46.20	2771^st	5662	51.1%
2019	52.56	2454^th	5789	57.6%
2022	58.05	2118^th	5883	64.0%
2023	63.24	1879^th	5874	68.0%
2024	63.97	1874^th	5862	68.0%

See the entire list of California Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Barbara Benson Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	CA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2022	31.84	2462^nd	3311	25.6%

See the entire list of Best California Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Barbara Benson Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	CA State Percentile
2018	46.70	2575^th	5084	49.4%
2019	58.05	1894^th	5173	63.4%
2022	51.69	2183^rd	5264	58.5%
2023	54.66	2058^th	5374	61.7%
2024	64.86	1504^th	5511	72.7%

See the entire list of Best California Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Barbara Benson Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	CA State Percentile
2018	53.53	2303^rd	5413	57.5%
2019	57.55	2079^th	5492	62.1%
2022	57.71	2036^th	5635	63.9%
2023	58.08	2031^st	5617	63.8%
2024	61.70	1877^th	5605	66.5%

See the entire list of Best California Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Barbara Benson Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	CA State Percentile
2018	38.43	3136^th	5431	42.3%
2019	48.10	2559^th	5510	53.6%
2022	57.71	2065^th	5663	63.5%
2023	65.35	1715^th	5650	69.6%
2024	64.03	1787^th	5636	68.3%

See the entire list of Best California Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Barbara Benson Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	CA State Percentile
2018	49.53	2256^th	4830	53.3%
2019	49.44	2318^th	4963	53.3%
2022	56.18	1829^th	5084	64.0%
2023	60.77	1623^rd	5098	68.2%
2024	64.43	1450^th	5102	71.6%

See the entire list of Best California Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Data source: test scores: California Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: California Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4.4)

80%

20%

Reviews:

by a parent
Thursday, February 12, 2015

My child attends on an Intra-district transfer. I actually selected Benson Elementary over our home school. They incorporate updated technology for a greater learning experience and provide outstanding extra curricular activities. The school has a great mix of students and the teaching staff is excellent. We were lucky enough to have Ms. Ezaki as my child's Kindergarten teacher. So the first experience at school was a very positive one. Ms. Mayer in the office is always helpful and kind. Additional plus, the Principal Ms. Vela has brought great programs to the school, such as the Brave program from the Joyful Child Foundation. We are looking forward to our youngest child attending next year. Close Quote

by a parent on FaceBook
Friday, February 6, 2015

I have had both of my kids at this school since kindergarten. One is in middle school now and my youngest is in his final year at Benson. I have had the opportunity to interact with ALL the teachers in one way or another. I feel that these teachers give their heart and soul and most importantly, their time to each and every one of the students at Benson. Both my children have thrived and come into their own, have been on honor roll, made beautiful work of art, been part of all the activities, and I contribute that to the Benson staff. I'm so very glad that my family has had such a wonderful experience at such a wonderful school. You would be wise to look into this great little hidden jewel of a school. Close Quote

by a parent
Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Benson is an amazing little school with a giant heart! I have two children at Benson. We tried Tustin Ranch after moving into the area, because besides TMA it is THE school most parents think is best. I knew by the second day I had made a huge mistake. Benson has an amazing staff. Mr. Ricky is popular with all the kids & parents alike. Mrs. Vela is approachable and concerned about each student. As former technology coordinator for the district, Mrs. Vela and the teaching staff have made advanced technology a part of daily learning. Due to its small size, 5th grade teachers know kindergarteners by name. All of the teaching staff above 3rd grade are GATE trained. Finally, Benson has several special day classes for special needs students. It is a diverse little school with a more realistic picture of what it means to live in a diverse society than many OC schools. One of my children has some learning challenges, and Benson teachers, Resource teacher and staff have been amazing in supporting and accommodating him in the general education environment. Benson is a hidden little gem, and is the "Cheers" of Tustin Unified. It is a family oriented, child centered school. Close Quote

by a parent on FaceBook
Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Barbara Benson Elementary is a wonderful school! My child has been enrolled for 2 years now, and I can honestly say that she has grown by leaps and bounds, largely due to the excellence of the teachers and staff. They are kind, attentive and engaging. They are also very easy to work with, and contact after school. For instance, if I have a question and need to email a teacher, I always receive a response very quickly, often within an hour.

The different programs at this school are wonderful. The kids are exposed to Fine arts in an engaging way. There are also "Family Nights" the school organizes that are either free or an extremely affordable way to take the family out for a fun evening.

Lastly, (regarding a previous reviewer's post) there are lots of involved parents helping out at Benson. Also, this school is neither overrun... nor have I ever even seen a gang-banger parent. This claim in my opinion is slanderous and deplorable. The school is filled with bright, intelligent and kind students as well. I would encourage anyone to visit Benson during business hours, so they can see it for themselves. Close Quote

by a parent on FaceBook
Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Average school but below average non-educated, unemployed parents. Many are gang affiliated with tattoos on their face, neck, etc. No parent involvement at all as well as some very low income children. About 30% are English learners. My biggest concern was the parenting or lack there of. Close Quote

Enrollment information for Barbara Benson Elementary

Compare

Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
1993	253	14	21	153	6	n/a	n/a	0	447
1994	258	8	20	134	8	n/a	n/a	0	428
1995	307	10	29	82	11	n/a	n/a	0	439
1996	307	10	29	82	11	n/a	n/a	0	439
1997	317	17	27	95	10	n/a	n/a	0	466
1998	268	14	28	93	8	n/a	n/a	0	411
1999	263	9	40	97	6	n/a	n/a	0	415
2000	261	10	44	112	4	n/a	n/a	0	431
2001	299	9	41	138	2	n/a	n/a	6	495
2002	212	17	37	126	1	n/a	n/a	1	394
2003	212	17	37	126	1	n/a	n/a	1	394
2004	192	24	30	114	1	n/a	n/a	7	368
2005	172	25	33	132	2	n/a	n/a	8	372
2006	152	21	29	132	3	n/a	n/a	6	343
2007	130	15	32	139	3	n/a	n/a	10	329
2008	132	25	38	157	2	n/a	n/a	0	354
2009	125	24	38	176	2	3	18	0	386
2010	136	18	34	197	2	5	5	0	397
2011	129	13	30	210	1	2	5	0	390
2012	129	12	31	214	1	2	10	0	399
2013	113	11	32	189	0	2	8	0	355
2014	101	11	37	186	0	2	12	0	349
2015	89	10	35	203	0	1	15	0	353
2016	83	16	33	223	0	1	15	0	371
2017	73	7	36	240	0	0	23	0	379
2018	69	5	44	231	0	1	23	0	373
2019	68	2	46	236	0	3	28	0	383
2020	76	3	45	234	0	4	29	0	391
2021	61	4	33	192	0	1	19	0	310
2022	66	7	33	213	0	1	23	0	343
2023	66	3	35	204	0	2	17	0	327

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Barbara Benson Elementary

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1993	447	17.0	26.3	25.7
1994	428	18.0	23.8	20.8
1995	439	17.0	25.8	14.6
1996	439	17.0	25.8	14.6
1997	466	23.0	20.3	20.6
1998	411	21.6	19.0	24.6
1999	415	23.0	18.0	19.5
2000	431	22.0	19.6	18.3
2001	495	25.0	19.8	16.6
2002	394	20.4	19.3	19.1
2003	394	20.4	19.3	19.1
2004	368	18.0	20.4	22.4
2005	372	18.0	20.7	26.6
2006	343	18.0	19.1	24.6
2007	329	17.0	19.4	28.8
2008	354	20.0	17.7	32.8
2009	386	19.0	19.3	32.6
2010	397	17.8	22.3	37.8
2011	390	n/a	n/a	39
2012	399	15.6	25.5	n/a
2013	355	11.2	31.6	46.8
2014	349	14.0	24.9	43
2015	353	14.0	25.2	46.2
2016	371	15.0	24.7	50.1
2017	379	15.0	25.2	49.1
2018	373	15.0	24.8	48.3
2019	383	11.7	32.5	47.3
2020	391	n/a	n/a	49.1
2021	310	14.8	20.9	48.1
2022	343	13.7	24.9	46.4
2023	327	15.0	21.8	59.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Barbara Benson Elementary

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1993	447	17.0	26.3	25.7
1994	428	18.0	23.8	20.8
1995	439	17.0	25.8	14.6
1996	439	17.0	25.8	14.6
1997	466	23.0	20.3	20.6
1998	411	21.6	19.0	24.6
1999	415	23.0	18.0	19.5
2000	431	22.0	19.6	18.3
2001	495	25.0	19.8	16.6
2002	394	20.4	19.3	19.1
2003	394	20.4	19.3	19.1
2004	368	18.0	20.4	22.4
2005	372	18.0	20.7	26.6
2006	343	18.0	19.1	24.6
2007	329	17.0	19.4	28.8
2008	354	20.0	17.7	32.8
2009	386	19.0	19.3	32.6
2010	397	17.8	22.3	37.8
2011	390	n/a	n/a	39
2012	399	15.6	25.5	n/a
2013	355	11.2	31.6	46.8
2014	349	14.0	24.9	43
2015	353	14.0	25.2	46.2
2016	371	15.0	24.7	50.1
2017	379	15.0	25.2	49.1
2018	373	15.0	24.8	48.3
2019	383	11.7	32.5	47.3
2020	391	n/a	n/a	49.1
2021	310	14.8	20.9	48.1
2022	343	13.7	24.9	46.4
2023	327	15.0	21.8	59.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

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