Barbara Benson Elementary School

12712 Elizabeth Way
Tustin, CA 92780
(School attendance zone shown in map)
8/
10
Top 30%
Serving 343 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Barbara Benson Elementary School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is <50% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is <50% (which is higher than the California state average of 49%).
The student:teacher ratio of 25:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 81% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 79% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 343 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 25:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 81%
  • : Top 30% in CA
  • : <50% (Top 20%)
  • : <50% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Barbara Benson Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Barbara Benson Elementary School's student population of 343 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 14 teachers has grown by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Total Students
343 students
This chart display total students of Barbara Benson Elementary School by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
Gender %
This chart display gender of Barbara Benson Elementary School
Total Classroom Teachers
14 teachers
This chart display the total teachers of Barbara Benson Elementary School by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
Students by Grade
This chart display the students of Barbara Benson Elementary School by grade.

School Rankings

Barbara Benson Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 3,649 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Barbara Benson Elementary School is 0.57, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (CA)
#840 out of 3649 schools
(Top 30%)
This chart display the overall school rank of Barbara Benson Elementary School, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
<50%
34%
This chart display the percentage of students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Math of Barbara Benson Elementary School and the percentage of public school students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Math of public schools in California by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
<50%
49%
This chart display the percentage of students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Reading/Language Arts of Barbara Benson Elementary School and the percentage of public school students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Reading/Language Arts of California by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
Student : Teacher Ratio
25:1
21:1
This chart display the student teacher ratio of Barbara Benson Elementary School and the public school average student teacher ratio of California by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
American Indian
n/a
1%
This chart display the percentage of American Indian students in Barbara Benson Elementary School and percentage of American Indian public school students in California by year, with the latest 2009-10 school year data.
Asian
10%
12%
This chart display the percentage of Asian students in Barbara Benson Elementary School and the percentage of Asian public school students in California by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
Hispanic
62%
56%
This chart display the percentage of Hispanic students in Barbara Benson Elementary School and the percentage of Hispanic public school students in California by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
Black
2%
5%
This chart display the percentage of Black students in Barbara Benson Elementary School and the percentage of Black public school students in California by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
White
19%
21%
This chart display the percentage of White students in Barbara Benson Elementary School and the percentage of White public school students in California by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
This chart display the percentage of Hawaiian students in Barbara Benson Elementary School and the percentage of Hawaiian public school students in California by year, with the latest 2013-14 school year data.
Two or more races
7%
5%
This chart display the percentage of students of two or more races in Barbara Benson Elementary School and the percentage of public school students of two or more races in California by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
All Ethnic Groups
This chart display the percentage breakdown of students of all ethnic groups in Barbara Benson Elementary School.
This chart display the percentage breakdown of public school students of all ethnic groups in CA.
0.57
This chart display the diversity score of Barbara Benson Elementary School and the public school average diversity score of California by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
Eligible for Free Lunch
43%
51%
This chart display the percentage of students who is eligible for free lunch in Barbara Benson Elementary School and the percentage of public school students who is eligible for free lunch in California by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
7%
This chart display the percentage of students who is eligible for reduced lunch in Barbara Benson Elementary School and the percentage of public school students who is eligible for reduced lunch in California by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Barbara Benson Elementary School's ranking?
Barbara Benson Elementary School is ranked #840 out of 3,649 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in California.
What schools are Barbara Benson Elementary School often compared to?
Barbara Benson Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Tustin Memorial Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
<50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while <50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% CA state average).
How many students attend Barbara Benson Elementary School?
343 students attend Barbara Benson Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of Barbara Benson Elementary School students are Hispanic, 19% of students are White, 10% of students are Asian, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Barbara Benson Elementary School?
Barbara Benson Elementary School has a student ration of 25:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Barbara Benson Elementary School offer ?
Barbara Benson Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5
What school district is Barbara Benson Elementary School part of?
Barbara Benson Elementary School is part of Tustin Unified School District.

School Calendar

View the Barbara Benson Elementary School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:

Event
Date
Last day of School
May 31, 2024 (Friday)
First day of School
August 14, 2024 (Wednesday)
Last day of School
May 30, 2025 (Friday)

School Reviews

5   2/24/2016
Love love love this School!! I have 2 children here. Innovative technology in classrooms. Caring dedicated teachers and administrators . Great PTO sponsored programs. Art & Music. In this day and age it is a priceless gift to know your kids are being taught & cared for in a positive environment, and I trust Everyone here at benson. This school is a treasure. Diverse and energetic. Definitely worth a visit.
- Posted by Parent - Monic
5   2/14/2015
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.
- Posted by Parent - pbwer
5   2/14/2015
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.
- Posted by Parent - 4bail
5   2/14/2015
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.
- Posted by Parent - nprec
5   1/29/2015
Barbara Benson Elementary is a wonderful school. The teachers and staff are excellent, and shows in the students. I encourage any parent to pay a visit to Barbara Benson Elementary.
- Posted by Parent - dwdil

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 343 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 25:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 81%
  • : Top 30%
  • : <50% (Top 20%)
  • : <50% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education

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