Academic Performance Index (API) for Ventura County Schools

When working with buyers I am often asked about the quality of schools and which neighborhoods have the best ones.  Naturally parents want to own a home in an area with good schools for the sake of their children, but even buyers without children care since neighborhoods with top rated schools are perceived as having greater future resale value.

How do you figure out which schools make the grade?  One way is by finding out a school's API (Academic Performance Index) score.  There are obviously other factors to consider such as average class size, extracurricular programs or programs for students who need additional assistance to name just a few.  Still, standardized test scores give you a place to start.  

The API is based on a 1-1,000 scale and as a general rule schools strive to attain a rating of 800 or higher. Below I have listed the API Test scores for Ventura County Schools for each of the last three years they were available; 2011, 2012 and 2013. I’ve also included the blended scores for the combined three-year period.

The California Department of Education's website has more information and scores broken down by specific demographics.  They also have published an Information Guide available to learn more about API Scores that you can find here.

In March of 2015, the California Board of Education voted for the 2nd year in a row to suspend publishing the API scores because the underlying tests they are calculated on have changed.  In other words, they want to get the kinks worked out of the system before releasing new API scores.