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Average

#1413 of 1,790 private schools in CA

First Steps School

Elementary School

6245 HONOLULU AVE, La Crescenta, CA 91214

Private Estimated Score

Estimated academic score. This school does not have standardized test data. Based on 9 schools in La Crescenta. Learn more

Enrollment

40

Student-Teacher

8.3:1

Score

5.4

Grades

Pre-K – Kindergarten

Updated 2021-22

How this school compares

In La Crescenta

#2 of 2

public schools

California elementary schools

#845 of 1,102

Academic performance

9.3 / 10

Exceptional

About First Steps School

First Steps School serves 40 students from pre-kindergarten through kindergarten in La Crescenta, providing an intimate early childhood learning environment with just 5 full-time teachers. This small regular public elementary school maintains an exceptional student-teacher ratio of 8.3:1, allowing for highly individualized attention during these crucial formative years. The school has earned a strong 9.0 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout and ranks #954 out of 1790 California elementary schools, placing it in the 47th percentile statewide.

This solid performance reflects the school's commitment to early childhood education fundamentals. First Steps School draws families from an affluent and well-educated community where 56% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher. The neighborhood's median household income of $126,175 and low poverty rate of 4.1% create a stable environment that supports educational achievement.

With median home values reaching over $1 million, the area demonstrates strong community investment in quality schools and family-oriented amenities. Located on Honolulu Avenue in the foothills community of La Crescenta, First Steps School serves as an important educational foundation for young learners in this prosperous corner of Los Angeles County, where families prioritize educational excellence from the earliest grades.

What Parents Should Know

With an enrollment of 40 students, First Steps School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

With a student-teacher ratio of 8.3:1, First Steps School offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.

As a private school, First Steps School operates independently from the local public school district. Families considering this school should inquire about tuition costs, financial aid availability, and the admissions process. Private schools are not required to follow the same curriculum standards as public schools, which can be either an advantage or a consideration depending on your priorities.

Compare to Public Schools

Beta

How First Steps School compares to 6 public schools serving similar grades in La Crescenta, CA

Student-Teacher Ratio
8.3:1
This School
vs
25.7:1
Public Avg
Avg School Size
40
This School
vs
536
Public Avg
Avg School Scout Rating
5.4
This School
vs
7.7
Public Avg

Student Demographics

White 100% vs 0%
First Steps School La Crescenta Public Avg

Nearby Elementary Schools

School Rating
First Steps School (this school) 5.4
Dunsmore Elementary 8.0
Abraham Lincoln Elementary 8.3
Valley View Elementary 7.3
La Crescenta Elementary 8.6
Monte Vista Elementary 8.2
Mountain Avenue Elementary 5.8

Demographics sourced from NCES Private School Survey (PSS) and Common Core of Data (CCD). Comparisons are based on enrollment-weighted averages.

Score Breakdown

What This Rating Measures

This rating reflects classroom size, instructional time, student diversity, community resources, and school characteristics. Private schools are ranked against other private schools in CA.

Classroom Attention
? Student-teacher ratio calibrated against other private schools. Lower ratios mean more individual attention. (30% of overall score)
A- 7.8 / 10
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio 8.3:1
Instructional Commitment
? Total annual instructional hours based on school day length and days per year. (15% of overall score)
A- 8.2 / 10
View breakdown
School Day Length 6.5 hours
Annual Instructional Hours 1,280.5
Diversity & Inclusion
? Racial and ethnic diversity of the student body using Simpson's diversity index. (20% of overall score)
C- 1.6 / 10
View breakdown
Diversity Index 0%
Community Context

Data Unavailable

School Profile
? Enrollment size and grade span breadth — indicators of program depth and peer community. (15% of overall score)
C 2.7 / 10
View breakdown
Enrollment 40
View data sources

Score basis: Private school model

Data coverage: 80% of scoring components had data

Components scored: 4 of 5

Ranking pool: Private schools in CA

Test Scores

Test score data not yet available for this school.

Student Demographics NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)

White 100.0%

Source: NCES Private School Survey (PSS)

Location

6245 HONOLULU AVE, La Crescenta, CA 91214

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering First Steps School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. La Crescenta Elementary (rated 8.6/10, 1.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Abraham Lincoln Elementary (rated 8.3/10, 0.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Monte Vista Elementary (rated 8.2/10, 1.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in La Crescenta, see our La Crescenta schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.3 mi
School Distance Rating
First Steps La Crescenta 0.0 mi
CHAMLIAN ARMENIAN SCHOOL Glendale 0.4 mi 2.3
Chamlian Armenian School Glendale 0.4 mi
ST JAMES-HOLY REDEEMER SCHOOL La Crescenta 0.7 mi 6.6
St. James -Holy Redeemer School La Crescenta 0.7 mi
Dunsmore Elementary La Crescenta 0.7 mi 8.0
Anderson W. Clark Magnet High La Crescenta 0.8 mi 7.9
Abraham Lincoln Elementary La Crescenta 0.9 mi 8.3
Mountain View Elementary Tujunga 1.1 mi 4.9
Valley View Elementary La Crescenta 1.1 mi 7.3
Crescenta Valley High La Crescenta 1.5 mi 8.7
Pinewood Avenue Elementary Tujunga 1.8 mi 6.5
La Crescenta Elementary La Crescenta 1.7 mi 8.6
Monte Vista Elementary La Crescenta 1.8 mi 8.2
ROBBINS NEST PRESCHOOL La Crescenta 2.0 mi
Rosemont Middle La Crescenta 1.9 mi 7.9
OUR LADY OF LOURDES SCHOOL Tujunga 2.1 mi 7.5
Elliott Institute La Crescenta 2.2 mi
ELLIOTT INSTITUTE La Crescenta 2.2 mi
Mountain Avenue Elementary La Crescenta 2.3 mi 5.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 91214 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$131,716

Median Home Value

$1,088,200

Median Rent

$2,475/mo

Population

31,707

College Educated

59.2%

Homeownership

73.3%

Avg Commute

29.9 min

Poverty Rate

4.6%

Median Age

40.9

Community Profile

The community surrounding First Steps School has a median household income of $131,716. It is a well-educated community where 59% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $1,088,200, with a median rent of $2,475/month. The local poverty rate of 4.6% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 30 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
CHRISTIAN MONTESSORI SCHOOL-COSTA MESA Costa Mesa, CA 5.4
DESERT ADVENTIST SCHOOL Palm Desert, CA 5.4
Liberty Primary Petaluma, CA 5.4
MOUNT CALVARY LUTHERAN SCHOOL Redding, CA 5.4
PLAY MOUNTAIN PLACE Los Angeles, CA 5.4
SAFARI LEARNING ACADEMY Sonora, CA 5.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about First Steps School

What grades does First Steps School serve?

First Steps School serves students in grades Pre-K through Kindergarten.

How many students attend First Steps School?

First Steps School has an enrollment of approximately 40 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at First Steps School?

The student-teacher ratio at First Steps School is 8.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 11:1 for private schools.

How does First Steps School rank in CA?

First Steps School is ranked #1413 out of 1,790 private schools in CA.

What is First Steps School's MySchoolScout rating?

First Steps School has a composite rating of 5.4 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

Is First Steps School a private school?

Yes, First Steps School is a private coeducational school with a Nonsectarian affiliation. Private schools are not required to participate in state standardized testing, so academic performance data may be limited compared to public schools.

Is First Steps School a religious school?

No, First Steps School is a nonsectarian (non-religious) private school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Quick Facts NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)

Grades
Pre-K – Kindergarten
Enrollment
40
Gender Split
63% M / 37% F
Student-Teacher Ratio
8.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
5
Type
private
Coed Status
coed
Affiliation
Nonsectarian
School Day
6.5 hours
Days Per Year
197 days
Setting
Large City
County
LOS ANGELES
Data Year
2022–2023

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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