The Best Elementary Schools badge recognizing James Monroe Elementary School (Fountain Valley) for its success with English Language Learners (ELL) has earned the school a spot in the top ten percent of California elementary schools based upon ELL academic achievement. In addition, as James Monroe's student population consists of 88% Hispanic and 68% low-income students, the designation as a high performing ELL school is even more meaningful considering the Garden Grove Unified School District includes one of Fountain Valley's most underserved neighborhoods.

Q1. Does James Monroe Elementary provide a Gifted and Talented program?

Ans. Yes. According to information from Niche and GreatSchools, James Monroe Elementary has a Gifted and Talented program. Children are identified through the formal referral process by the Garden Grove Unified School District and are assessed there as well. If your child is eligible for the GATE program, please talk to your child's teacher or call the school office to begin the identification process.

Q2. What factors contribute to James Monroe being in the top 10% for ELL outcomes while having low overall proficiency rates?

Ans. James Monroe Elementary has an experienced staff that educates a population of primarily Hispanic students who are also considered high needs; approximately 88% of the student population are Hispanic and 68% come from very low income households. The school has developed a variety of instructional practices that will assist ELL students with their academic progress; as a result, James Monroe Elementary ranks in the top 10% in California in terms of ELL students when looking at student performance alone, while overall student proficiency is below that of the state average.

Q3. What kind of support services do the low income or economically disadvantaged students receive at James Monroe?

Ans. James Monroe Elementary is a Title I school in the Garden Grove Unified School District, and therefore, receives federal supplemental funds that can be spent on interventions to help students academically, on instructional materials/equipment, and on providing families with support services. Ultimately, students may be deemed eligible for these assistive services through the completion of various requirements that have been identified by the school/district.

Q4. What is the average amount that each student at James Monroe Elementary has been given?

Ans. Per December 2021 data via SchoolDigger.com, the average expenditure per student at James Monroe Elementary was $11,836 and it ranks near the bottom of all of the elementary schools in the Garden Grove Unified School District — only 38 out of the 44 elementary schools spend more than this amount on each student who attends them.

Q5. Where do James Monroe students typically go after finishing their 6th grade at James Monroe Elementary?

Ans. Students who finish 6th grade at James Monroe Elementary are usually sent to Stephen R. Fitz Intermediate School, which is located about .7 miles away from the James Monroe campus in the Garden Grove Unified School District. Parents should check with the district enrollment office to find out where their child will attend intermediate school.