Top of the World Elementary

Summary:

Top of the World Elementary is a highly-regarded public elementary school in Laguna Beach, California, serving 557 students from kindergarten to 5th grade. This school consistently ranks among the top elementary schools in the state, with exceptional academic performance, low chronic absenteeism, and a supportive learning environment for its diverse student population.

Top of the World Elementary's students excel academically, with 80.43% proficient or better in English Language Arts/Literacy and 81.49% proficient or better in Mathematics, significantly outperforming the state and Laguna Beach Unified district averages. The school's performance is particularly strong in certain student subgroups, such as male students, Hispanic students, and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, who all rank among the top in the state. Additionally, Top of the World Elementary has relatively low chronic absenteeism rates, ranging from 3.5% to 15.1% over the past 5 years, which is lower than the state and district averages.

When compared to nearby schools, such as Marian Bergeson Elementary and Laguna Niguel Elementary, Top of the World Elementary outperforms most in academic achievement and chronic absenteeism. However, some nearby schools also demonstrate strong academic performance and low chronic absenteeism rates, indicating a high-performing educational environment in the local Capistrano Unified area. Overall, Top of the World Elementary's consistent high performance, low student-teacher ratio, and equitable outcomes for diverse student populations make it a highly desirable educational option for families in the Laguna Beach community.


Detail:

Public K-5

 21601 Tree Top Ln.
       Laguna Beach, CA  92651-2099


(949) 497-7790

District: Laguna Beach Unified

SchoolDigger Rank:
185th of 5,862 California Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $19,328 Help


Students who attend Top of the World Elementary usually attend:

Middle:    Thurston Middle
High:    Laguna Beach High

Student/teacher ratio:  20.6 Help
Number of students:  557

Racial breakdown:

White:
65.7%
Two or more races:
18.0%
Hispanic:
11.0%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  16.9% Help


 See top rated California elementary schools

 Compare Top of the World Elementary to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Top of the World Elementary ranks better than 96.8% of elementary schools in California. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 96.76. (See more...)
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Chronic absenteeism in a high 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
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (65.7%), two or more races (18%), Hispanic (11%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 16.9% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Top of the World Elementary is 20.6. (See more...)
Help
Compare Top of the World Elementary employs 27 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Top of the World Elementary is $19,328.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Top of the World Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks Top of the World Elementary 185th of 5862 California public elementary schools. (See Top of the World Elementary in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
White students:


Laguna Beach Unified:

SchoolDigger ranks Laguna Beach Unified 42nd of 1568 California school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for Top of the World Elementary?

Rank History for Top of the World Elementary

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Rank History for all students at Top of the World Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 92.14 390th 4809 91.9%
2005 92.30 364th 4822 92.5%
2006 93.49 305th 4818 93.7%
2007 92.73 362nd 5113 92.9%
2008 87.50 630th 5113 87.7%
2009 86.75 659th 5193 87.3%
2010 87.37 610th 5314 88.5%
2011 88.25 545th 5377 89.9%
2012 87.01 618th 5390 88.5%
2013 91.56 361st 5530 93.5%
2015 97.33 158th 5611 97.2%
2016 97.67 88th 5614 98.4%
2017 97.74 110th 5692 98.1%
2018 98.04 65th 5662 98.9%
2019 97.44 116th 5789 98.0%
2022 97.63 135th 5883 97.7%
2023 97.35 158th 5874 97.3%
2024 96.76 185th 5862 96.8%
See the entire list of California Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Top of the World Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 90.47 6th 339 98.2%
2019 90.68 6th 445 98.7%
2022 74.41 151st 610 75.2%
2023 82.90 69th 669 89.7%
2024 88.19 33rd 669 95.1%
See the entire list of Best California Elementary Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Top of the World Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 97.63 90th 5264 98.3%
2023 98.09 78th 5374 98.5%
2024 99.11 46th 5511 99.2%
See the entire list of Best California Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Top of the World Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 96.73 100th 5413 98.2%
2019 96.08 156th 5492 97.2%
2022 95.49 262nd 5635 95.4%
2023 95.00 282nd 5617 95.0%
2024 94.70 313th 5605 94.4%
See the entire list of Best California Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Top of the World Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 99.83 5th 2128 99.8%
2019 98.89 27th 2585 99.0%
See the entire list of Best California Elementary Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at Top of the World Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 98.07 48th 5431 99.1%
2019 97.45 83rd 5510 98.5%
2022 98.12 72nd 5663 98.7%
2023 97.80 81st 5650 98.6%
2024 97.25 111th 5636 98.0%
See the entire list of Best California Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Top of the World Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 99.45 24th 5084 99.5%
See the entire list of Best California Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Top of the World Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 90.05 100th 2737 96.3%
2019 86.54 206th 2834 92.7%
2022 90.06 106th 2726 96.1%
2023 88.03 164th 2662 93.8%
2024 85.52 229th 2647 91.3%
See the entire list of Best California Elementary Schools for White 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.

Top of the World Elementary Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 






Data source: California Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

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by a parent
Saturday, April 28, 2018

Open Quote Excellent elementary school with caring staff and rigorous standards. Large soccer/baseball field and two playgrounds plus a separate kindergarten. Small class sizes, a strong emphasis on music and art. Extracurricular programs, STEAM, a library, garden, the list goes on. All 4 children attended this school and loved it. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Top of the World Elementary

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 452 7 16 29 0 n/a n/a 0 504
1989 505 6 10 14 0 n/a n/a 0 535
1990 453 8 14 4 3 n/a n/a 0 482
1991 461 5 12 13 1 n/a n/a 0 492
1992 519 7 22 26 0 n/a n/a 0 574
1993 530 5 28 27 0 n/a n/a 0 590
1994 571 4 34 36 0 n/a n/a 0 645
1995 600 8 28 45 1 n/a n/a 0 682
1996 600 8 28 45 1 n/a n/a 0 682
1997 563 10 19 48 2 n/a n/a 0 642
1998 606 11 19 41 2 n/a n/a 0 679
1999 591 8 19 41 4 n/a n/a 0 663
2000 611 10 15 49 2 n/a n/a 0 687
2001 592 12 23 49 2 n/a n/a 0 678
2002 535 4 29 32 2 n/a n/a 0 602
2003 535 4 29 32 2 n/a n/a 0 602
2004 514 4 28 36 2 n/a n/a 2 586
2005 499 5 28 36 1 n/a n/a 4 573
2006 498 5 26 27 3 n/a n/a 7 566
2007 496 5 27 26 2 n/a n/a 11 567
2008 509 4 23 31 2 n/a n/a 0 569
2009 521 5 26 36 3 4 14 0 609
2010 502 5 20 36 3 0 26 0 592
2011 541 6 24 43 2 0 31 0 647
2012 547 5 26 39 2 0 35 0 654
2013 543 5 28 44 1 0 52 0 673
2014 525 3 32 40 1 0 56 0 657
2015 511 1 36 49 1 0 67 0 665
2016 496 1 28 46 1 0 67 0 639
2017 460 2 30 52 0 0 63 0 607
2018 445 3 30 48 0 0 70 0 596
2019 419 3 24 52 1 0 76 0 575
2020 412 2 20 64 1 0 81 0 580
2021 359 4 18 53 1 0 74 0 509
2022 364 2 18 58 2 0 86 0 530
2023 366 2 26 61 2 0 100 0 557

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 Top of the World Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 504 18.0 28.0 n/a
1989 535 20.0 26.7 n/a
1990 482 20.0 24.1 n/a
1991 492 19.0 25.8 n/a
1992 574 19.3 29.7 3.1
1993 590 25.0 23.6 4.6
1994 645 24.0 26.9 4.8
1995 682 28.5 23.9 6.6
1996 682 28.5 23.9 6.6
1997 642 25.5 25.2 6.4
1998 679 23.5 28.9 6.2
1999 663 31.0 21.4 6.6
2000 687 31.0 22.2 7
2001 678 32.1 21.1 7.4
2002 602 28.1 21.4 5.5
2003 602 28.1 21.4 5.5
2004 586 26.6 22.0 4.5
2005 573 27.4 20.9 3.9
2006 566 25.6 22.1 2.7
2007 567 26.6 21.3 3.4
2008 569 27.6 20.6 3.5
2009 609 29.6 19.9 3.6
2010 592 31.6 18.7 8.4
2011 647 n/a n/a 10
2012 654 27.6 23.6 n/a
2013 673 28.2 23.8 6.5
2014 657 28.0 23.4 5.3
2015 665 27.0 24.6 3.9
2016 639 29.0 22.0 4.9
2017 607 27.6 21.9 5.4
2018 596 25.6 23.2 8.2
2019 575 25.0 23.0 9.7
2020 580 n/a n/a 10.3
2021 509 26.7 19.0 9.8
2022 530 22.0 24.0 14.5
2023 557 27.0 20.6 16.9

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 Top of the World Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 504 18.0 28.0 n/a
1989 535 20.0 26.7 n/a
1990 482 20.0 24.1 n/a
1991 492 19.0 25.8 n/a
1992 574 19.3 29.7 3.1
1993 590 25.0 23.6 4.6
1994 645 24.0 26.9 4.8
1995 682 28.5 23.9 6.6
1996 682 28.5 23.9 6.6
1997 642 25.5 25.2 6.4
1998 679 23.5 28.9 6.2
1999 663 31.0 21.4 6.6
2000 687 31.0 22.2 7
2001 678 32.1 21.1 7.4
2002 602 28.1 21.4 5.5
2003 602 28.1 21.4 5.5
2004 586 26.6 22.0 4.5
2005 573 27.4 20.9 3.9
2006 566 25.6 22.1 2.7
2007 567 26.6 21.3 3.4
2008 569 27.6 20.6 3.5
2009 609 29.6 19.9 3.6
2010 592 31.6 18.7 8.4
2011 647 n/a n/a 10
2012 654 27.6 23.6 n/a
2013 673 28.2 23.8 6.5
2014 657 28.0 23.4 5.3
2015 665 27.0 24.6 3.9
2016 639 29.0 22.0 4.9
2017 607 27.6 21.9 5.4
2018 596 25.6 23.2 8.2
2019 575 25.0 23.0 9.7
2020 580 n/a n/a 10.3
2021 509 26.7 19.0 9.8
2022 530 22.0 24.0 14.5
2023 557 27.0 20.6 16.9

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.

Kindergarten Immunization Rates

Top of the World Elementary

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Compare
YearCompletely ImmunizedReligious ExemptionMedical ExemptionConditionalPolioHepatitis BVaricellaDTPMMR
201284.0%12.0%1.0%3.0%86.0%85.0%87.0%86.0%87.0%
201391.0%9.0%0.0%0.0%91.0%91.0%91.0%91.0%91.0%
201478.0%20.0%0.0%1.0%80.0%80.0%80.0%80.0%78.0%
201593.0%0.0%0.0%7.0%98.0%94.0%98.0%96.0%96.0%
201685.0%12.0%0.0%3.0%88.0%85.0%88.0%88.0%88.0%
201789.0%4.0%6.0%1.0%89.0%90.0%90.0%89.0%89.0%
201895.0%0.0%3.0%3.0%95.0%95.0%96.0%95.0%95.0%
201997.0%3.0%0.0%97.0%97.0%97.0%97.0%97.0%
202093.8%1.2%4.9%96.3%96.3%96.3%
202181.0%4.8%4.8%90.5%88.1%
202296.3%2.5%1.3%

Data source: California Department of Public Health
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Top of the World Elementary

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YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2018 $19,328

Data source: California Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Top of the World Elementary

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 116th of 5789 Elementary schoolsRanks 158th of 5874 Elementary schools
 0.7%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (Top of the World Elementary)85.478.1
 7.3%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (Laguna Beach Unified)84.976.7
 8.2%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (California)48.543
 5.6%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Top of the World Elementary)87.588.7
 1.2%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Laguna Beach Unified)86.884.2
 2.7%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (California)50.245.1
 5.1%
4th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (Top of the World Elementary)82.886.2
 3.4%
   4th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (Laguna Beach Unified)86.382.4
 4%
   4th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (California)49.543.7
 5.7%
4th Grade Mathematics (Top of the World Elementary)8182.8
 1.8%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Laguna Beach Unified)7978.7
 0.3%
   4th Grade Mathematics (California)44.940.8
 4.1%
5th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (Top of the World Elementary)91.184.7
 6.4%
   5th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (Laguna Beach Unified)87.983
 4.9%
   5th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (California)51.746.7
 5%
5th Grade Mathematics (Top of the World Elementary)88.472.2
 16.2%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Laguna Beach Unified)83.470.9
 12.5%
   5th Grade Mathematics (California)3833.4
 4.6%
5th Grade Science (Top of the World Elementary)77.774.2
 3.4%
   5th Grade Science (Laguna Beach Unified)75.970.1
 5.8%
   5th Grade Science (California)31.731.9
 0.1%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students575557
 3.1%
African American32
 33.3%
American Indian12
 100%
Asian2426
 8.3%
Hispanic5261
 17.3%
Pacific Islander00
White419366
 12.6%
Two or More Races76100
 31.6%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients9.7%16.9%
 7.1%


Schools Near Top of the World Elementary









Frequently Asked Questions about Top of the World Elementary

Students who attend Top of the World Elementary usually go on to attend:

Middle : Thurston Middle
High : Laguna Beach High

Yes! Top of the World Elementary is one of the best elementary schools in the state. It ranks 185th of 5862 California elementary schools.

Students at Top of the World Elementary are 66% White, 18% Two or more races, 11% Hispanic, 5% Asian.

In the 2022-23 school year, 557 students attended Top of the World Elementary.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the California Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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