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Girdwood School

Public | PK-8 | 165 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
No new ratings

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4 reviews of this school


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Posted July 25, 2012

I found this school to be an enormous disappointment. My child was being taught by a teacher whose enthusiasm for teaching had dissipated long ago and really should have retired. My child grew a dislike for school and we were fortunate enough to realize this early on and made the decision to move to a better school in order for him to foster a love for learning. Unfortunately, this is the one and only school in Girdwood, so unless you want to drive to Anchorage every day, you have to deal with this mediocre school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 20, 2008

Public school with a private school feeling. Small, close knit community that is very involved in the school. Amazing afterschool programs for the children. Bike paths to the school which makes going to and from school fun!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 11, 2005

Test scores aren't everything. When we came to this school we were thrilled to join a class whose scores were so high. The reality is that Girdwood for the most part lacks immigrants and minorities. We found that the high test scores weren't made by superior teaching or programs, rather plain ole' demographics. The other disappointment we have with the Girdwood is the tolerance for the drug and alcohol culture, (which is prevalent in the community). For example, the Jr. High memory book, which was designed by a student, featured a full page landscape of psychoadelic mushrooms and characters from South Park. The administration (and parents) seemed to have no problem with it. Jr. High students can ignore commands from faculty and are perfectly confident that cooperation is optional. So bottom line, test scores aren't everything!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 8, 2005

This is a terrific school. It is K-8 and most of the teachers (as well as the students) have been there for a long time. There is tremendous parent participation and the school is really the center of the community. There is about one class per grade so all of the kids are together from Kindergarten on and know each other and their teacher very well. There is great community support for the school and a wonderful extracurricular program as well. The only downside is that after 8th grade the kids have to bus in to town for high school, an hour each way.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 75% in 2011.

2011

 
 
>=80%

2010

 
 
>=80%

2009

 
 
>=80%

2008

 
 
>90%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 82% in 2011.

2011

 
 
>=80%

2010

 
 
>=80%

2009

 
 
>=80%

2008

 
 
76%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 74% in 2011.

2011

 
 
>=80%

2010

 
 
>=80%

2009

 
 
>=80%

2008

 
 
81%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Alaska used the Standards Based Assessment (SBA) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, math and writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in science. The SBA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alaska. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Alaska's state standards

Source: Alaska Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 75% in 2011.

2011

 
 
>=80%

2010

 
 
>=80%

2009

 
 
77%

2008

 
 
>80%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 74% in 2011.

2011

 
 
>=80%

2010

 
 
>=80%

2009

 
 
>=90%

2008

 
 
>80%
Science

The state average for Science was 50% in 2011.

2011

 
 
>=80%

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
59%

2008

 
 
77%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 76% in 2011.

2011

 
 
>=80%

2010

 
 
>=80%

2009

 
 
>=90%

2008

 
 
>80%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Alaska used the Standards Based Assessment (SBA) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, math and writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in science. The SBA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alaska. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Alaska's state standards

Source: Alaska Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 70% in 2011.

2011

 
 
>=80%

2010

 
 
>=90%

2009

 
 
>=80%

2008

 
 
>80%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 79% in 2011.

2011

 
 
>=80%

2010

 
 
>=90%

2009

 
 
>=80%

2008

 
 
>80%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 75% in 2011.

2011

 
 
>=80%

2010

 
 
>=90%

2009

 
 
>=80%

2008

 
 
>80%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Alaska used the Standards Based Assessment (SBA) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, math and writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in science. The SBA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alaska. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Alaska's state standards

Source: Alaska Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 70% in 2011.

2011

 
 
>=90%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
85%

2008

 
 
>90%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2011.

2011

 
 
>=90%

2010

 
 
>=80%

2009

 
 
85%

2008

 
 
>90%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 70% in 2011.

2011

 
 
>=90%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
>=90%

2008

 
 
>90%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Alaska used the Standards Based Assessment (SBA) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, math and writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in science. The SBA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alaska. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Alaska's state standards

Source: Alaska Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2011.

2011

 
 
>=90%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
>=80%

2008

 
 
>80%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 78% in 2011.

2011

 
 
>=90%

2010

 
 
>=90%

2009

 
 
>=80%

2008

 
 
>80%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 73% in 2011.

2011

 
 
>=90%

2010

 
 
>=90%

2009

 
 
>=80%

2008

 
 
>80%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Alaska used the Standards Based Assessment (SBA) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, math and writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in science. The SBA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alaska. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Alaska's state standards

Source: Alaska Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 68% in 2011.

2011

 
 
>=80%

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
63%

2008

 
 
72%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 83% in 2011.

2011

 
 
>=80%

2010

 
 
>=80%

2009

 
 
>=80%

2008

 
 
>80%
Science

The state average for Science was 57% in 2011.

2011

 
 
>=80%

2010

 
 
>=80%

2009

 
 
63%

2008

 
 
>80%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 77% in 2011.

2011

 
 
>=80%

2010

 
 
>=80%

2009

 
 
>=80%

2008

 
 
>80%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Alaska used the Standards Based Assessment (SBA) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, math and writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in science. The SBA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alaska. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Alaska's state standards

Source: Alaska Department of Education

Math

All Students>=80%
Female>=60%
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White>=80%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged>=80%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities>=75%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students>=80%
Female>=60%
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White>=80%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged>=80%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities>=75%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a

Writing

All Students>=80%
Female>=60%
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White>=80%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged>=80%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities>=75%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Alaska used the Standards Based Assessment (SBA) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, math and writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in science. The SBA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alaska. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. If there are fewer than 5 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Alaska's state standards

Source: Alaska Department of Education

Math

All Students>=80%
Female>=60%
Male>=75%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White>=80%
Economically disadvantaged>=60%
Not economically disadvantaged>=75%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities>=80%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students>=80%
Female>=60%
Male>=75%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White>=80%
Economically disadvantaged>=60%
Not economically disadvantaged>=75%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities>=80%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a

Science

All Students>=80%
Female>=60%
Male>=75%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White>=80%
Economically disadvantaged>=60%
Not economically disadvantaged>=75%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities>=80%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a

Writing

All Students>=80%
Female>=60%
Male>=75%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White>=80%
Economically disadvantaged>=60%
Not economically disadvantaged>=75%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities>=80%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Alaska used the Standards Based Assessment (SBA) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, math and writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in science. The SBA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alaska. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. If there are fewer than 5 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Alaska's state standards

Source: Alaska Department of Education

Math

All Students>=80%
Female>=60%
Male>=80%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White>=80%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged>=80%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities>=80%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students>=80%
Female>=60%
Male>=80%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White>=80%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged>=80%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities>=80%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a

Writing

All Students>=80%
Female>=60%
Male>=80%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White>=80%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged>=80%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities>=80%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Alaska used the Standards Based Assessment (SBA) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, math and writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in science. The SBA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alaska. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. If there are fewer than 5 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Alaska's state standards

Source: Alaska Department of Education

Math

All Students>=90%
Female>=80%
Male>=80%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White>=90%
Economically disadvantaged>=60%
Not economically disadvantaged>=80%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities>=80%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students>=90%
Female>=80%
Male>=80%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White>=90%
Economically disadvantaged>=60%
Not economically disadvantaged>=80%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities>=80%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a

Writing

All Students>=90%
Female>=80%
Male>=80%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White>=90%
Economically disadvantaged>=60%
Not economically disadvantaged>=80%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities>=80%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Alaska used the Standards Based Assessment (SBA) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, math and writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in science. The SBA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alaska. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. If there are fewer than 5 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Alaska's state standards

Source: Alaska Department of Education

Math

All Students>=90%
Female>=80%
Male>=80%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White>=80%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged>=90%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities>=80%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students>=90%
Female>=80%
Male>=80%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White>=80%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged>=90%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities>=80%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a

Writing

All Students>=90%
Female>=80%
Male>=80%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White>=80%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged>=90%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities>=80%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Alaska used the Standards Based Assessment (SBA) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, math and writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in science. The SBA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alaska. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. If there are fewer than 5 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Alaska's state standards

Source: Alaska Department of Education

Math

All Students>=80%
Female>=60%
Male>=80%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White>=80%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged>=80%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities>=80%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students>=80%
Female>=60%
Male>=80%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White>=80%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged>=80%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities>=80%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a

Science

All Students>=80%
Female>=60%
Male>=80%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White>=80%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged>=80%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities>=80%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a

Writing

All Students>=80%
Female>=60%
Male>=80%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White>=80%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged>=80%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities>=80%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Alaska used the Standards Based Assessment (SBA) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, math and writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in science. The SBA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alaska. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. If there are fewer than 5 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Alaska's state standards

Source: Alaska Department of Education

Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 87% 53%
Hispanic 5% 6%
Two or more races 4% 7%
American Indian/Alaskan Native 2% 23%
Asian 2% 5%
Black N/A 4%
Pacific Islander N/A 2%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 18%N/A34%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 14N/A17
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

680 Hightower
Girdwood, AK 99587
Phone: (907) 742-5300

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