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GreatSchools Rating

Cactus Middle School

Public | 6-8 | 938 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars


Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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14 reviews of this school


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Posted November 18, 2008

Because of the consistent and firm discipline the students' receive, I feel that my child is in a safe environment. The teachers are great and extremely helpful.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 24, 2008

I am a student at Cactus Middle School. Before i came here I was one of the barely passing students. Now I am staight A+ student in just one semester!!!!! This school is amazing in all ways .
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 24, 2008

I go to cactus and it is totally awsome they have great advanced classes... I would know because I am in them!
—Submitted by a student


Posted May 19, 2008

The teachers are great and very helpful. As far as the other staff. I have yet to meet the principle. Even after several request. I can't wait for my child to get out of Cactus Middle School.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 19, 2007

I was a student a cactus and I loved it! The school its self is very nice with large space in both Media Center, Cafitiriea,Gym, and the campus it self. The students and staff are great and I was surprised how much test scores are going up each year and how much I learned.
—Submitted by a student


Posted April 24, 2007

Our family was new to the Casa Grande District this year, moving from Kyrene District in Chandler where my child was on the honor roll. The advanced programs here were not challenging to my child, who was also admonished for asking questions. With so few choices in this area, it has been a very frustrating school year. Although Principal Lavender was helpful and supportive, others in the administration scored much lower and even seemed to exacerbate the situation. It will be interesting to see what happens after Lavender leaves in 2007-08. I'll be glad that my child will be out of that place.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 26, 2007

Our daughter is in many of the advanced programs at Cactus. Overall, she has excelled at the school and the faculty have been instrumental. I have only had issues with two teachers and considering the amount of students these people have to contend with, I can see why teachers get a little overbearing. Other than that, this is an awesome school with an awesome staff! We have two more children and regardless of attendance boundaries, we will be asking for Cactus as our middle school. Krystie Sojourner
—Submitted by Krystie Sojourner, a parent


Posted October 2, 2006

Our son is in sixth grade and new to Casa Grande. He was pessimistic about starting a new school and having new friends. We approached Principal Lavender regarding our son's fears, and he immediately involved our son in the 'new student program.' Our son is enjoying CMS, his new school and new friends. Academically, he is learning new material. He particularly enjoys math. He mentioned his math teacher is excellent and explains all formulas in an easy to understand manner. Thank you CMS. CMS Parents.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 8, 2006

Cactus Middle School in an awesome school. The teachers and staff give 110%. The main focus is on academics, but many extracurricular activities ranging from band, to sports, to student council, are provided. The staff is friendly and I've always felt welcome on campus. I highly recommend C.M.S.!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 25, 2006

Cactus middle school is awesome!
—Submitted by a student


Posted November 3, 2005

Personnel at this school is very friendly. Though I believe parents need to be more open minded about there children. He is an honor roll student. This school has no challenge for him. My son is relearning what he learned in 5th grade in Illinois. Other children are not welcoming to new students. Over all. New technology and better opportunities for advanced children is needed desperatley. Thanks
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 22, 2005

This is my 5th year having a child attend Cactus. So we started the first day the doors opened at the school. There has been many changes as the years pass. Always improving, and working to meet the needs of the kids. Staff is friendly, and helpful as a concerned parent they are always glad to welcome me into the school. That makes me feel good about where they attend.
—Submitted by Rhonda Conley, a parent


Posted April 2, 2005

Good academics. Great band and drumline program.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 5, 2004

My 2 children had the opportunity to attend this school and I cannot say enough great things about the teachers, the staff and the Principal. They are a very caring group of individuals that go to great lengths to communicate with the parents. They have an open door policy and parents are always welcome and are encouraged to be involved. They have a wonderful band program at this school and the Band Director is awsome. I highly recommend this school. I love Cactus Middle School and so did my children. Your kids and you will love it as well.
—Submitted by Bonnie Sanchez, 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 61% in 2012.

308 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
57%

2011

 
 
59%

2010

 
 
60%

2009

 
 
76%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.

308 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
77%

2009

 
 
71%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

291 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
37%

2011

 
 
51%

2010

 
 
55%

2009

 
 
81%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 62% in 2012.

299 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
60%

2010

 
 
65%

2009

 
 
80%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2012.

299 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
78%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 52% in 2012.

292 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
45%

2011

 
 
41%

2010

 
 
69%

2009

 
 
79%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 57% in 2012.

322 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
59%

2011

 
 
56%

2010

 
 
63%

2009

 
 
74%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 72% in 2012.

322 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
71%

2011

 
 
70%

2010

 
 
78%

2009

 
 
83%
Science

The state average for Science was 68% in 2012.

322 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
63%

2010

 
 
60%

2009

 
 
65%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 86% in 2009.

257 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
84%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

  • In 2010-2011, this school was designated "Performing Plus".
  • In 2009-2010, this school was designated "Performing Plus".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was designated "Highly Performing".

About the tests


Arizona uses AZ LEARNS Achievement Profiles to indicate schools' overall performance each year. For elementary and middle schools, the profiles are based on current and historical aggregated AIMS results, MAP results and whether or not the school made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). For high schools, AIMS results, AYP status and graduation/dropout rates are used. Schools are identified as Excelling, Highly Performing, Performing Plus, Performing, Underperforming, Failing to Meet Academic Standards or Pending.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
Hispanic 50% 41%
White 38% 45%
American Indian or Alaska Native 5% 6%
Black 5% 6%
Asian 2% 3%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 50%N/A51%
English language learners 4%N/A14%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Home languages of english learners

Language This school State average
Spanish 76% 81%
English 15% 12%
Other Non-Indian 3% 1%
Punjabi 3% 0%
Thai 3% 0%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per certified teacher 23N/AN/A
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

1220 E. Kortsen Road
Casa Grande, AZ 85222
Website: Click here
Phone: (520) 421-3330

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