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GreatSchools Rating

W Arthur Sewel Elementary School

Public | PK-5 | 307 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

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

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Parent involvement

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8 reviews of this school


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Posted May 1, 2013

All my three sons have atttended Sewell Elementary (one is in high school, one in middle school and one is still at Sewell) and I can't praise Sewell enough for the quality of education and extra curricular activities it offers its students. From Opening Minds through the Arts to community involvement such as partnering with a nearby retirement community, to sports and more.. .the students are getting a well rounded education and learning to be good, productive members of their communities. IT's also a Ben's Bells Kindness school so kindness is at the core of everything the kids do and learn. The staff and administration and amazing. The principal is visible at all times, knows the kids' names and they know him. It truly is a model school in TUSD, one that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a top-notch school for their kids. We love Sewell and are proud to be members of the Sewell Family!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 26, 2012

This school has been a hidden gem in the midst of all the troubles with TUSD. We have barely noticed any of the district's problems due to the wonderful teachers my boys have had at this school. The OMA program has a terrific director who genuinely cares about each student and exposes them to different cultural arts. The principal is always present and available among the students and kids. Awesome learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 24, 2011

The preschool at Sewell Elementary is amazing! I love the kind and caring teachers, staff and students. The OMA program at Sewell encourages self-expression and builds artistic abilities.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 30, 2007

My granddaughter attends Sewell and I am so impressed overall with this School. I am very involved in volenteeering and such. She experiences lots of perks and field trips they have a great system to keep students on track and the teachers are wonderful! Basically Take Care of yourself, Take Care of Others and Take Care of Your School. I Love this school and feel she learns in a comfortable but academically based atmosphere. Thumbs up for Sewell!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 15, 2006

Principal not involved enough in student problems.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 14, 2005

My daughter is in the Autistic class for Sewel, and has been for the past 3 years. She has made so much progress the past 2 years with Lisa Larabee. Sadly, Ms. Lisa will not be at Sewel next year. But I'm hoping that my daughter will adjust and do well with her new teacher also. All of the staff at Sewel is very friendly. And it seems they make it a point to get to know as many of the students as they can. Each and every time I have gone to the school, they all know my daughter and always say hi to her. She loves going there. And she is very proud to be a 'Sewel Sabercat'. She earned an award of Student of the Quarter and was so excited when she received a Sewel t-shirt. She wears it all the time. Academically, she has advanced very well.
—Submitted by Margie K., a parent


Posted March 18, 2005

Our first-grader really likes Sewell. His teachers (K and 1st) have been very supportive and helpful. He is reading and writing well above his grade level, and has been on field trips all over town (the zoo, a hospital, two plays, a science fair, etc.) The OMA program has gotten him involved with singing and music. There isn't as much parent involvement as one would hope. The same small group shows up for field trips and other activities, and the PTA is always hurting for active members. However, the annual Fun Fair and other fund raisers seem to be well-attended.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 17, 2005

My son is currently attending his 3rd year at Sewell Elem and we have had a very positive experience each year.We recommend this school to anyone looking for a stimulating learning environment for their child.
—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 69% in 2012.

56 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
73%

2010

 
 
68%

2009

 
 
70%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.

56 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
71%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
82%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 79% in 2009.

32 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
66%
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 67% in 2012.

54 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
49%

2010

 
 
66%

2009

 
 
79%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.

54 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
64%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
77%
Science

The state average for Science was 63% in 2012.

54 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
56%

2011

 
 
38%

2010

 
 
52%

2009

 
 
50%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 83% in 2009.

46 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
87%
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 63% in 2012.

51 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
43%

2011

 
 
58%

2010

 
 
58%

2009

 
 
74%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 78% in 2012.

51 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
76%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

48 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
58%

2011

 
 
63%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
85%
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
White 44% 45%
Hispanic 41% 41%
Black 9% 6%
Asian 5% 3%
American Indian or Alaska Native N/A 6%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 54%N/A51%
English language learners 12%N/A14%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Home languages of english learners

Language This school State average
Spanish 71% 81%
English 6% 12%
Vietnamese 6% 1%
Arabic 3% 0%
Cantonese 3% 0%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 3% 0%
Other Non-Indian 3% 1%
Tagalog 3% 0%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per certified teacher 19N/AN/A
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

425 N. Sahuara
Tucson, AZ 85711
Phone: (520) 584-7200

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