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GreatSchools Rating

Dartmouth Middle School

Public | 6-8 | 747 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 3 ratings
2011:
Based on 2 ratings
2010:
No new ratings

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29 reviews of this school


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Posted September 5, 2012

My daughter LOVES all of her teachers. This is a HUGE win in my book. 100% of her teachers are extremely educated and organized. New Principal has amazing energy and seems to use his popularity with the children in a positive way (as a role model/leader vs. power trip/controlling others)
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 6, 2012

I have just been hired to teach at Dartmouth and I could not be more excited. On the day of my interview, they took me to meet the team of teachers I would be working with and I can honestly say it was one of the nicest groups of people I have ever met. I spent a full day on campus during the last week of school so I could get a feel for the culture. It is incredible! I can tell that teachers love working here and students love going here.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted January 2, 2012

Love this school. My son has a learning disability and the teachers are SO awesome with my son. I am so happy with this school. Even the staff in the front office are kind and loving towards the students. The curriculum is great, and though my son has a learning disabiltiy, he is progressing and confident at this school. There is no bullying and all of the teachers my son has had (he's in 7th grade) have been kind and responsive.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 27, 2011

I cannot say enough great things about this school, its staff and its administration. My child is in 8th grade and has nothing but an outstanding experience here. Besides the strong curriculum, what I really appreciate it the focus on allowing every child to succeed to the level they are able. Children are bolstered, encouraged and challenged to be the best they can be. They are also expected to behave in a way that allows for them to focus on learning above all else. What I see when I am on campus is an environment where students feel comfortable with each other, and with the staff, which is quite a feat for middle school. I tell everyone I know what a fantastic experience this has been!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 9, 2011

Be careful of this school. The principal, Carlson, has an agenda and will sacrafice the kids to get there and Lau isn't much better. I removed my kid from this school and the experience at the new school was instantly a dramtic difference for the better. I hope someday someone will catch them at what they are doing.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 4, 2009

The teachers and staff are Fabulous! The teaching is done in teams which has been hugely successful.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 18, 2009

I was a student at Dartmouth MANY years ago and seriously had anxiety about my daughter going to any public middle school. She has completed 6th grade at Dartmouth and I have to say that her experience has been ideal and my expectations were completely blown away. She went into 6th grade vulnerable and impressionable and came out a strong, smart, athletic and a completely confident young lady. I'm so pleased with the staff and the attitude the kids have at our school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 18, 2009

I was also a student at Dartmouth, back in the day. My daughter is heading in to 7th grade there and we cannot say enough great things about the school, the staff and the curriculum. The staff has extremely high standards for the students - exceptional behavior is what is expected. Students with all levels of ability are supported and challenged. I have recommended Dartmouth to many friends who are currently attending private school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 17, 2009

i am not pleased with this school. My son was a very great student really smart, nice and when we moved, He started going to Dartmouth and somewhere around his first month there his grades started going down, his attitude changed and he's not like himself again he gets into a lot of trouble.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 13, 2009

I have 2 granddaughters at Dartmouth and am very pleased with the education they are receiving there. As a teacher myself, I can recognize quality education. The curriculum is excellent and the counselors are awesome!


Posted May 12, 2009

My son has had a positive experience at Dartmouth. I've been pleased with most of his teachers, although a few are not very approachable and have policies I don't agree with. Overall, I think Dartmouth is a great school and know my up-coming children will have positive experiences too.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 5, 2009

We have just won a School to Watch award. There were only 3 middle schools in California who are chosen as a school that really stands out and is very outstanding. Dartmouth Middle School is the best choice. The staff really cares and the sports aren't supposed to be very serious, it is all for fun. If I were you pick this school because I am a student and expirenced. This is a really great school!
—Submitted by a student


Posted May 21, 2008

I am truly pleased with Dartmouth's staff. One of my daughters' was struggling in some classes, the teachers' called a parent/teacher meeting, and they were nothing short of encouraging and helpful. My child went from D's and F's, to almost straight A's, and I attribute that to the attentiveness and caring of her teachers. They believed in her and placed the responsibility in her hands, and she rose to the occasion. Thank you to the caring staff.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 14, 2008

I am very unsatisfied with this school. The eduction is inadequate and the the sports are not very focused on. If I were any of you, I would transfer my child to Union just like I did.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 2, 2007

I transferred all my kids to this great school because I love the staff and their awesome teaching skills....you can tell they love to teach and are really good with children. I know my kids are taken good care of when they are in school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 27, 2006

I like Dartmouth but we need some new teachers and more activities for us students to do and I think that the band students being one of them should have different uniforms instead of wearing the same one year after year
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 4, 2006

We had the opportunity to visit both schools for their open house events. Dartmouth wins hands down! The staff made not only our child but his very nervous parents feel welcome and at ease. Orientation day was an event in itself, convincing us we had made the right choice. So far out child has had a very easy transition into middle school, greeting each challenge with enthusiasm.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 20, 2006

This is an excellent school! My daughter struggled through elementary school and is in the RSP program at Dartmouth. Through guidance and determination she finished her 4th quarter of 7th grade with a 3.74 GPA. This school has a very supportive environment and the best middle school band program I have ever seen. I highly recommend this school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 6, 2006

A school is what parents and students make of it. Dartmouth is a great school in that respect. The teachers are very good and make themselves avalable to students and parents. Students who want to achieve, do. Parents who accept responsibility for their role in their child's success see success. Both of my children had a great experience at Dartmoutn and have continued with exceptional academic careers and social success. My hat is off to Dartmouth and staff.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 15, 2006

i am no parent i am a student and iam voiceing my opinion. Dartmouth is a good school the giudence counsler is great and the teachers are awsome and i love the rsp program.
—Submitted by a student


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.

The API reflects year-over-year schools performance based on STAR test score results from spring 2012.

This school's
API score

911

Change from
2011 to 2012

N/A

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

10 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

9 / 10


API Growth scores over time

Did this school meet the API goal this year?
The state goal for API is 800. All schools that are below 800 are assigned an API improvement target each year.
  • This school met the state goal of 800.

API Growth scores by subgroup

In addition to schoolwide API scores, each student subgroup receives an API score.
Did this school meet all the API goals for student subgroups this year?
The state goal for the API is 800. All the student subgroups at a school that are below 800 are assigned an API improvement target each year.
  • This school met all student subgroup API targets for 2012

This school's
API score

911

What is the API?
The Academic Performance Index (API) is a single number assigned to each school by the California Department of Education to measure overall school performance and improvement over time on statewide testing. The API ranges from 200 and 1000, with 800 as the state goal for all schools.
Change from
2011 to 2012

N/A

Change from 2011 to 2012
Comparing the API Growth to the Base shows whether or not this school’s test score performance improved between Spring 2011 and Spring 2012. The API ranges between 200 and 1000, with 800 as the statewide goal for all schools. Schools scoring below an 800 are given at least a 5 point target for the next year.
API Statewide Rank
(2011)

10 / 10

API Statewide Rank (2011)
The API Statewide Rank ranges from 1 to 10. A rank of 10, for example, means that the school’s API fell into the top 10% of all schools in the state with a comparable grade range. The 2011 rank is based on results from tests students took in Spring 2011.
API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

9 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)
The API Similar Schools Rank ranges from 1 to 10. It shows how the school compares to other schools with similar student demographic profiles. The California Department of Education uses parent education level, poverty level, student ethnicity and other data to identify similar schools.
English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 59% in 2012.

241 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
82%

2009

 
 
72%
Math

The state average for Math was 55% in 2012.

240 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
65%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 86% in 2012.

40 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
100%
English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 62% in 2012.

244 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
74%
Math

The state average for Math was 52% in 2012.

203 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
63%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 49% in 2012.

51 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
98%
English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 59% in 2012.

231 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
70%
General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards)

The state average for General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards) was 32% in 2012.

146 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
77%

2009

 
 
76%
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 87% in 2012.

37 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
n/a
History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative

The state average for History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative was 52% in 2012.

245 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
70%

2010

 
 
75%

2009

 
 
63%
Science

The state average for Science was 66% in 2012.

229 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
81%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

All Students84%
Females88%
Males81%
African Americann/a
Asian93%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino54%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)92%
Economically disadvantaged60%
Non-economically disadvantaged90%
Students with disability75%
Students with no reported disability86%
English learner25%
Fluent-English proficient and English only89%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate56%
Parent education - high school graduate31%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)89%
Parent education - college graduate91%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate95%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students79%
Females79%
Males78%
African Americann/a
Asian84%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino52%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)85%
Economically disadvantaged51%
Non-economically disadvantaged85%
Students with disability67%
Students with no reported disability80%
English learner25%
Fluent-English proficient and English only83%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate50%
Parent education - high school graduate33%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)69%
Parent education - college graduate88%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate90%
Parent education - declined to staten/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

Algebra I

All Students100%
Females100%
Males100%
African Americann/a
Asian100%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
White (not Hispanic)100%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged100%
Students with no reported disability100%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only100%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduate100%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

English Language Arts

All Students84%
Females88%
Males81%
African Americann/a
Asian92%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino58%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)91%
Economically disadvantaged64%
Non-economically disadvantaged89%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability85%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only87%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented97%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate72%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)71%
Parent education - college graduate92%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate94%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students78%
Females77%
Males80%
African Americann/a
Asian95%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino59%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)82%
Economically disadvantaged67%
Non-economically disadvantaged81%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability80%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only79%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented89%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate69%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)61%
Parent education - college graduate86%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate90%
Parent education - declined to staten/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

Algebra I

All Students100%
Females100%
Males100%
African Americann/a
Asian100%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)100%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged100%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability100%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only100%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduate100%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

English Language Arts

All Students81%
Females84%
Males77%
African Americann/a
Asian83%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino56%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)89%
Economically disadvantaged59%
Non-economically disadvantaged86%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability82%
English learner25%
Fluent-English proficient and English only84%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented97%
Parent education - not a high school graduate27%
Parent education - high school graduate59%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)73%
Parent education - college graduate89%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate97%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards)

All Students83%
Females82%
Males84%
African Americann/a
Asian93%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino71%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)86%
Economically disadvantaged74%
Non-economically disadvantaged86%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability85%
English learner33%
Fluent-English proficient and English only87%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate50%
Parent education - high school graduate75%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)84%
Parent education - college graduate94%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate82%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Geometry

All Students100%
Females100%
Males100%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
White (not Hispanic)100%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged100%
Students with no reported disability100%
Fluent-English proficient and English only100%
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduate100%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative

All Students76%
Females77%
Males75%
African Americann/a
Asian84%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino54%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)81%
Economically disadvantaged51%
Non-economically disadvantaged83%
Students with disability24%
Students with no reported disability81%
English learner13%
Fluent-English proficient and English only81%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate29%
Parent education - high school graduate65%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)67%
Parent education - college graduate86%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate89%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students88%
Females87%
Males90%
African Americann/a
Asian87%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino72%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)94%
Economically disadvantaged69%
Non-economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability89%
English learner33%
Fluent-English proficient and English only91%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented97%
Parent education - not a high school graduate40%
Parent education - high school graduate80%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)84%
Parent education - college graduate94%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate97%
Parent education - declined to staten/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See California's state standards

Source: California 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 58% 28%
Hispanic or Latino 22% 49%
Asian 12% 8%
African American 4% 7%
Multiple or No Response 2% 3%
Filipino 1% 3%
American Indian or Alaska Native 0% 1%
Pacific Islander 0% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 19%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 221%N/A52%
Source: 1 CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Source: 2 NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 12N/A11
Average years teaching 15N/A13
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Full credential 92%N/A96%
Emergency credential or waiver 8%N/A2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

5575 Dartmouth Drive
San Jose, CA 95118
Phone: (408) 264-1122

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