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GreatSchools Rating

Thomas MacLaren State Charter School

Charter | 6-12 & ungraded | 183 students

We are best known for our rigorous classical curriculum.
 
 
Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

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

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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5 reviews of this school


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Posted May 15, 2013

Thomas MacLaren School provides and education that is not only rigorous, but is beautiful. It is for all students, not only those identified as gifted. The depth of the common (to all students) curriculum combined with the quality of the staff makes Thomas MacLaren School a very special place to learn. It is wonderful that our children do not need to chose between a rich life in the arts and high math and science courses. They get it all! We are completing our 3rd year at MacLaren and feel very blessed to have found it.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 15, 2013

This school continues to surpass our greatest hopes for our children's education. The teachers care about the students on a very individual basis and make the necessary adjustments to meet the learning styles of every child. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 28, 2011

We love this school and wouldn't send our children anywhere else. Our 7th and 8th grade students are both challenged academically and happy going to school. There is no bullying and the class sizes are small. The teachers are fun and really know their subjects. The principal and staff respond quickly to any questions or problems and provide tutoring or challenge work as needed. I fully expect that my children will attend a top notch University after mastering the curriculum at this middle/high school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 27, 2011

Because of its high academic standards for all its students, and small class size, I regard Thomas MacLaren School as the finest my 9th and 10th grade children have ever attended. They do not streamline some into lower categories, and for that I am thankful and appreciative. This school gives every student there the opportunity to achieve their highest potential. I give MacLaren the top possible rating.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 27, 2011

This school has excellent teachers, strong principal/school leadership, small classes, and high academic standards for all students.
—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 61% in 2012.

41 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
76%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 73% in 2012.

41 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
95%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

41 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.

See Colorado's state standards

Source: Colorado Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 53% in 2012.

32 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 68% in 2012.

32 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
97%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 62% in 2012.

32 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.

See Colorado's state standards

Source: Colorado Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 52% in 2012.

31 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 67% in 2012.

31 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%
Science

The state average for Science was 49% in 2012.

31 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 55% in 2012.

31 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.

See Colorado's state standards

Source: Colorado Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 37% in 2012.

20 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 67% in 2012.

20 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
95%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 51% in 2012.

20 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.

See Colorado's state standards

Source: Colorado Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 33% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 68% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Science

The state average for Science was 49% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Writing

The state average for Writing was 48% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.

See Colorado's state standards

Source: Colorado Department of Education

Math

All Students76%
Female82%
Malen/a
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
White (not Hispanic)87%
Free lunch eligiblen/a
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch82%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities76%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable76%

Reading

All Students95%
Female100%
Malen/a
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
White (not Hispanic)97%
Free lunch eligible100%
Reduced lunch eligible100%
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch96%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities95%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable95%

Writing

All Students85%
Female96%
Malen/a
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
White (not Hispanic)90%
Free lunch eligiblen/a
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities85%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable85%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.

The different student groups are identified by the Colorado Department of Education. If there are fewer than 16 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Colorado's state standards

Source: Colorado Department of Education

Math

All Students69%
Femalen/a
Male71%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
White (not Hispanic)68%
Free lunch eligiblen/a
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch74%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities71%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable71%

Reading

All Students97%
Femalen/a
Male94%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
White (not Hispanic)96%
Free lunch eligible100%
Reduced lunch eligible100%
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch96%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities100%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable97%

Writing

All Students94%
Femalen/a
Male88%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
White (not Hispanic)96%
Free lunch eligiblen/a
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities97%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable94%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.

The different student groups are identified by the Colorado Department of Education. If there are fewer than 16 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Colorado's state standards

Source: Colorado Department of Education

Math

All Students77%
Femalen/a
Male83%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Hispanicn/a
White (not Hispanic)90%
Free lunch eligiblen/a
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch87%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities76%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable77%

Reading

All Students94%
Femalen/a
Male94%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Hispanicn/a
White (not Hispanic)95%
Free lunch eligible100%
Reduced lunch eligible100%
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch100%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities93%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable94%

Science

All Students74%
Femalen/a
Male78%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Hispanicn/a
White (not Hispanic)86%
Free lunch eligiblen/a
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch83%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities72%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable74%

Writing

All Students90%
Femalen/a
Male89%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Hispanicn/a
White (not Hispanic)91%
Free lunch eligiblen/a
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities90%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable90%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.

The different student groups are identified by the Colorado Department of Education. If there are fewer than 16 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Colorado's state standards

Source: Colorado Department of Education

Math

All Students65%
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Free lunch eligiblen/a
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch69%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities72%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable65%

Reading

All Students95%
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Free lunch eligible100%
Reduced lunch eligible100%
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch94%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities100%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable95%

Writing

All Students85%
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Free lunch eligiblen/a
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities94%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable85%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.

The different student groups are identified by the Colorado Department of Education. If there are fewer than 16 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Colorado's state standards

Source: Colorado Department of Education

Math

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Hispanicn/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Free lunch eligiblen/a
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunchn/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilitiesn/a
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicablen/a

Reading

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Hispanicn/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Free lunch eligible100%
Reduced lunch eligible100%
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch100%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilitiesn/a
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicablen/a

Science

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Hispanicn/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Free lunch eligiblen/a
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunchn/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilitiesn/a
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicablen/a

Writing

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Hispanicn/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Free lunch eligiblen/a
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilitiesn/a
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicablen/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.

The different student groups are identified by the Colorado Department of Education. If there are fewer than 16 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Colorado's state standards

Source: Colorado 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 68% 57%
Hispanic 17% 32%
Black 13% 5%
Asian 2% 3%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 1%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 0% 0%
Two or more races 0% 3%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 30%N/A40%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

College readiness and student pathways

Colleges most students attend after graduation We have not graduated our first 12th grade class yet.
Read more about resources at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Art teacher(s)
College counselor(s)
Music teacher(s)
Nurse(s)
Special education coordinator
Foreign languages spoken by school staff Spanish
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • John Irwin School of Excellence (2011)
  • Governor's Distinguished Improvement Award (2011)
  • John Irwin School of Excellence (2012)

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Staff resources available to students
  • Special education coordinator

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

School facilities
  • Computer lab
  • Science lab

Arts & music

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
School facilities
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
Visual arts
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
Music
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Orchestra
Performing and written arts
  • Drama
Clubs
  • Yearbook

Language learning

Foreign languages taught
  • Latin
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Spanish
Clubs
  • Foreign language club: Classics - Latin

Health & athletics

Staff resources available to students
  • Nurse(s)

Gifted & talented

College preparation / awareness resources offered
  • College presentations or information sessions
  • SAT/ACT prep classes
  • School-sponsored trips to college campuses
  • Visiting teachers or lecturers from colleges
Clubs
  • Forensics club
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 7:45 am
School end time
  • 3:30 pm
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • After school: ends at 4:45 p.m.
School Leader's name
  • Mary Faith Hall
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Phone
Gender
  • Coed
Is there an application process?
  • Yes
Fax number
  • (719) 313-4491

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Classical (e.g., focuses on the "classics")
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • None
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • No
Level of special education programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Foreign languages taught
  • Latin
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Vocational or skills-based training offered
  • None

Resources

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • College counselor(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
  • Nurse(s)
  • Special education coordinator
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Spanish
Extra learning resources offered
  • Career/college counseling
  • Remediation
College preparation / awareness resources offered
  • College presentations or information sessions
  • SAT/ACT prep classes
  • School-sponsored trips to college campuses
  • Visiting teachers or lecturers from colleges
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • None
School facilities
  • Auditorium
  • Cafeteria
  • College/career center
  • Computer lab
  • Internet access
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
  • Science lab
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Basketball
  • Cycling
  • Soccer
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Cycling
  • Soccer

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
Music
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Orchestra
Performing arts
  • Drama
Media arts
  • None

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Chess club
  • Community service
  • Foreign language club: Classics - Latin
  • Forensics club
  • Mock trial competition club
  • Yearbook
School leaders can update this information here.

School culture

Dress Code
  • Uniforms
Bullying policy
  • This school has a bullying and/or cyber bullying policy in place.
Parent involvement
  • Attend parent nights
  • Chaperone school trips
  • Coach sports teams or extracurricular activities
  • Join PTO/PTA
  • Monitor the playground
  • Organize fundraising events (school auction, bake sales, etc.)
  • Serve on school improvement team or governance council
  • Tutor
  • Volunteer time after school
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

 

TIP: Don't forget to ask about documents required for enrollment, such as your child's birth certificate, proof of address, or a record of immunizations.

 
Apply now
 

Planning ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
We have not graduated our first 12th grade class yet.
College preparation / awareness offered
College presentations or information sessions
SAT/ACT prep classes
School-sponsored trips to college campuses
Visiting teachers or lecturers from colleges
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

303 Austin Bluffs Parkway
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Website: Click here
Phone: (719) 313-4488

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