Ad

Print article | Back to article

GreatSchools Ratings FAQ

Read these Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about how GreatSchools Ratings are calculated and what they can tell you about a school.
By GreatSchools Staff
 

GreatSchools Ratings Overview

What do GreatSchools Ratings tell me?
Which tests are GreatSchools Ratings based on?
Why don't private schools have GreatSchools Ratings?
Why do some public schools not have GreatSchools Ratings?
Can I compare GreatSchools Ratings across different states?

GreatSchools Ratings Calculation

What data is used in calculating GreatSchools Ratings?
How are the "By Grade" ratings calculated?
How are the "By Category" ratings calculated?
How are the Overall Ratings calculated?
Why are some student groups not shown?
How can a school's Overall Rating be high if the ratings for certain student groups are low, or vice versa?
How are the District and City Ratings calculated?
What is "weighting" and why is it used in District and City Ratings calculations?
Why do some districts and cities not have GreatSchools Ratings?

GreatSchools Ratings vs. Other Ratings

How do GreatSchools Ratings compare to the ratings given by the state Department of Education?

 

GreatSchools Ratings Overview

What do GreatSchools Ratings tell me?

Our ratings provide an overview of a school's test performance by comparing the school's state standardized test results to those of other schools in the state. Ratings are given for each grade and student category (gender, ethnicity or other student group) for which test results are available. Keep in mind that when comparing schools using GreatSchools Ratings, it's important to factor in other information, including the quality of each school's teachers, the school culture, special programs, etc.

Which tests are GreatSchools Ratings based on?

GreatSchools Ratings are based on each state's main standardized tests. To get the details on specific tests used in your state, go to any school's ratings page and click on the link below the ratings that says "See which tests were used."

Why don't private schools have GreatSchools Ratings?

Private schools are not required to publicly report test results, so they do not have GreatSchools Ratings.

Why do some public schools not have GreatSchools Ratings?

If a public school does not have GreatSchools Ratings, there were no test scores reported for that school, results were incomplete or there were not enough results available across all schools in the state to make a valid comparison.

Can I compare GreatSchools Ratings across different states?

No, GreatSchools Ratings cannot be compared across states, because they are based on test results and different states use different tests.

 

GreatSchools Ratings Calculation

What data is used in calculating GreatSchools Ratings?

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent available standardized test results for schools in each state. The results we use are typically the percentage of students scoring at or above the proficient level on the test in each grade and subject (e.g., grade 4/math) and each grade, subject and student category (e.g., grade 4/math/Hispanic students). The proficiency levels and student categories are defined by the state Department of Education.

How are the "By Grade" ratings calculated?

We start by calculating ratings for each grade/subject combination; then we average those ratings into the By Grade ratings you see on the page.

The test results for all schools for a given grade/subject are sorted from low to high and divided into deciles, or 10% portions. The bottom 10% of schools get a rating of 1, the next 10% get a 2, on up to 10, which indicates the school's result is in the top 10%. If there are several identical values that overlap from one rating decile to another, they are given the higher rating.

Once ratings are established for all grade/subject combinations, each school's ratings are averaged to create the By Grade ratings that you see on the page. For example, the rating shown for grade 4 is an average of that school's ratings for each subject tested in grade 4. If the grade 4 rating is a 10, it means that, on average, fourth-grade students at the school performed better than 90% of the fourth-grade students whose test results were reported at schools statewide.

To ensure that the ratings are not based on a set of data that is too small to be statistically reliable, a rating is not calculated if fewer than 50 schools reported test results for a particular grade/subject combination.

How are the "By Category" ratings calculated?

The By Category calculation is similar to the By Grade calculation. We start by calculating ratings for each grade/subject/category combination; then we average those ratings into the By Category ratings you see on the page.

The ratings for each student category provide an alternate view of a school's performance, comparing the performance of a given group of students at the school with the overall student population of the state. The categories are defined by the state. For example, the California Dept. of Education releases separate test results (called disaggregated results) for 26 student categories, including gender, ethnicity and special student groups (e.g., students with disabilities).

To create the ratings for each category, we compare the performance of that category in each grade/subject to the decile rankings we have established for that grade/subject. The performance value used is the percentage of students in the category scoring at or above the proficient level, as defined by the state.

You can use the By Category ratings to compare student groups at the school. For example, if one category receives a rating of 3 and another category receives a rating of 7, this suggests that an achievement gap exists between these categories of students at this school.

How are the Overall Ratings calculated?

The Overall Rating for each school is calculated by averaging that school's ratings for all grade/subject combinations. For example, if a state test is given in reading and math in grades 3 through 10, the Overall Rating for a school serving grades K-5 would be the average of the ratings for grade 3/math, grade 3/reading, grade 4/math, grade 4/reading, grade 5/math and grade 5/reading.

Note that the Overall Rating is not an average of the By Grade ratings you see displayed on the page, but rather, an average of the underlying grade/subject ratings, which are used to create both the By Grade ratings and the Overall Rating. We use these underlying ratings, instead of averaging the By Grade ratings, to reduce rounding errors.

Why are some student groups not shown?

The different student groups shown in the By Category section are defined by the state Department of Education. To protect students' privacy, if there are fewer than 10 students in a group, that group's test score is not publicly reported. If no test results are available for a particular student group, no rating can be created for that group.

Find GreatSchools Ratings for a particular school: Search now

How can a school's Overall Rating be high if the ratings for certain student groups are low, or vice versa?

If a school's Overall Rating is high, that means its test scores are better than the test scores of most other schools in the state. If a particular student group's rating is low, that means the test scores for that particular group are lower than the scores of most other students in the state. This may mean the school is helping most students achieve at a high level, but is not serving particular groups of students as well.

Conversely, if a school's Overall Rating is low, that means its test scores are lower than the test scores of most other schools in the state. If a particular student group's rating is high, that means the test scores for that particular group are better than the scores for most other students in the state. This may mean the school is helping certain groups of students achieve at a high level, but is not serving the majority of students as well.

How are the District and City Ratings calculated?

District Ratings are calculated by taking the Overall Rating for each school in the district and weighting it by the number of students enrolled at the school. We then take the average of the weighted ratings. Similarly, City Ratings are calculated by averaging the weighted Overall Rating for each school in the city.

GreatSchools Ratings are based on each state's main standardized tests. To get the details on specific tests used in your state, go to any school's ratings page and click on the link below the ratings that says "See which tests were used."

What is "weighting" and why is it used in District and City Ratings calculations?

Weighting each school's Overall Ratings means that schools with more students count more than schools with fewer students. Weighting makes the District and City Ratings more representative of the performance of the entire student population.

Why do some districts and cities not have GreatSchools Ratings?

District and City ratings are not created if there are too few schools with ratings in the district or city. For districts and cities with fewer than 10 schools, at least 50% of the schools must have ratings in order for the district or city rating to be calculated. For districts and cities with 10 or more schools, at least 30% of the schools must have ratings.

 

GreatSchools Ratings vs. Other Ratings

How do GreatSchools Ratings compare to the ratings given by the state Department of Education?

Some states have their own ratings systems, and their method of calculating ratings may differ significantly from the way GreatSchools Ratings are calculated. GreatSchools Ratings are based solely on test performance for one year. Check with your state Department of Education to find out if your state has a rating system and how its ratings are calculated.

 
Facebook  I'm reading: GreatSchools Ratings FAQTweet this!    Digg 
 

comment Post a comment on this article


Yes, I agree to the GreatSchools Terms of Use and give GreatSchools permission to post my comments for other parents to read.

Note: Your email address is required if you would like a response from GreatSchools.org.

Comments from GreatSchools.org readers

07/29/2010:
"I want to know where the WASL test is gettting the information about the families income? Im reasearching schools in my area and one of the issues I had was the fact that students were being rated based on they're parents income! Really! But really, where do they get this informtion? Is it from the students or from the parents. We are not economically challenged or Low income as the two categories were put, however the school of interest to me is said to give a rating of a 2 to low income children vs. an 8 to 'not economically challenged' students. I beleive we fall into the 'not economically challenged' category but should I be worried about that!? Where does this perticular information come from? "
07/20/2010:
"When looking at a school rating, please be aware that the rating generated from standardized tests scores are sometimes initially incorrect. Make sure you follow up and note any changes..."
05/13/2010:
"What does an ethnicity rating mean under category? The school that I was looking at had one ethnicity and then a grade of 9 assigned to it. What does that mean?"
05/4/2010:
"Good teaching is ongoing and should be occuring everyday of the school year. Children are not learning to master a test. They should be applying what they have learned to master the test, because they have been provided with excellent teaching- We need to focus on the quality of instruction and then the tests won't consume the entire year with worry, prep and overall boredom-how about some real interactive learning that can be applied in all areas? The kids deserve the best!!!"
04/29/2010:
"Your explanations were very helpful. We are in the process of selling our house (hopefully) and, judging by my daughter's school's (low) ratings, will be looking elsewhere for another house. Thank you, M. Parker"
04/27/2010:
"You should find out if other, nearby schools are in better shape. Usually during the month of May-June, schools outside of your neighborhood will accept applications for 'open enrollment' or 'out of the area enrollment', based on first-come-first-served, sometimes by lottery of all applications received during a certain period of time. You may also apply for 'opportunity transfer' because of the school's probation. In some districts you can apply to a different school if your local school is predominantly a race OTHER than yours, and would put your child in a significant minority. You can apply to the school in the neighborhood of your / your husband's job under 'work permit', even if it is a different school district. Finally, you can apply to the neighborhood school where your child will receive after-school childcare, even if grandparent or relative, under 'child care permit'. "
04/27/2010:
"I am going to use your checklist and get back with you on my concerns."
04/27/2010:
"Hi, A good first draft of the article, but your middle school teacher would ask you where is your critical thinking and where is your voice. The Article does not touch an several VERY important aspects of the testing. Here is a short summary: 1) The STAR test is presented as MANDATORY by most schools. it is NOT. Parents can always opt out their kids from the test. And parents should educate themselves as to why they want their kids in the test vs not in the test. 2) The star test measures broadly and test scores can be seriously impacted by teaching memorization techniques. Several high-scoring schools are spending a LOT of time teaching to the tests in order to get better scores. There are several other tests such as the MARS test developed by the Silicon Valley Math Initiative that measures comprehension. So these tests goes far deeper than the STAR can go and they are scored based on the result and on how the student obtained that result. Unlike the STAR the MARS is scored by humans, so the students task in the test is to convince the graders that they actually understand the questions. 3) Many high scoring STAR test schools that also participate in the MARS often score poorly in the MARS - back to my point about memorization. 4) The STAR test is not used for Middle School, High-School nor College placement nor applications. Does that mean that a teacher at a school that wants to get a picture of a student will not look at a the students test results - sure, but that only shows one part of the picture. 5) A teacher once walked us through the test. Amazing number of objections to the test and what it does to teaching. The best example is spelling. The test provides the students with a list of words out of which only one is spelled right. The student has to identify which one. This teaches the student how to identify misspelled words, but does ABSOLUTELY NOT teach the students how to spell on their own, and even less how to write. 6) The only statistical proven correlation between STAR testing scores has been to house pricing. So are we asking our kids to go through all this trouble for housing pricing ? 7) Do we need a system to provide feedback to the teachers and administration on how classrooms are doing. Surely - but the STAR is not that answer. Too broad and does not measure comprehension so therefore not very suitable for this purpose. 8) Many kids feels so pressured to take the test and are so stressed out over the fact they have to perform well that they suffer from anxiety. Now ask your self if this is right for elementary school kids. 9) The STAR test takes 2 weeks to administer with approximately 3 hours of testing per day. 2 WEEKS of instruction time WASTED !!!!! Imagine what your child could have learned by spending this time on say a independent research project. 10) The STAR testing is EXPENSIVE. My school district spends approx $1M on the testing. I ask how come we can afford to keep doing this with the significant budget cuts that has been implemented across many states. "
04/21/2010:
"My granddaughter (going into Kindergarten in the fall) has been assigned to a school that is on academic probation with a rating of 3. Besides private school, what are our options? Can we ask, based on the low rating, to go to another school?"
04/6/2010:
"Draper, UT is now in the newly formed Canyons School District."
03/30/2010:
"I don't understand this rating system. If this is based off of state test scores then how can a school with 80% of its students passing get a 1 rating while schools in the same area get a 6 with around 70% of students passing and a 3 with a little over 50% of its students passing the standardized test?"
03/29/2010:
"I presently teach at Ingram Elementary School and would like like to know who did the ratings for our school. A 4 is so totally off the stae ratings that I have to laugh. So could you please tell me who does the ratings and what you used to compile your information. It is totally wrong. "
03/25/2010:
"Please, enough already. This website is a TOOL! If you are not willing to do the work yourself, don't complain. There is not going to be a free site available that is going to be all things to all people. Accept the fact that this is a tool, only a tool and nothing but a tool. Do your research, write letters, make phone calls; then make an INFORMED decision based on all the available data. Don't depend on anybody else to make this decision for you. End of story!"
03/11/2010:
"There's so much more than test scores to rate a school or school system. What about the way children are treated and handled? Are they encouraged to explore their individuality or punished for it? Schools in these times have gotten far from their intent...to TEACH. I would not rate DePere schools highly. Alas, focus is away from teaching a student. If this keeps up, everyone will start resorting to home school...and why not?"
02/24/2010:
" The school ratings from test results are extremely low in comparison to school ratings from parent reviews. If GreatSchools' mission is to improve education, then it must raise awareness or acknowledge the issues of assessment. Every parent wants their child to attend a 10 out of 10 rating school. So imagine all parents being influenced by GreatSchools wanting to enroll their students in a 10 out of 10 rating school... Realistically, there would not be enough schools to support such high demands for enrollment. So, what does that mean for a parent whose child attends a 3 out of 10 rating school? It means a slap in the face! Hence, GreatSchools has many parent reviews and comments about the negative impact that such ratings may have on them (the parents) and the schools. If parent involvement is important to GreatSchools, then this organization should address the concerns parents have raised about the ratings and acknowledge the impact this may have on parents and schools."
11/17/2009:
"I guess rating system might be little unfair but test score will tend to remain important benchmark...as our society judges' us based on test scores (i am not saying it is a right approach). I think it would be helpful/insightful if greatschool.net can provide secondary ranking based on other factors."
11/2/2009:
"My child goes to a school that has a rating of ten. While I work in numerous schools in the next city over that have ratings as low as one and two. I think this rating on test scores only is absolutely ridiculous. Some of the things that are being taught in these lower rated schools is actually more in depth and challenging that the higher rated schools. Sadly, I would say that the only reason that some schools have a higher rating is not based on the professionalism and level of expertise of the teacher, but of the education and time available of the parents. This rating system really degrades schools in districts with lower socio-economic status!! "
10/6/2009:
"Test scores are really only one means to measure a school, but unfortunately, it's given a lot of weight--especially from parents looking to place their child in a 'good school.' My son went to one of the top rated schools (based on test scores) for 6th grade but he was miserable. He had 2 hours of homework a night because the teachers had to whiz through the book in order to 'get it all in' before the testing in the spring. What did he actually retain? He came away hating school. Now he attends a project based learning school. He is learning to develop a sense of curiousity, and how to find the answers to his questions. He now has a love of learning. That is a far better measure of how he is doing as far as I'm concerned-- give a man a fish (teach to the test) and he'll eat one good meal (do well on the test); give him a fishing rod (love of learning) and he'll feed himself for life (continue to learn). "
08/24/2009:
"I think that rating a school based solely on test scores is unfair. I think that other factors should be included. I know that it is likely the easiest way to have a data driven rating, but I can tell you that I completely disagree with my school's 'rating'. As a teaching professional in that school AND as a parent, I can assure you we are NOT A 7."
06/24/2009:
"Your test scores are not accurate for our local school, I don't know about others. I have tried to correct this with with no luck. I think it is sad because lots of parents will look at these numbers and judge the school and its abilities and it is giving an unfair view. If you want the TRUE results of your school, look it up under your districts webpage. They generally have them listed and they are CURRENT."
05/28/2009:
"This year our elementary school's scores all improved, but the rating went from a 10 to a 9. Maybe our improvements did not keep up with statewide improvements, or perhaps there were changes to state test scoring methods. It seems odd that even improvement can lead to a downgrade, and it makes me question the effectiveness of a ten-point scale. Given the ambiguity inherent in the system, maybe quintiles would be more honest than deciles. Also, in response to 02/18/2009 and 04/09/2009 below, I'm glad that the scores are *not* weighted by socioeconomic factors; that would only cover up and perpetuate the terrible injustice of a system in which low-income neighborhoods are *still* consistently short-changed. Improvement from a 2 to a 4 at an urban school is highly commendable, and improvement/decline should be noted visibly; but it would still be misleading to say that the students are scoring at, say, a 'weighted 8' when they're actually scoring at a 4 as compared to the state! wide average."
05/27/2009:
"What a joke your ratings are. The Downtown school is nationally recognized as one of the top ten elemenatary schools in the country. It was even featured in a book based on the Disney way for innovation in education...and you rate it a 4. What a diservice you do to not only the Downtown school, but your obviously shallow approach to determining what a 'Great School' is. You should be ashamed of yourself. "
05/13/2009:
"Hello, I love your website. Can you tell me where I can find a comparison of this rating system with NYS report card on schools?"
05/5/2009:
"awesome thanks!!! =D"
04/9/2009:
"I would echo the concerns of the person giving feedback on 2-18-09 (see next paragraph) especially at the early elementary level. Can this site provide any insight as to why other parameters aren't included in their rating? Is it simply that it would cost too much to provide a more in-depth evaluation? 'So my limited understanding of trying to measure schools' performance is that THE BIG issue is controlling for poverty/socialeconomic status. Schools in wealthy areas will tend to have high test scores. Schools in high-poverty areas will tend to have lower test scores. If you are trying to directly measure how effective a school is, you somehow need to control for these factors. Schools with good (but not great) scores in wealthy areas might actually be doing a poor job. Schools with middling (but not horrible) scores in very troubled areas might actually be doing a great job. Yet as I read your description of your rating system, it doesn't look like you have ANY method for addressing this issue. Can you confirm whether or not I'm missing something, and whether you do control for these factors? Thanks.'"
02/18/2009:
"So my limited understanding of trying to measure schools' performance is that THE BIG issue is controlling for poverty/socialeconomic status. Schools in wealthy areas will tend to have high test scores. Schools in high-poverty areas will tend to have lower test scores. If you are trying to directly measure how effective a school is, you somehow need to control for these factors. Schools with good (but not great) scores in wealthy areas might actually be doing a poor job. Schools with middling (but not horrible) scores in very troubled areas might actually be doing a great job. Yet as I read your description of your rating system, it doesn't look like you have ANY method for addressing this issue. Can you confirm whether or not I'm missing something, and whether you do control for these factors? Thanks."
02/5/2009:
"This site is an ANSWER to my PRAYERS!! Trying to figure out the differences between schools has been confusing, to say the least. Kind of like trying to buy the best mattress....very confusing because there is no way to compare apples to apples. And the information about schools is all over the place. I found this site by accident, and have sent the link to all my friends. I have spent hours on here, absorbing all the excellent information available at the click of my mouse! THANK YOU!"
01/21/2009:
"I base my pick on a school to what great schools give me about test scores. Is it wise to do that? I think so I want my kids in a good school. In texas it is all about the taks test. What should i really pick a school based on. What if you don't have internet how a can parents pick a school if they are moving to a new area?"
01/15/2009:
"On 10/2/08 a writer wrote: 'How many adults have used algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or calculus in the last year?' 'As long as subjects are irrelevant, students will continue to get low test scores.' The answer is 'Every adult.' Investing wisely and getting the best rate on a mortage require algebra. All of these math skills are frequently utilized, although less frequently do adults sit down and work math problems out of a math book. The only people who refer to mathematics as 'irrelevant' are themselves irrelevant except in discussions of ignorance. The inability to recognize that these math skills are necessary on a daily basis is the fundamental problem with math education."
01/9/2009:
"Please keep on writing your comments about the school your child is going. It has been a great help!"
SUPPORT FOR GREATSCHOOLS IS PROVIDED BY:
tracker
Ad