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GreatSchools Rating

George W. Marks Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 516 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars


Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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17 reviews of this school


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Posted July 2, 2009

After all, it's DeLand's one of the oldest schools. Disappointed with the administrators. They don't seem to listen to students and teachers about their needs. Other than that, teachers are great. They work very hard to make sure students are where they are supposed to be. The school has many activities throughout the schoolyear.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 17, 2008

I attended George Marks and my daughter did also, this is an excellent school with teachers who care
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 3, 2008

Great school the teachers are very nice i would reccomend it to any parent.....
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 27, 2008

My experiences with George Marks Elementary school have been excellent. The administration and teacher quality, the school climate (including the ability to create an environment free from bullying which supports both tolerance and diversity) and availablity of resources have all been great. Both of my son's have had outstanding teachers who have had a major influence on their love of learning - Mrs. Manning (2nd) and Mrs' Phillips & Furley (4th) have all exemplified the patience, committment and tenacity that build young scholars. I couldn't be more pleased.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 19, 2008

I believe this used to be a good school. I am, however, very disappointed. It is not as good as everyone thinks it is, and I am happy my kids are elsewhere now.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 25, 2008

The best school in deland by far.. My daughter attented there k-4... We moved to al thats why were not there anymore...
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 4, 2008

Our child has attended G.W.Marks for 5 years. I was impressed from the first day when I saw the Principal out in the street directing traffic.One summer my daughter's picture was in the paper and the principal took the time to cut it out and mail it to us. Thats the kind of example she sets. They have one of the few elementary concert bands in the country and last year ranked #1 under a band leader who donates his time to have the band. My daughter scored 95 on her 3rd grade FCAT last year so I would say she has been taught well. We love the school and its staff.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 29, 2008

My son has Mrs. Joiner for his K teacher and she has been wonderful teacher and she is very structured with the students. George Marks Elementry School also has the YMCA after-school program which is Christian base and it is held at the school. In addition, it has fundays when school is out. The school is very formative and caring when it comes to their students. I like the home calls on extra events, early realease, and etc.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 13, 2007

We are pleased with the school and particularly with the music program. We've just returned from a terrific holiday concert. Our daughter is now playing the trumpet, and she is energized by the quality of the band experience. She practices her trumpet every day without being reminded.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 2, 2007

I took my son out of this school and what a relief. I was excited to be a part of the school until I started knowing what really goes on. The teachers are subpar and staff is as bad. Glad those days are behind us.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 23, 2007

I think this a very good school. It is very organize. The principal is very good on remembering which child belongs to who and their name. She is very personable and make everyone feel welcome.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 5, 2007

This is a great school, but going down fast. Art is a plus with 2 different teachers. Too many brand new to teaching teachers are going to hurt the reputation of this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 18, 2007

As a regular volunteer at George Marks Elementary, I can say this school rocks! The music, art, and ESE department are exceptional. The music department is the most amazing I've seen at the elementary level. Now to the teachers...they are the hardest working bunch of teachers around. Go by after hours and you'll see what I mean. They're smart, dedicated and kind. (I've seen the second and third grade teachers' style up close.) While we all know the FCAT is important, it's not the beginning and end at this school. The office staff is super friendly and helpful while still keeping the students' safety a priority. The weak link is if you have a child that speaks a different language. While these teachers are highly skilled they don't meet with students very often. Your child will likely have a great learning experience at GME.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 15, 2006

This school has been a very disappointing experience. There is a lack of parental involvement at the school which is very sad to see. I have volunteered and could not believe the lack of respect for the students from not only the teacher but other staff members as well. Overall totally disappointed.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 15, 2006

George Marks is an excellent school where staff constantly goes above and beyond to ensure student safety and academic excellence. I am proud to send my child to this school
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 20, 2005

George Marks has a long reputation as one of the top schools in the area. The long tenure of many of the teachers and the principal have enabled the school to maintain a consistent level of excellence.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 21, 2004

Excellent School. It has been rated A for 3years in a row. Very diciplined atmosphere but has loving teachers very dedicated. Teachers ask to be placed here in this school. There is special ed services and full time gifted classes for the accelerated student. Children and grandchildren have gone here and we are truly grateful to this school for good instruction and a good administration
—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 58% in 2012.

77 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
55%

2011

 
 
41%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 56% in 2012.

77 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
50%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, 3 through 8 in math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The FCAT 2.0 is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The FCAT 2.0 has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 60% in 2012.

83 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
54%

2011

 
 
52%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 62% in 2012.

83 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
63%

2011

 
 
48%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, 3 through 8 in math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The FCAT 2.0 is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The FCAT 2.0 has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 57% in 2012.

110 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
57%

2011

 
 
52%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 61% in 2012.

110 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
52%
Science

The state average for Science was 51% in 2012.

109 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
62%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, 3 through 8 in math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The FCAT 2.0 is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The FCAT 2.0 has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Writing

The state average for Writing was 81% in 2012.

81 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
91%
Scale: % scoring at or above level 3

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) to test students in grades 4, 8 and 10 in writing. The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills needed to progress through school. The FCAT writing exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 6. The state considers a score of 3 or above as meeting state standards.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

  • In 2011-2012, this school received a grade of "A".
  • In 2010-2011, this school received a grade of "B".
  • In 2009-2010, this school received a grade of "A".
  • In 2008-2009, this school received a grade of "A".

About the tests


Florida uses School Grades to measure the overall performance of a school each year on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). Each school is assigned a letter grade (A-F) based on three criteria: the overall performance on the FCAT, the percentage of eligible students who took the test, and whether or not students made progress in reading and math. The School Grades are calculated by adding points earned from each of the performance criteria listed above.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida 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 62% 46%
Hispanic 20% 25%
Black 13% 23%
Multiracial 3% 4%
Asian/Pacific Islander 2% 2%
American Indian/Alaskan Native 0% 0%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 53%N/A46%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per teacher 14N/A15
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher education levels

  This school District averageState average
Bachelor's degree 63%N/A65%
Master's degree 37%N/A32%
Doctorate degree 0%N/A1%
Other degree 0%N/A2%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2009-2010
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

1000 N Garfield Ave
DeLand, FL 32724
Phone: (386) 822-6630

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