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GreatSchools Rating

Ben Gamla Charter School

Charter | K-8 | 530 students

Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 6 ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 5 ratings

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13 reviews of this school


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Posted October 4, 2012

Principal Mrs Miller personally and from memory knows each child, their name and their strengths and weaknesses . Let's see another principal in Broward meet that standard. This school is an A school and does it for less $$$ per student than any public school in the state. My wife and I would walk through fire and water for Sharon Miller. She truly exemplifies pure self sacrifice for the community and the children. The teachers and staff have exceeded our wildest expectations.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 4, 2012

Our kids started in Ben Gamla since the opening in 2007 and we are very happy witht the school, staff, and people in general. Everybody knows who you are and knows your kids. Mrs Miller is an excellent principal, hard working person. We are 100% supporters of the school
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 3, 2012

Ben Gamla is a charter school, and as such any student, parent AND employee may leave and go elsewhere. Certainly if I were that unhappy I would be elsewhere. Also, if I were that unhappy and went elsewhere I would not worry about the school anymore. I can attest that K-8, there are no classes in any of the 4 Hebrew rooms where students sit on the floor; unless of course there is one day where classes combine to work on projects. Just as in Kindergarten, some teaching/projects are done in groups spread out on the floor. Not only has classroom sizes gone down since Mrs. Miller has been principal, she has "weeded" out any students, parents and teachers that were not up to par with our "A" rated school (which has become "A" rated since she has taken over as a principal). Those who attend the school can, and do, only have positive comments for the school, the teachers and the principal, Mrs. Miller. Certainly any students and parents that have an issue are encouraged to make an appt. I have never known Mrs. Miller to take more than 24 hours to return a call/text/email. I have also never know an issue left unresolved. More time volunteering, less time complaining=better parents!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 26, 2012

excellent school, very happy with my kids going to Bengamla, very happy with the teachers that they have
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 25, 2012

Our Son Morgan has been attending Ben Gamla for the past 5 years. Morgan would not go to any other school but Ben Gamla, he has made many Friends and loves the School and the Family feel there that is not in any other School. Ms. Miller is a tremendous influence in the School and has had a great impact in providing a top notch education for all of Ben Gamla's Students The School continues to improve every year with smartboards, computers and high quality Hebrew instruction. My Wife and I look forward to the Ben Gamla Middle School being built in Hollywood We are indeed very lucky to have Ben Gamla in our area! Grateful Parent
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 2, 2012

We have had our daughter in this school for 2 years. Great School! She has excelled! Great teachers! Faculty has a very Professional attitude & is committed to excellence!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 29, 2010

We absolutely happy to have our 5 year old in Ben Gamla. She is attending KG and she really loves it!! The teachers, the staff and the principal do really care about the kids, they are "firm with a big heart", I think is the perfect combination to raise good hearted, kind and respectful children (now a days this is not so common, specially with parents making the mistake of saying 'yes' to everything...) I would recommend 100% this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 27, 2010

The building is old and falling apart. The principal shows off that she knows every kids name, but this doesn't make a good principal. There are much better schools around. There are other places where children can learn Hebrew and get a much better education.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 25, 2010

the school has Excellent teachers, Strong one of a kind principal, school leadership, Challenging academic programs, loving teachers
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 27, 2010

its a great school cant ask for more the teachers try hard for evry student the students arnt just a number, The Principal knows evry student acdemically the school has recived A ratings by the state of florida and kids are taught from the time they come in to kindergarden to be bi linguel english hebrew
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 24, 2010

Excellent school with a wonderful principal. Discipline, respect, motivation, dynamism everything is here to make a safe and great school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 21, 2009

The school is really improving each day , Ms Miller and the PTA are doing a great effort....the personel is great as well like the enviroment inside the school, the teachers are very well educated and prepared. They apply a lot of discipline and respect to the kids.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 1, 2008

Ben Gamla has made many good changes to the school this year as far as the portables, playgrounds, etc. The class sizes are not too large and the teachers are certified and most are very good in education and mannerisms. There is much room for improvement in Sciences and Arts. These are all but missing in the daily curriculum so far. Sports are very limited due to space issues, but I feel they could implement other types of sports/exercise and come out ahead, such as Yoga and even Tai-Chi. Most children I know love Yoga. On other area is security, it is much better than the opening weeks but I feel access is still not as controlled as it should be. There are a few process ideas that could increase security to start and then add security equipment later. An overhead for the exercise area would allow for bad weather play.
—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.

66 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
86%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 56% in 2012.

66 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
68%
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.

55 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
57%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 62% in 2012.

55 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
53%
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.

64 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
54%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 61% in 2012.

64 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
56%
Science

The state average for Science was 51% in 2012.

64 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
66%
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 53% in 2012.

25 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
90%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 57% in 2012.

25 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
76%
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 56% in 2012.

19 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
95%

2011

 
 
65%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 58% in 2012.

19 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
65%
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.

40 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
63%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 55% in 2012.

40 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
53%

2011

 
 
78%
Science

The state average for Science was 46% in 2012.

40 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
63%
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.

55 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
98%

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
100%
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

Writing

The state average for Writing was 78% in 2012.

40 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
98%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%
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 "A".
  • 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

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 59% in 2012.

18 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%

2011

 
 
100%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Florida used the End-of-Course Assessments (EOC) to test students in Algebra 1. The EOC 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 Algebra 1 EOC 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

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 86% 46%
Hispanic 13% 25%
Black 1% 23%
Multiracial 1% 4%
American Indian/Alaskan Native 0% 0%
Asian/Pacific Islander 0% 2%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 5%N/A46%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher education levels

  This school District averageState average
Bachelor's degree 0%N/A65%
Master's degree 0%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!

2620 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, FL 33020
Phone: (954) 342-4064

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