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GreatSchools Rating

Challenger K-8 School of Science and Math

Public | K-8 | 1626 students

Our school is best known for quality of instruction and academic rigor.
 
 
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 4 ratings
2011:
Based on 6 ratings
2010:
Based on 4 ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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48 reviews of this school


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Posted September 30, 2012

Very, very disappointed in the Quest program. The teachers do not understand the special needs of these students, and do not care to learn. The Prinicipal is powerless, the program is a test of patience, and the curriculum is based on sheer volume. If you want your child to have a well-rounded education that involves music, sports, or anything else, don't make this mistake. It isn't worth it, and they will end up hating school. I believe my child is being mentally abused by these uncaring teachers, and I have joined the ranks of parents attempting to get OUT! I give the parent involvement 5 stars, because my whole life revolves around helping my student barely pass...with an IQ far higher than most people. Average rating because of the few compassionate and dedicated teachers there...none of which are my child's instructors.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 20, 2012

CK-8 is pretty good school.Very happy here. My son is in the first grade this year. Kindergarten was an awesome year and we had Ms. Vasquez for Kindergarten.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 18, 2012

Challenger is truly a one-of-a-kind school! The teachers and faculty are amazing and the test scores prove it. Being ranked 2nd in the state in 2011 definitely comes as no surprise! The standards are set high but there is plenty of help and support for students who may need it. It's great to see how many parents are involved with their children not only academically but also with school functions and volunteering as well. We are very blessed to have our daughter enrolled in such a wonderful school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 7, 2012

i have been at this school since kindergarden. im in 6th grade now. which means im the first class to graduate from k-8. i really love this school i wish it was a high school too. we learn alot and i enjoy school because of this school. in third grade the teachers were so nice that ever since then loved school and learning !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:) -cassyddog


Posted September 7, 2011

I have 2 kids at this school. Love it! Best school my kids have attended.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 19, 2011

I must agree that it was quite confusing yesterday. We to are new because of the Gifted Program and we felt lost yesterday
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 18, 2011

The School really needs to get organized!!! I am very dissapointed on how they handled orientation this 2011- 2012 School year. You require so much for a child to attend your school. They did not even have the paper work ready, no maps for new students, It was a waste of time. They even had the front office closed. `Whos bright idea was that? The one word I can use to describe this School is Pompous. My child is there only because the Gifted program was moved there
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 10, 2011

I have a recent graduate of Challenger and as with previous child feel that we were truly blessed to have our children attend this school. The teachers were great, tuned into our girls and equiped them to succeed in high school and beyond. Felt that we were part of a team with the goal of making our children the best they can be academically, socially, emotionally etc. The administration and support staff were wonderful as well. My children felt comfortable in communicating with them. Challenger K8 is truly a great school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 9, 2011

Our kids have been at this school since Kindergarten. They have just completed the 1st and 3rd grades. Both of them on the superintendent's list. The administrative staff and teachers are beyond comparison. I consider them as part of my family and so do our kids. This is truly an amazing place for children to grow and learn.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 17, 2011

Our child has been in Challenger since 2nd grade she is now in 6th the school is outstanding. However the gifted program is not. This is not run by the school administration and there in is the problem. Gifted is run by the district and is a seperate program. Our child has been in gifted since Kindergarten when the program was run by the challenger school and administration it was very good. Our student will not be in gifted for another year if the program does not change.
—Submitted by Linda, a parent


Posted August 19, 2010

I live across the street from Challenger and have seen teachers' cars in the parking lot at 10 pm., not to mention on sunday afternoons, too. They work so hard and go above & beyond what is "necessary," because they truly care about what they do, and it shows. I was amazed at how much they accomplish with these kids in one school year, and how much time and effort the teachers put in to ensure the kids enjoy learning. I feel very fortunate to have my children attend this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 10, 2010

Teachers at this school work hard to facilitate student achievement and parent involvement. The administration is supportive and all stakeholders have students' best interests in mind.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted April 24, 2010

This school offers creative learning techniques, teachers communicate well with parents & the administration is vigilant in keeping the focus on the children.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 20, 2010

dedicated teachers and staff work in conjunction with supportive moms and dads.


Posted April 20, 2010

My child is coming home using (and understanding) an amazing new vocabulary. In Kindergarten, they're already learning about evaporation and centrifugal force. Yes, he's even used those two terms correctly. I'm amazed. I'm even very pleased with the arts program for this level. Elementary students are being exposed to art history, classics, and even theory. The classes are large, but very well managed, and the teachers really work well together to handle difficult situations. Expectations are high of both students and parents.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 20, 2010

They have great staff and make sure all parents are involed in the school in some form. I feel this makes the students see how much parents care about them learning, and helps the students strive to learn.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 20, 2010

Because my grandaughter is doing so well and LOVES IT!


Posted April 19, 2010

The students learn a lot and the teachers are available to help the students. The classrooms arent overcrowded. The Staff nip problems in the bud!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 10, 2010

ive gone to challenger since my 6th grade year and now in 8th and i could not be happier! the teachers really go above and beyond to help theyre students and truly care for them and want them to succeed. overall, it's one of the best schools in the county in my opinion
—Submitted by a student


Posted January 24, 2010

Im in 8th grade at ck8 and I love it here! its a great school and we have amazing teachers(:
—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.
Math

The state average for Math was 58% in 2012.

170 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
80%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 56% in 2012.

171 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
86%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2012-2013 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, in grades 5 and 8 in science and writing in grades 4, 8 and 10. 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.

172 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
87%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 62% in 2012.

172 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
86%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2012-2013 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, in grades 5 and 8 in science and writing in grades 4, 8 and 10. 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.

181 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
80%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 61% in 2012.

180 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
88%
Science

The state average for Science was 51% in 2012.

181 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2012-2013 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, in grades 5 and 8 in science and writing in grades 4, 8 and 10. 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.

240 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
81%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 57% in 2012.

240 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
88%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2012-2013 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, in grades 5 and 8 in science and writing in grades 4, 8 and 10. 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.

197 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
95%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 58% in 2012.

197 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
87%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2012-2013 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, in grades 5 and 8 in science and writing in grades 4, 8 and 10. 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.

267 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
94%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 55% in 2012.

267 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
88%
Science

The state average for Science was 46% in 2012.

266 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2012-2013 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, in grades 5 and 8 in science and writing in grades 4, 8 and 10. 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.

172 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
97%
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.

266 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

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.

94 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
96%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Florida used the End-of-Course Assessments (EOC) to test students in Algebra 1, Biology 1 and Geometry. 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 81% 43%
Hispanic 11% 28%
Black 3% 23%
Two or more races 3% 3%
Asian 2% 2%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 31%N/A56%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

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 76%N/A65%
Master's degree 23%N/A32%
Doctorate degree 1%N/A1%
Other degree 0%N/A2%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2009-2010

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Classes taught by non-highly qualified teachers 9%N/A5%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2009-2010

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Assistant principal(s)
Art teacher(s)
Gifted specialist(s)
Librarian/media specialist(s)
Music teacher(s)
PE instructor(s)
Reading specialist(s)
Security personnel
School psychologist
School social worker/counselors(s)
Speech and language therapist(s)
Tutor(s)
Foreign languages spoken by school staff Japanese
Vietnamese
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • A+ Rated School (2013)
  • A+ Rated School (2012)
  • A+ Rated School (2011)

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular special education needs
Extra learning resources offered
  • Differentiated learning programs
Staff resources available to students
  • Speech and language therapist(s)

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Mathematics
  • Science
School facilities
  • Computer lab
  • Science lab
Clubs
  • Math club
  • Recycling club
  • Robotics club

Arts & music

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
School facilities
  • Art room
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Drawing / sketching
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Jazz band
Performing and written arts
  • Drama
Media arts
  • Graphics
  • Technical design and production
  • Video / Film production
Clubs
  • Drama club
  • Yearbook

Language learning

Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Staff resources available to students
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Japanese
  • Vietnamese

Health & athletics

Staff resources available to students
  • PE instructor(s)
  • School psychologist
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Gym
  • Kitchen

Gifted & talented

Instructional and/or curriculum models used
  • Gifted / high performing
Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
Staff resources available to students
  • Gifted specialist(s)
Clubs
  • Forensics club
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 9:10 am
School end time
  • 3:55 am
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • Before school
  • After school
School Leader's name
  • Mr. Michael Maine
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Phone
Age at which early childhood or Pre-K program begins
  • Infant
Gender
  • Coed
Is there an application process?
  • Yes
Fax number
  • (352) 797-7124

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Collaborative Learning
  • Gifted / high performing
  • Project-based
  • STEM
  • Standards-based
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Mathematics
  • Science
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • No
Level of special education programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular special education needs
Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students

Resources

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Assistant principal(s)
  • Gifted specialist(s)
  • Librarian/media specialist(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • Reading specialist(s)
  • School psychologist
  • School social worker/counselors(s)
  • Security personnel
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
  • Tutor(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Japanese
  • Vietnamese
Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
  • Counseling
  • Differentiated learning programs
  • Mentoring
  • Remediation
  • Tutoring
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • Buses/vans for students only
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Art room
  • Auditorium
  • Computer lab
  • Gym
  • Internet access
  • Kitchen
  • Learning lab
  • Library
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
  • Playground
  • Science lab
Partnerships with local resources and organizations
  • Hernando County Chamber of Commerce
  • Suncoast Urgent Care
  • Salvation Army
  • Local Food Pantry
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Basketball
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Track
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Golf
  • Softball
  • Tennis
  • Track
  • Volleyball

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Drawing / sketching
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Jazz band
Performing arts
  • Drama
Media arts
  • Graphics
  • Technical design and production
  • Video / Film production

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Beta Club
  • Drama club
  • Forensics club
  • Math club
  • Recycling club
  • Robotics club
  • SWAT
  • Yearbook
School leaders can update this information here.

Upcoming Events

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School culture

Dress Code
  • Dress code
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
  • Organize fundraising events (school auction, bake sales, etc.)
  • Serve on school improvement team or governance council
  • Tutor
  • Volunteer in the classroom
  • 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.

 
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Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

13400 Elgin Blvd
Spring Hill, FL 34609
Website: Click here
Phone: (352) 797-7024

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