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GreatSchools Rating

Pierce Downer Elementary School

Public | K-6 | 403 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
No new ratings

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9 reviews of this school


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Posted May 5, 2013

This school does not offer Foreign Language during the school day, gifted program, art more than 2 times a month, music, and PE. There are many angry parents that are involved in running this school without an educational background, and just because parents volunteer doesn't mean they should be used for pulling kids out of class and teaching a lesson. Parents here think this school is the best in the district pride on it and have a bad reputation, and really it's not a good place. It's a very angry competitive place for children. Pierce Downer needs to go through some necessary changes to be a better school. Puffer, Highland, and Whittier have better test scores than Pierce Downer.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 3, 2009

Pierce Downer is a Blue Ribbon school. The principal leads a great team of teachers and the parents are very involved. It is a terrific school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 20, 2009

I have had 3 children attend this school and all have achieved great success. The teachers are extremely dedicated and have went above and beyond. The special education department should be praised. And as far as parent involvement, I have never seen such devoted parents. Anytime I would need help, support was always there. To the teachers and staff thank you for making these early years a wonderful experience for our children.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 2, 2008

You can not find a better school in the area. the principal puts education first and all the other time wasting that passes as learning last. As a long time parent at the school it is stratospherically improved and now far outpaces the other schools in the district. Yes there is a lot of parent involvement but I can not see that as a negative. A lot of the parents are former educators or have received special training and one should be grateful for the extra attention paid. Private schools achieve much more with less with just such a model.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 21, 2008

I am a volunteer for JA and just completed 5 weeks of sessions with both 5th grades - Mrs. Lockhart & Mrs. Murphy. I have volunteered at 5 other schools in the area. These students were a clear cut above any others I've worked with. They are more attentive and have a deeper apprehension level, while also demonstrating excellent reading and communication skills. I enjoyed my time there very much.


Posted May 20, 2008

There is more parent involvement at this school than teacher involvement at Pierce Downer. I feel as though the teachers are not really doing their job at this school. A lot of bullying goes on between children and nothing changes. This district offers less programs than surrounding districts. Overall, I am very disappointed in this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 24, 2008

What some may consider involved parents..is really unqualified people teaching children because staff is at a premium! I work and I cannot begin to express my concerns that stay at home moms are allowed to pull my child from class and 'teach' them!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 20, 2007

Pierce Downer recently won the Blue Ribbon Award for academic excellence. Our school has incredibly involved parents and a dedicated staff. The principal exhibits exceptional leadership skills. Our school does feel cramped at times and repairs are needed; however this is not the fault of our school but rather our district. Overall, I feel my children are receiving a very good education in a supportive atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 11, 2007

School is cramped for the number of students attending. Upgrades desparately needed in kindergarten and sixth grade.
—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 88% in 2012.

248 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
100%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 76% in 2012.

249 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
96%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
98%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Illinois used the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 4 and 7 in science. The ISAT is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Illinois. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Illinois' state standards

Source: Illinois State Board of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 88% in 2012.

248 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
99%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
98%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 76% in 2012.

249 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
96%
Science

The state average for Science was 80% in 2012.

69 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
97%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
98%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Illinois used the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 4 and 7 in science. The ISAT is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Illinois. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Illinois' state standards

Source: Illinois State Board of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 84% in 2012.

248 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
97%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
98%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 78% in 2012.

249 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
95%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
98%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Illinois used the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 4 and 7 in science. The ISAT is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Illinois. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Illinois' state standards

Source: Illinois State Board of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 85% in 2012.

248 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
98%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 82% in 2012.

249 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
98%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
96%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Illinois used the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 4 and 7 in science. The ISAT is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Illinois. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Illinois' state standards

Source: Illinois State Board of Education

Math

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
White100%
Low incomen/a
Non-low incomen/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities100%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students96%
Female94%
Male98%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
White96%
Low incomen/a
Non-low incomen/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities96%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Illinois used the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 4 and 7 in science. The ISAT is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Illinois. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Illinois State Board of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Illinois' state standards

Source: Illinois State Board of Education

Math

All Students99%
Female100%
Male98%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
White98%
Low incomen/a
Non-low incomen/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)100%
Students without disabilities98%
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students91%
Female93%
Male90%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
White93%
Low incomen/a
Non-low incomen/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)67%
Students without disabilities97%
English language learnersn/a

Science

All Students97%
Female97%
Male98%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
White98%
Low incomen/a
Non-low incomen/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)86%
Students without disabilities100%
English language learnersn/a
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Illinois used the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 4 and 7 in science. The ISAT is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Illinois. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Illinois State Board of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Illinois' state standards

Source: Illinois State Board of Education

Math

All Students97%
Female91%
Male100%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White98%
Low incomen/a
Non-low incomen/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities96%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students95%
Female96%
Male94%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White96%
Low incomen/a
Non-low incomen/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities94%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Illinois used the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 4 and 7 in science. The ISAT is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Illinois. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Illinois State Board of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Illinois' state standards

Source: Illinois State Board of Education

Math

All Students98%
Female96%
Male100%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White98%
Low incomen/a
Non-low incomen/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities98%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students98%
Female96%
Male100%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White98%
Low incomen/a
Non-low incomen/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities100%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Illinois used the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 4 and 7 in science. The ISAT is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Illinois. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Illinois State Board of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Illinois' state standards

Source: Illinois State Board 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 96% 53%
Asian/Pacific Islander 2% 4%
Black 1% 19%
Hispanic 1% 21%
American Indian/Alaska Native N/A 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 27N/A17
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

1436 Grant St
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Phone: (630) 719-5860

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