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GreatSchools Rating

William A Wirt/ Emerson Vpa

Public | 6-12 | 466 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
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2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
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2010:
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13 reviews of this school


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Posted February 29, 2012

This school is the best school ever. It is so much fun. It's a great school because while the students are learning there also are having so much fun.


Posted December 13, 2009

i am a student at emerson. i've been there from sixth grade to ninth grade. it's a good school. i enjoy the feeling of how safe the environment there. most of the children have a more sense of responsibility than those at other schools. most of the teachers are really good and others are only there to hold a job. our principal is excellent with structure, he keeps us in line. our parent involvement should be increased but everyone has their own personal situations that are involved in their lives. since we are getting sports next year, the extra-curricular activities shall be awesome.
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 28, 2009

im a student at emerson and this is my 3rd year here and this school is like other schools exept you have a major and a minor but i like it here. i wouldn't change it if i could.
—Submitted by a student


Posted June 22, 2008

Emerson is a great school as far as the preforming arts. The Academics are wonderful also. Yet, the parents must be involved because it isn't the schools responsiblity to be the parents for your child and show indivual attention to each and every student. You must take care of them at home
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 21, 2007

I currently attend Emerson. There are some teachers that really care about seeing the students suceed in life, while others are only there to collect a paycheck. Personly i believe the students could achieve more if we had a building that is up to part. The walls are falling down, the bathrooms are inadequate, and their is no air conditioning in the buildon those hot summer days.
—Submitted by a student


Posted June 10, 2007

I'm a former student of Emerson VPA. I was there when the school was just 5th through 8th grade. I believe this was the best thing that ever happened to Gary, and I credit my success in life to attending Emerson VPA instead of regular public school. My teachers, not just those for music but all, were genuinely concerned with my success in life.
—Submitted by a student


Posted April 5, 2007

I am a former student of EVPA, graduating from the almighty class of 2006. EVPA is the greatest school in the City. There are some great teachers in the school, and some very poor teachers. The spirit, and the wonderful teachers Emerson has makes up for the poor instructors. Emerson Math and Science Department needs a lot of improvement. Emerson has one of the greatest Social Studies Department. The following people are people who has made a difference at Emerson: Lea Larson, Marion Lynn Boynes, Janet Cowan, Robert Herr, Larry Brewer, Rae Scott, Tillman Buggs, Mr.Grass, Ms. Davis, Gloria King, John Rentel, Francisca Modrowski, Jim Spicer, Carolyn McCrady, and Steve Sutton.
—Submitted by a former student


Posted August 24, 2006

The greatest asset in Gary is the student body and next to that are the schools e.g. Emerson. Emerson allows students to establish academic skills and arts in areas not taught in regular curriculums. Students are introduced in various fields at the 6th grade and enhance their skills via a faculty of experienced and focused teachers. The class sizes are small as found in JR colleges. Whereby, Emerson students do not have a difficult time adjusting to university life. Two of my 3 children have graduated from the Emerson Arts. One in the area of Drama and the other in Band. My third child will be graduating from studies in Orchestra. I thank God for the spiritual atmosphere found at Emerson and the discipline shown by the many students. If this site were to have sports they could challenge other schools competitively in any field.
—Submitted by lloyd Jones, a parent


Posted August 10, 2006

I have been a student at emerson for two years now. The 2006-07 school year will be my senior year. Although I am given an opportunity to develop my talents, the academics standards are set way too low. Much is not expected when it comes to the hiring of the staff. Yes, Emerson is a family environment and leaves room for unprofessionalism because of it. But when it comes to every activity that we, the children, are involved in, the parents show great support! I believe that Emerson should be moved to a larger school so that our own sports team can be developed. In light of moving to a larger school, Emerson could except more students.
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 6, 2005

I am a graduate of Emerson. I graduated in 2001. After getting out into the world I see that this school produces intelligent students above the expectations most would expect. More than 80% of Emerson graduates go to college and graduate. It's a family structured school. I used to wake up in the morning anxious to go to school. Not just for the girls, but because learning was made fun, and perfecting our craft was even better. Best school in the city. The school is GREAT, but the I think the school system needs a great deal of work.
—Submitted by Aaron Jones, a former student


Posted October 20, 2004

As a former student, i agree with both the previous reviews. There is a lot of talent at emerson. As stated, the acedemic faculty needs to kick it up a notch!...As the art faculty have proved their excellence by the many awards and recognition their classes have recieved locally and nationally. Also emerson has about 500-600 kids 6-12 grade. This is a small school and deserves the quality in education it expects of its arts. Emerson is loved by those who have had the pleasure of going but deserves a higher standing on the to do list for the gary school system. This school is a landmark for the gary school system. Make it look like one!
—Submitted by a former student


Posted October 18, 2004

I have been a student at Emerson for sometime now. I found that the school is not up to standards. This school is protaryed as the BEST. True it is the BEST school in GARY but outside of the city our school would not meet the standards (as far as acadimics). Though the school is not the best in the world it does have some good qualities. As far as the Arts our school is one of the best our dance team has won many meadals and trophys in competition. Our concert choir is known nationaly. Also, it has a small student population so that means it's like a home. Pretty much all the students know each other and most of the teachers know your name. It has it's pros and cons but overall if u like a school with a family enviroment. Emerson is the place for you.
—Submitted by a student


Posted July 18, 2004

My child has been a student of this school for 2 years now and I wish I could say that all has been gravy. What I will say is that much professionalism is exspected of the students but very litte is demonstrated by faculty. The children work really hard and most are very talented. Nothing is offered in the line of physical fitness.
—Submitted by Patty, 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.
English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 78% in 2012.

96 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
80%
Math

The state average for Math was 82% in 2012.

96 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
56%
Science

The state average for Science was 64% in 2012.

96 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
55%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
42%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 75% in 2012.

146 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
66%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
66%
Math

The state average for Math was 78% in 2012.

146 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%

2011

 
 
65%

2010

 
 
56%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 71% in 2012.

145 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
48%

2011

 
 
72%

2010

 
 
44%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 73% in 2012.

123 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
87%
Math

The state average for Math was 80% in 2012.

123 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
58%

2010

 
 
67%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 70% in 2012.

123 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
55%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
36%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the End-of-Course (ECA) assessment to test students in middle and high school in Algebra I, Biology I, and English 10. The ECA is a criterion-referenced assessment developed specifically for students completing their instruction in Algebra I, Biology I, or English 10. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 46% in 2012.

115 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
19%

2011

 
 
19%

2010

 
 
17%
English

The state average for English was 78% in 2012.

77 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
49%

2010

 
 
55%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the End-of-Course (ECA) assessment to test students in middle and high school in Algebra I, Biology I, and English 10. The ECA is a criterion-referenced assessment developed specifically for students completing their instruction in Algebra I, Biology I, or English 10. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

  • In 2011-2012, this school received a grade of "D".
  • In 2010-2011, this school received a grade of "D".
  • In 2009-2010, this school received a grade of "F".

About the tests


Indiana uses the A through F School Grading System to assess the overall performance of a school. For the 2011-2012 school year, schools were graded based on performance and participation levels in state standardized tests and student growth using the Indiana Growth Model. In addition, high schools were graded on four-year (on-time) graduation rates and college and career readiness indicators including Advanced Placment exam results and industry certification exam results.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

GreatSchools Rating

What makes up this rating?

Academic rating
3 / 10
Climate rating
Not available

This school's GreatSchools Rating is based on academics (90%) and climate (10%). The academic rating measures students' test scores, academic growth and college readiness. The climate rating measures safety, cleanliness, parent involvement and more.

Learn more about our methodology

What is the new GreatSchools Rating?

Rating legend
Below
average
Average
Above
average

Our rating (from 1 to 10) reflects a school's overall performance. The higher the rating, the more likely the school will prepare your child for the future, so choose an above-average school (8-10) if possible. For average schools (4-7), do careful research and look for evidence that the school has high-quality programs. For below-average schools (1-3), take caution; a low-performing school may not provide the instruction or environment your child needs to learn, and you may need to supplement classroom lessons at home.

Academic rating

The academic rating is made up of equally-weighted parts: students' test scores, their academic growth (for elementary and middle schools) and their readiness for college (for high schools). The graphs below compare this school's results in each area to other schools in the city and state. Growth and college readiness ratings are coming soon, pending publication of 2012 data.
Overall academic rating

3

Below average

Test score rating 2012*
This school
City
State
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Learn more about this school's test scores »

Student growth rating 2012**
This school
City
State
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This school
Reading growth
Below average
Math growth
Below average

College readiness rating 2011***
This school
City
State
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This school
Percent of graduates taking SAT: 68%
Average Composite SAT score: 855

*Test scores are based on 2012 ISTEP and ECA results from the state of Indiana.

**The academic growth rating measures how schools affect student test score improvement over time in reading and math. Data is from the 2012 school year and is provided by the Indiana Department of Education.

***This rating is based on the average SAT scores of students that graduated in 2011. ACT scores were used if more students took that test. Data is provided by the Indiana Department of Education.

Climate ratings

Climate rating for this school is not yet available.

Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
Black 92% 12%
Multiracial 4% 4%
White 2% 73%
American Indian 1% 0%
Hispanic 1% 8%
Asian 0% 2%
Native Hawaiin or Pacific Islander N/A 0%
Source: IN Dept. of Education, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students participating in free or reduced-price lunch program 71%N/A47%
Special education 1%N/A15%
English learners 0%N/A5%
Source: IN Dept. of Education, 2010-2011

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 16N/A17
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

210 N Grand Blvd
Gary, IN 46403
Phone: (219) 938-1161

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