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GreatSchools Rating

Franklin Township Middle School West

Public | 6-8 | 835 students

We are best known for excellence in education
Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

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

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11 reviews of this school


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Posted May 7, 2012

MY son has been at FTMS West since 5th grade and now is in 7th. My husband and I are very displeased with the leadership and education level. The teacher don't care about teaching or being mentors. My childs grade have always been A's and B's since kindergarten and now they are the low C's and even D's. I have asked for help from the guidance councilor and the teachers to help determine what is causing his grades to fall. They don't seem to care and it almost seems like you are being inconvenient when you want to help your child. I will not be sending my 9 year old to this school once she reaches the age. We will likely look in to Middle school East or even another township school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 11, 2007

I have had excellent response when needing attention, suggestions and some assistance with my son regarding his grades and education in general. My son does not have disciplinary problems, because that is supposed to be the parents' job. Teachers educate---parents discipline. Obviously, if you simply compare the passing scores/percentages of the ISTEP tests to other local schools, this school is doing a great job. I love this school and the dedication of the teachers, guidance counselors, principal and anyone else that works so hard to make a difference for our future by way of teaching our children.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 17, 2006

F.T.M.S. is a good school, which is struggling with the evolving needs of a growing township. Many of the teachers are very involved and love their jobs...I mean, when I think about teaching 12-14 year olds all day long, it isn't a job most would sign up for. I have found that contacting via email is the best way to keep up to date on my child's progress. Also, I monitor the agenda they are supposed to be keeping. Of course, there are problems in middle school; it is a tough age, but take a look at the other township schools and you will feel lucky to have your child in FT and receiving the help of the teachers!
—Submitted by Involved Parents are Key, a parent


Posted August 22, 2005

the quality of safety is and all time low. I would not send my child back to this school. They just don't care.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 22, 2005

Leadership in this school? Not.. The Teacher Quality is low. AND the safety of the children will there is none.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 8, 2005

We pulled our daughter out of Franklin Central. before she was a strait A student, and her grades were becoming C's. most of The students were rude and abnoxious. The teacher quality wasn't bad, but when you have 30 kids in a class, it makes it hard to teach when kids are throwing pencils in the room (which was happening on a daily basis).
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 3, 2005

I think FTMS is a great school. If you want your child/children to get a great education, go to FTMS. The parents also have to work with your child/children to complete a great education.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 26, 2005

This school is lacking all the way around. Students are not supervised in the halls at all. Despite the principal having a great number of parent complaints about the pushing & shoving that goes on in the hall ways he refuses to do anything about it. During the 2004/2005 school year I contacted everyone of my childrens teachers and more than 1/2 of them acted as if I was a nuisance because I wanted to know how my child was doing and what I could do to help. Furthermore, the front desk is rude to the children and parents alike. If your going to enroll your child here be prepared for a fight.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 1, 2005

If you have a child with behavior problems, you really need to look at the reason why. One has to acknowledge that the parents have not trained the student to act or behave well. When a teacher has 30-32 students in a classroom, it should not be necessary for the teacher to give special attention, constantly, to a 13 or 14 year old young adult on a regular basis who consistently disrupts their class. If the parents fail at disciplining in raising their children, the other students and staff should not have to suffer the consequences. The teachers at FTMS work very hard, and simply want to teach the subject area that they are trained in to students who are willing and wanting to learn. IF your students desires to learn and expects their teachers to do their best every day to teach them not discipline them send them to FTMS.
—Submitted by a staff


Posted June 21, 2004

If you have a student with special needs (behavior problems) please be advised that this school needs some help with dealing with children on this level. Half the time I think a select few of the staff here are special needs individuals themselves, who do not have the patience or proper training to deal with students of this stature. Sometimes they act like a few of the students by making inappropriate remarks about some of the students. Who says words don't hurt...if you're an adult staff member at this school act like it and show some support for our special needs children. We, as parents of these children need all the support we can get, especially in the Northern Community where we have to travel a great distance due to bussing just to have a conference or to pick up a sick child. May God bless you all.
—Submitted by Kimberly, a parent


Posted January 11, 2004

FTms is a great school! I've been going to FTMS since the sixth grade and I'm currently in the eigth grade. I've enjoyed every year at FTMS. The teachers are very supportive and involved. The extracurricular activities are also great...I'm looking forward to going to D.C. with my eigth grade class this spring!
—Submitted by Tabitha, 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.
English/Language Arts

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

261 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a
Math

The state average for Math was 82% in 2012.

261 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a
Science

The state average for Science was 64% in 2012.

261 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a
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.

274 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
73%
Math

The state average for Math was 78% in 2012.

275 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
79%
Social Studies

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

275 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
68%
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.

324 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
77%
Math

The state average for Math was 80% in 2012.

324 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
87%
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.

60 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%
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 "A".
  • In 2010-2011, this school received a grade of "C".
  • In 2009-2010, this school received a grade of "C".

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
8 / 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

8

Above 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
Average
Math growth
Above average

*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.

Climate ratings

Climate rating for this school is not yet available.

Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 78% 73%
Black 7% 12%
Hispanic 7% 8%
Multiracial 5% 4%
Asian 2% 2%
American Indian N/A 0%
Native Hawaiin or Pacific Islander 0% 0%
Source: IN Dept. of Education, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students participating in free or reduced-price lunch program 39%N/A47%
Special education 14%N/A15%
English learners 4%N/A5%
Source: IN Dept. of Education, 2010-2011

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 18N/A17
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Assistant principal(s)
Art teacher(s)
ELL/ESL Coordinator
Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
Librarian/media specialist(s)
Math specialist(s)
Music teacher(s)
PE instructor(s)
Nurse(s)
Security personnel
School psychologist
Special education coordinator
Speech and language therapist(s)
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Special education / special needs

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Special education
Level of special education programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular special education needs
Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Autism
  • Emotional behavioral disabilities
  • Orthopedic impairments
  • Other health impairments
  • Specific learning disabilities
Extra learning resources offered
  • Differentiated learning programs
Staff resources available to students
  • Special education coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Mathematics
  • Science
Staff resources available to students
  • Math specialist(s)
School facilities
  • Computer lab
  • Science lab

Arts & music

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Arts (all)
  • Music
  • Performing arts
  • Visual arts
Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
School facilities
  • Art room
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Design
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Sculpture
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Orchestra
Clubs
  • Drama club
  • Yearbook

Language learning

Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular ESL/ELL needs
Languages supported by ESL/ELL programs
  • Other
  • Spanish
Staff resources available to students
  • ELL/ESL Coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Punjabi

Health & athletics

Staff resources available to students
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Nurse(s)
  • 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
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 8:10 a.m.
School end time
  • 2:15 pm
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • After school: ends at 6:00 p.m.
School Leader's name
  • Mr Nathan Day
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Phone
Gender
  • Coed
Special schedule
  • Block scheduling
Is there an application process?
  • Yes
Fax number
  • (317) 862-7271

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • AVID
  • Core knowledge
  • Direct instruction
  • Gifted / high performing
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Arts (all)
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Performing arts
  • Science
  • Special education
  • Visual arts
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
Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Autism
  • Emotional behavioral disabilities
  • Orthopedic impairments
  • Other health impairments
  • Specific learning disabilities
Foreign languages taught
  • None
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular ESL/ELL needs
Languages supported by ESL/ELL programs
  • Other
  • Spanish

Resources

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Assistant principal(s)
  • ELL/ESL Coordinator
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Librarian/media specialist(s)
  • Math specialist(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
  • Nurse(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • School psychologist
  • Security personnel
  • Special education coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Punjabi
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
  • Cafeteria
  • Computer lab
  • Gym
  • Internet access
  • Kitchen
  • Library
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
  • Science lab
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cross country
  • Football
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Track
  • Wrestling
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Cross country
  • Softball
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Track
  • Volleyball

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Design
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Sculpture
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Orchestra
Performing arts
  • None
Media arts
  • None

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Academic Team
  • Boy scouts
  • Chess club
  • Community service
  • Drama club
  • Girl scouts
  • Jazz Band
  • Student council/government
  • Yearbook
School leaders can update this information here.

School culture

Dress Code
  • Neither uniforms nor dress code
Bullying policy
  • This school has a bullying and/or cyber bullying policy in place.
Parent involvement
  • Chaperone school trips
  • Organize fundraising events (school auction, bake sales, etc.)
  • Serve on school improvement team or governance council
  • Volunteer time after school
School colors
  • Blue, White
School leaders can update this information here.
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

7620 Edgewood Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46239
Website: Click here
Phone: (317) 803-8200

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