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GreatSchools Rating

Westminster Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 547 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars


Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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6 reviews of this school


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Posted May 6, 2010

The school is having issues. Weak principal and teachers that do the bare minimum.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 23, 2006

I was very worried about the 'open classroom' design of the school when my daughter started at WES. I have nothing but praise for the school now! Both my daughters have done exceedingly well - the teachers are awesome, the staff is friendly, the test scorea are some of the best in the state! My only problem with the school is that the mothers of students can be somewhat exclusive and a bit uppity - the PTA does great work but I never felt accepted there. There is a certain 'type' that fits in, and I never was the right type. I am very sad to have to leave the school after 3 years. I know we will never find such a great staff and excellent education in another public school.
—Submitted by Christina, a parent


Posted May 29, 2005

My son has been to private school as well as another local public school. I must say the Westminster Elementary School is much better than both in numerous ways. The staffing is incredible. We thought the open classrooms would be a problem since our son has ADD. The open classrooms are actually a benefit. He has learned to ignore outside sounds and movements. The teachers are very well trained and truly want the best for the children. I give many thanks to WES Faculty for all their hard work.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 27, 2005

I've had kids in WES going on four years now. I love it and so do they. I was terrified, hearing so many say negative things about the open classrooms, but it's not been a problem at all! All the teachers I've personally experienced through my children have been fantastic! My kids are learning and getting good scores on report cards and MSAs. Discipline and grading are appropriate. Even the special needs programs (my daughter needed speech) are wonderful. Can't think of a negative thing to say about Westminster Elementary!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 29, 2004

Open air classrooms and class size are a drawback but all of the staff and educators are very professional and work well with what they have.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 2, 2004

Do not like the open air classroom. Class size is very large, there are 27 kids in my sons 1st grade class. Would love to put my son in a closed classroom environment because I think it would benefit him educationally. Unfortunately, this is not an option.
—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.

94 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
>=95%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
91%

2008

 
 
92%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2012.

94 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
83%

2008

 
 
90%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Maryland used the Maryland School Assessment (MSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and grades 5 and 8 in science. The MSA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Maryland. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

See Maryland's state standards

Source: Maryland State Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 90% in 2012.

82 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
95%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
95%

2008

 
 
97%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 90% in 2012.

82 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
96%

2011

 
 
>=95%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
87%

2008

 
 
93%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Maryland used the Maryland School Assessment (MSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and grades 5 and 8 in science. The MSA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Maryland. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

See Maryland's state standards

Source: Maryland State Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 85% in 2012.

95 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
89%

2008

 
 
93%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 90% in 2012.

95 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
95%

2008

 
 
96%
Science

The state average for Science was 69% in 2012.

94 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
75%

2009

 
 
71%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Maryland used the Maryland School Assessment (MSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and grades 5 and 8 in science. The MSA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Maryland. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

See Maryland's state standards

Source: Maryland State 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 85% 46%
Black 7% 38%
Hispanic 5% 10%
Asian/Pacific Islander 4% 6%
American Indian/Alaska Native N/A 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 19%N/A35%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 15N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

811 Uniontown Rd
Westminster, MD 21158
Phone: (410) 751-3222

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