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GreatSchools Rating

Dowling Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 486 students

Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

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

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8 reviews of this school


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Posted September 22, 2011

I have had two children attend Dowling and our experience there has been nothing buy positive. Their environmental focus has strengthened over the past 3 years to include a composting/recycling program, environmental education classes for all grades, a working greenhouse, outdoor classroom and frequent outdoor nature walks and activities. In addition, children swim once a week in the pool, cross country ski and snowshoe in the winter and do bike safety in the fall The teachers are fantastic - from the music and art teachers to the classroom teachers and aides. There are many field trips, resident artists and fantastic parent involvement. The principal is involved, approachable and responsive to needs. The school is very diverse which I feel has been a great benefit to my children. I cannot say enough about Dowling!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 3, 2009

The teachers are wonderful and work well with the students and parents. The education has an environmental focus and they use their natural surroundings as a teaching aid.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 27, 2009

The 'environmental' emphasis is all but nonexistant. With Great River Rounds, Mississippi , bird migration, adjacent community gardens and urban woodlands, real creative opportunities to foster future environmental stewardship is forsaken to ANY meaningful degree. Over worked staff, high class size and wide learning disparities leaves much to be desired in terms of individ. student needs (emotional and academic -esp. GT). Oriented towards teaching for the MCA (teacher directed methodology) and not child centered exploration. Bulling rampant. After negative comments from teachers/specialists about our bright timid 8 year old, and no real effective interest from old principal - we left mid year. Bus behavior and reliability worst we've EVER seen. Office detached and hardly knows the children. That greatly lessened safety.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 26, 2007

I love this school. The climate is fantastic (very calm, inclusive and caring). Excellent art teacher!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 9, 2006

I agree with the parent who said there is little creativity. It's very structured, which was something we were looking for but I think there is room within structure for some creativity. I also am very curious where the Science and Environmental parts of the curriculum are. I feel very disconnected from the school, from the activities and from the other parents. I wish we lived closer or that all the schools were as good as this one is. It's a fantastic school overall that my son loves, his teacher is amazing and very caring. There is swimming which my son loves. The playground area when I saw it needed some work. The art program seems well done. The principal is very visible and obviously also cares about his school. I hope that with parent comments they get back to the 'urban environmental'
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 11, 2005

My son just finished Kindergarten at Dowling and we are very happy with his achievements and social development. The after-school care is adequate. Dowling is a unique school, with a high percentage of special needs kids, a swimming pool, and huge grounds with gardens and orchards. In addition to the '3 R's', my son learned about plants and about sewing, fabric, and weaving. He adored his teacher and made many good friends. I did some volunteering in the classroom and was very impressed with the organization, commitment, and professionalism of the teacher. The principal is A-1, a highly qualified and committed educator.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 19, 2004

You will be very satisfied with Dowling and your child will learn a lot. Many well-structured things going on, great parent involvement, frequent field trips. Jeffrey Raison, the calm and very visible principal, has vision and good leadership skills. My main personal complaint is the schoolwide emphasis on structure, the amount of testing, and the less than inspirational curriculum followed by most teachers. I would like more general creativity, but that is also asking a lot in times of back-to-basics pressure.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 6, 2004

this is my son's 1st year at Dowling, And they have been great!
—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 83% in 2010.

77 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
88%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.

74 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
95%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
74%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II (MCA-II) to test students in reading in grades 3 through 8 and 10, and math in grade 11. The MCA-II is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 77% in 2010.

72 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
69%

2009

 
 
73%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.

86 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
80%

2010

 
 
72%

2009

 
 
75%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II (MCA-II) to test students in reading in grades 3 through 8 and 10, and math in grade 11. The MCA-II is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2010.

74 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
68%

2009

 
 
70%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 79% in 2012.

78 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
80%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
60%
Science

The state average for Science was 46% in 2011.

70 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
56%

2010

 
 
51%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II (MCA-II) to test students in reading in grades 3 through 8 and 10, and math in grade 11. The MCA-II is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Reading

All Students95%
Female95%
Male95%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged78%
Economically non-disadvantaged100%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities96%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English96%
Non-migrant95%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II (MCA-II) to test students in reading in grades 3 through 8 and 10, and math in grade 11. The MCA-II is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Minnesota Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data is not reported for that group.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Reading

All Students80%
Female86%
Male73%
Black58%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
White88%
Economically disadvantaged59%
Economically non-disadvantaged90%
Students with disabilities50%
Students without disabilities84%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English87%
Non-migrant80%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II (MCA-II) to test students in reading in grades 3 through 8 and 10, and math in grade 11. The MCA-II is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Minnesota Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data is not reported for that group.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Reading

All Students86%
Female85%
Male87%
Black71%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
White91%
Economically disadvantaged81%
Economically non-disadvantaged88%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities89%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English88%
Non-migrant86%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II (MCA-II) to test students in reading in grades 3 through 8 and 10, and math in grade 11. The MCA-II is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Minnesota Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data is not reported for that group.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 76% in 2012.

74 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
78%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-III (MCA-III) to test in math in grades 3 through 8, and in science for grades 5 and 8, and once in high school. The MCA-III is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 73% in 2012.

86 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
66%

2011

 
 
71%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-III (MCA-III) to test in math in grades 3 through 8, and in science for grades 5 and 8, and once in high school. The MCA-III is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 62% in 2012.

81 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
63%

2011

 
 
57%
Science

The state average for Science was 58% in 2012.

81 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-III (MCA-III) to test in math in grades 3 through 8, and in science for grades 5 and 8, and once in high school. The MCA-III is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Math

All Students88%
Female86%
Male89%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
White91%
Economically disadvantaged72%
Economically non-disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities87%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English88%
Non-migrant88%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-III (MCA-III) to test in math in grades 3 through 8, and in science for grades 5 and 8, and once in high school. The MCA-III is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Minnesota Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data is not reported for that group.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Math

All Students66%
Female65%
Male68%
Black42%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
White77%
Economically disadvantaged33%
Economically non-disadvantaged81%
Students with disabilities40%
Students without disabilities70%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English73%
Non-migrant66%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-III (MCA-III) to test in math in grades 3 through 8, and in science for grades 5 and 8, and once in high school. The MCA-III is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Minnesota Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data is not reported for that group.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Math

All Students63%
Female60%
Male66%
Black39%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
White70%
Economically disadvantaged48%
Economically non-disadvantaged71%
Students with disabilities20%
Students without disabilities69%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English64%
Non-migrant63%

Science

All Students78%
Female73%
Male83%
Black56%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
White85%
Economically disadvantaged62%
Economically non-disadvantaged87%
Students with disabilities40%
Students without disabilities83%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English79%
Non-migrant78%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-III (MCA-III) to test in math in grades 3 through 8, and in science for grades 5 and 8, and once in high school. The MCA-III is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Minnesota Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data is not reported for that group.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota 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 58% 76%
Black 26% 10%
Asian/Pacific Islander 6% 6%
Hispanic 6% 6%
American Indian/Alaska Native 5% 2%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 34%N/A33%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 15N/A16
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

3900 West River Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55406
Website: Click here
Phone: (612) 668-4410

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