Advertisement

GreatSchools Rating

Humboldt Secondary School

Public | 7-12 | 902 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 7 ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
No new ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

Rate this school

Click on stars to rate
Please select a star rating for this school.
    Helpful reviews answer questions:
  • What do you think others should know?
  • What do you like?
  • How could your school improve?
    Review Guidelines
    GreatSchools won’t post reviews that contain:
  • Inappropriate language
  • Allegations of criminal conduct
  • Names of students, teachers or staff
1200 characters remaining
Please indicate your relationship to the school.
Please read and accept our Terms of Use to join GreatSchools.
Indicates a required field

11 reviews of this school


Sort by:
Show reviews by:
Posted December 26, 2012

Humboldt is a school with a lot of problems. The students are great, and deserve a great education, but this is not the place to get one. The administration is weak--lacking in vision, judgment, and communication ability. The teaching staff is split, some great, but many with low skills that don't match their arrogant attitudes. The conflicts between staff members--in and between departments and between staff and administration--combined with very poor decision making by school and district administration make it a toxic environment that harms instruction, programs, and students. A word to the wise: If you care about your kids, don't send them to this school.


Posted September 20, 2012

In reading the reviews of Humboldt, I see mixed reviews from a former teacher. I know the principals in St. Paul are working to remove weak teachers who demonstrate weak instruction and wonder if the negative review is from a teacher who he worked to terminate. I've reviewed Humboldt's academic growth data and their data shows students may be starting below grade level when the enter Humboldt, but they intervene and get the students at or above grade level when they graduate.


Posted September 20, 2012

I am an ELL teacher currently working at Humboldt, and would like to dispute some of the claims made by others on here. I believe that the teachers and the administration at the school are doing a wonderful job with ALL of the students at the school. They work tirelessly to make Humboldt the best it can be, often spending long hours after school and on weekends. Many of students that come to us are refugees with limited formal schooling, and as I look at the data, I'm amazed at how much progress our students have made. It's not always easy being in a place where you're pushed and challenged to be the best you can be and to find new ways to improve, but I'm glad that I'm here. It's an honor to work with the students here, and I've become a better teacher in the process.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted September 20, 2012

As a teacher at Humboldt High School I was stunned by the harsh review from a disgruntled teacher. The remarks about the administration are not true. I worked for over 10 years in a different high school and when I transferred to Humboldt I discovered an incredible principal and assistant principal here. I ve worked in private business and now public education and I ve never had such accessible, responsive and truly helpful bosses. The disgruntled teacher stated, administration does not comprehend the needs of a large percentage of their student population, the ELL English Language Learners. What that teacher doesn t seem to understand, is the fact that our administration is implementing research based programs developed to challenge and push the students to close the achievement gap. We ARE making a difference and our data shows it. We have such incredible students at Humboldt who come from very diverse cultures and educational backgrounds, and the staff here impressed me from my very first day. Their level of dedication and their desire to work with every student to help them advance in all their academic skills is remarkable. These teachers have heart .
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted September 19, 2012

One more thing I love about Humboldt: the positive energy that is in the building. I have worked at 4 other schools and Humboldt is by far the most positive and has students who really pull for each other. To address the post below: 1) Our Admin is amazing. They are so phenomenal, in fact, that they are often offered positions at other schools. They are responsible, caring and push our staff to be phenomenal. 2) I would like to know about schools with similar demographics that are exceeding expectations. Like every other school in our district and state, we all have a long ways to go to meet our goals. Great place- I had a sub for the half the day today and she said that Humboldt is special because the kids are extremely respectful and the staff is caring and kind. GO HAWKS!
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted September 17, 2012

Humboldt is a phenomenal school! It is very innovative and growth oriented. The administrators and teachers are dedicated to their students and their success. The staff is welcoming and available to work with students one on one to help student achievement. Humboldt has a diverse population and many students speak two or more languages. The students feel safe at Humboldt and know they will be challenged and supported in their classes.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted August 1, 2012

St. Paul's Humboldt Secondary School is an amazing place to teach and get an education! The vast majority of students are respectful and very eager to learn. Teachers work extremely hard to understand and meet the needs of this very diverse student body. I've found administration very welcoming, open to suggestions and concerns, and always interested in what's best for our students. A career in education is not for pansies and no school is perfect, but I stay at Humboldt because I love the kids and feel well supported by administration from the top down. We're helping grow super citizens with good minds and hearts, and I'm proud to be a Humboldt teacher!
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted September 8, 2008

Humboldt doesn't live up to its expectation... it holds much higher! Humboldt is often looked down upon, when I don't believe it should. With a small school you really connect with your teachers, and get great chances for many opportunities, and you get to know everyone in the school. If I ever have an issue, I can think of a good handful or adults I could go to for help. Even the Principal and Vice Principals know you by name, and greet you daily. Humboldt promises to have a college student for every student. I am a member of ETS and it has brought me MANY opportunities preparing me for college. Teachers really care about you, as an individual. They'll even ask if you're doing okay when you're having an off day. You get a great connection with them, along with your classmates. Our sports are small, but they're incredibally enjoyable.
—Submitted by a student


Posted August 8, 2008

I go to Humboldt Senior High. I was nervous about going there bcuz of the reputation, but i learned a lesson: don't believe everything you hear! The teachers care about you, the adminstrators know me by my first name, even the principal (sodomka knows everyone!) and he cares, our sports aren't the best but thats cuz we are so small and don't have a lot of kids on the teams. My classes are really small-like 15 kids in a class, which is good because we get can individualized help. Their AP classes are tough, but you learn a lot and teacher make it interesting. Humboldt really pushes us toward college; I'll admit, I didn't think I'd go to college when I started, but they've taken me to campuses, encouraged to take harder classes (pre-AP/AP) and have gotten help from ETS (a college access program here) and other HHS. Humboldt's A+++!
—Submitted by a student


Posted November 2, 2007

I have to admit, sending my son to Humboldt was not my choice but with changing jobs I was unable to drive him to the school I wanted anymore. Humboldt was the dumping grounds for all the problem children in St. Paul! When registering my son I talked with the Principal for an hour and a half about the concerns and problems that I had. I told him that he had a half year to convince me that I made the right chioce. I did!! My son since changing over to Humboldt is an 'A' student and because I am an involved parent the teachers really help me stay on top of my son. I can't say enough about the school. They have really opened a lot of doors for my son, college wise! They recieved a bad reputaion and I hope that changes, it really is a great school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 5, 2006

The quality of academic programs seem to be well, they seem to have a variety of business classes, which I really approve of for my daughter. I am not too sure of the parent involvement, I never seem to get any announcements or such as to needing parent involvement of any sort. That should be a priority.
—Submitted by Victoria Anderson, 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 64% in 2010.

103 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
15%

2009

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 71% in 2012.

90 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
29%

2011

 
 
25%

2010

 
 
13%

2009

 
 
n/a
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 59% in 2010.

113 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
13%

2009

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 72% in 2012.

97 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
24%

2011

 
 
20%

2010

 
 
13%

2009

 
 
n/a
Science

The state average for Science was 44% in 2011.

114 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
4%

2010

 
 
4%
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

The state average for Reading was 77% in 2012.

133 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
33%

2011

 
 
37%

2010

 
 
29%

2009

 
 
32%
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 43% in 2012.

117 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
10%

2011

 
 
13%

2010

 
 
13%

2009

 
 
9%
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

Science

The state average for Science was 54% in 2011.

139 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
7%

2010

 
 
8%
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 Students29%
Female36%
Male19%
Black29%
Asian/Pacific Islander19%
Hispanic40%
Native Americann/a
White36%
Economically disadvantaged30%
Economically non-disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities17%
Students without disabilities31%
English language learners14%
Proficient in English40%
Non-migrant29%
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 Students24%
Female26%
Male22%
Black17%
Asian/Pacific Islander22%
Hispanic28%
Native Americann/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged20%
Economically non-disadvantaged60%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities23%
English language learners16%
Proficient in English34%
Non-migrant24%
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 Students33%
Female33%
Male33%
Black37%
Asian/Pacific Islander12%
Hispanic56%
Native Americann/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged31%
Economically non-disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities33%
Students without disabilities33%
English language learners16%
Proficient in English65%
Non-migrant33%
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

All Students10%
Female7%
Male13%
Black0%
Asian/Pacific Islander10%
Hispanic17%
Native Americann/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged10%
Economically non-disadvantaged10%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities11%
English language learners5%
Proficient in English15%
Non-migrant10%
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 59% in 2012.

86 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
12%

2011

 
 
11%
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.

100 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
15%

2011

 
 
13%
Science

The state average for Science was 42% in 2012.

94 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
10%
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

Science

The state average for Science was 52% in 2012.

128 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
15%
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 Students12%
Female12%
Male12%
Black12%
Asian/Pacific Islander14%
Hispanic15%
Native Americann/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged11%
Economically non-disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities0%
Students without disabilities13%
English language learners10%
Proficient in English13%
Non-migrant12%
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 Students15%
Female15%
Male15%
Black5%
Asian/Pacific Islander14%
Hispanic20%
Native Americann/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged11%
Economically non-disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities16%
English language learners7%
Proficient in English27%
Non-migrant15%

Science

All Students10%
Female6%
Male13%
Black4%
Asian/Pacific Islander8%
Hispanic5%
Native Americann/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged7%
Economically non-disadvantaged30%
Students with disabilities7%
Students without disabilities10%
English language learners2%
Proficient in English16%
Non-migrant10%
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

Science

All Students15%
Female17%
Male13%
Black13%
Asian/Pacific Islander5%
Hispanic26%
Native Americann/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged16%
Economically non-disadvantaged8%
Students with disabilities4%
Students without disabilities18%
English language learners9%
Proficient in English23%
Non-migrant15%
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

Writing

The state average for Writing was 92% in 2012.

154 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
52%

2011

 
 
48%

2010

 
 
64%

2009

 
 
55%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma (MCA-II/GRAD) to test students in grade 9 in writing, 10 in reading, and 11 in math. The MCA-II/GRAD is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. Students must pass the MCA-II/GRAD in order to graduate from high school. 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

The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.

133 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
38%

2011

 
 
42%

2010

 
 
32%

2009

 
 
36%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma (MCA-II/GRAD) to test students in grade 9 in writing, 10 in reading, and 11 in math. The MCA-II/GRAD is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. Students must pass the MCA-II/GRAD in order to graduate from high school. 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 58% in 2012.

117 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
17%

2011

 
 
14%

2010

 
 
23%

2009

 
 
27%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma (MCA-II/GRAD) to test students in grade 9 in writing, 10 in reading, and 11 in math. The MCA-II/GRAD is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. Students must pass the MCA-II/GRAD in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Writing

All Students52%
Female61%
Male41%
Black61%
Asian/Pacific Islander36%
Hispanic65%
Native Americann/a
White80%
Economically disadvantaged52%
Economically non-disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities41%
Students without disabilities55%
English language learners34%
Proficient in English73%
Non-migrant52%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma (MCA-II/GRAD) to test students in grade 9 in writing, 10 in reading, and 11 in math. The MCA-II/GRAD is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. Students must pass the MCA-II/GRAD in order to graduate from high school. 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 Students38%
Female42%
Male35%
Black44%
Asian/Pacific Islander17%
Hispanic63%
Native Americann/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged36%
Economically non-disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities40%
Students without disabilities38%
English language learners22%
Proficient in English70%
Non-migrant38%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma (MCA-II/GRAD) to test students in grade 9 in writing, 10 in reading, and 11 in math. The MCA-II/GRAD is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. Students must pass the MCA-II/GRAD in order to graduate from high school. 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 Students17%
Female13%
Male21%
Black12%
Asian/Pacific Islander12%
Hispanic22%
Native Americann/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged16%
Economically non-disadvantaged30%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities19%
English language learners6%
Proficient in English27%
Non-migrant17%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma (MCA-II/GRAD) to test students in grade 9 in writing, 10 in reading, and 11 in math. The MCA-II/GRAD is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. Students must pass the MCA-II/GRAD in order to graduate from high school. 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
Black 41% 10%
Hispanic 23% 6%
Asian/Pacific Islander 21% 6%
White 13% 76%
American Indian/Alaska Native 3% 2%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 84%N/A33%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 12N/A16
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

30 East Baker St
St. Paul, MN 55107
Phone: (651) 293-8600

ADVERTISEMENT

Compare this school
to nearby schools

Compare schools »

Compare

Add this school to compare

Nearby schools

ADVERTISEMENT