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GreatSchools Rating

Hal Smith Elementary School

Public | PK-5 | 743 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

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

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8 reviews of this school


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Posted April 6, 2012

I absolutely hate this school. I don't feel that the teaching staff is up to par. The principal isn't much better and just the whole atmosphere is deplorable. I don't feel as though the school or the staff are really approachable by parents and alot of their practices are completely silly. They don't really seem to promote family interest in the school or students beyond one, or two times a year. My child will NOT be attending this school again.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 19, 2011

This school has disappointed me. I was excited for my son to attend Hal Smith and then he ended up with the worst Kindergarten teacher I've ever met. She is rude, ignorant and expects way too much from kindergartners. I assume this is because she was teaching first grade before this year. I've been looking into private kindergartens for this reason but since the fees are too high all we can do is wait it out until we move in a few months. Hopefully he'll receive the education and care he deserves when we do. I'm personally sick to my stomach with this school and that woman.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 3, 2009

I think this school is one of the best in Vegas, the teachers and the staff are very involved and seem to really care about the students, I feel blessed to have my child attend a school that cares so much!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 1, 2008

My daughter has been to Hal Smith since she was 5. She is now graduating 5th grade! She LOVES her school so much we even moved and she was allowed to be zoned. Teachers, staff, principal are GREAT! very opened door policy can call or walk in at any time and ALWAYS get greeted with a smile
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 8, 2007

I feel that Hal Smith staff should take more time to understand that some children are academically perfect, yet have mild behavioral issues - such as ADHD. I am very happy to transfer my child so that we may have a fresh start at a new school for the 2007-2008 year.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 13, 2006

Four of my five children have been through Hal Smith since the school broke ground. Dr. Ballard is the best Principle and the dedication from the staff and teachers always go above and beyond. We miss Mr. Hal Smith since his passing, but may the school remain strong and positive for both his name and our children's future. Keep up the good work Huskies!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 9, 2003

The staff at Hal Smith are wonderful. They make every effort to make sure my children can learn in a safe and healthy environment. Any child that needs some extra attention is helped in a timely and friendly manner.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 25, 2003

I feel that Hal Smith is a great school. Everyone of the staff members that I have come in contact with has always been friendly and very helpful. My son really enjoys school!
—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 70% in 2011.

103 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
59%

2010

 
 
51%

2009

 
 
51%

2008

 
 
40%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 59% in 2011.

103 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
50%

2010

 
 
46%

2009

 
 
63%

2008

 
 
41%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Nevada used the Criterion Referenced Test (CRT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science and writing. The CRT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Nevada. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Nevada's state standards

Source: Nevada Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2011.

124 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
54%

2010

 
 
54%

2009

 
 
44%

2008

 
 
34%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 65% in 2011.

125 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
58%

2010

 
 
47%

2009

 
 
48%

2008

 
 
35%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Nevada used the Criterion Referenced Test (CRT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science and writing. The CRT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Nevada. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Nevada's state standards

Source: Nevada Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2011.

111 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
66%

2010

 
 
46%

2009

 
 
28%

2008

 
 
45%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 63% in 2011.

117 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
47%

2010

 
 
34%

2009

 
 
37%

2008

 
 
31%
Science

The state average for Science was 54% in 2011.

115 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
27%

2010

 
 
29%

2009

 
 
42%

2008

 
 
39%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 44% in 2011.

118 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
31%

2010

 
 
34%

2009

 
 
28%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Nevada used the Criterion Referenced Test (CRT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science and writing. The CRT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Nevada. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Nevada's state standards

Source: Nevada Department of Education

Math

All Students59%
Female52%
Male65%
Black/African Americann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic38%
White/Caucasian54%
Students qualifying for free/reduced lunch58%
Full pricen/a
Students without disabilities62%
Students with limited English proficiency39%
Proficient in English58%

Reading

All Students50%
Female23%
Male38%
Black/African Americann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic26%
White/Caucasiann/a
Students qualifying for free/reduced lunch46%
Full pricen/a
Students without disabilities53%
Students with limited English proficiencyn/a
Proficient in English56%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Nevada used the Criterion Referenced Test (CRT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science and writing. The CRT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Nevada. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Nevada Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Nevada's state standards

Source: Nevada Department of Education

Math

All Students54%
Female53%
Male55%
Black/African Americann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic53%
White/Caucasian50%
Students qualifying for free/reduced lunch52%
Full price62%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities58%
Students with limited English proficiency56%
Proficient in English53%

Reading

All Students58%
Female61%
Male47%
Black/African Americann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic39%
White/Caucasian50%
Students qualifying for free/reduced lunch54%
Full price54%
Students without disabilities61%
Students with limited English proficiency35%
Proficient in English51%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Nevada used the Criterion Referenced Test (CRT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science and writing. The CRT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Nevada. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Nevada Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Nevada's state standards

Source: Nevada Department of Education

Math

All Students66%
Female73%
Male60%
Black/African Americann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic71%
White/Caucasian60%
Students qualifying for free/reduced lunch62%
Full price77%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities70%
Students with limited English proficiency69%
Proficient in English64%

Reading

All Students47%
Female48%
Male31%
Black/African Americann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic36%
White/Caucasiann/a
Students qualifying for free/reduced lunch39%
Full pricen/a
Students without disabilities41%
Students with limited English proficiency37%
Proficient in English39%

Science

All Students27%
Female29%
Male25%
Black/African Americann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic26%
White/Caucasiann/a
Students qualifying for free/reduced lunch23%
Full price41%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities29%
Students with limited English proficiencyn/a
Proficient in English29%

Writing

All Students31%
Female42%
Male22%
Black/African Americann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic33%
White/Caucasiann/a
Students qualifying for free/reduced lunch30%
Full pricen/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities34%
Students with limited English proficiency36%
Proficient in English28%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Nevada used the Criterion Referenced Test (CRT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science and writing. The CRT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Nevada. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Nevada Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Nevada's state standards

Source: Nevada 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
Hispanic 40% 37%
White 31% 42%
Black 20% 11%
Asian/Pacific Islander 8% 8%
American Indian/Alaska Native 2% 2%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 52%N/A39%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 19N/A20
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

5150 East Desert Inn Rd
Las Vegas, NV 89122
Phone: (702) 799-3700

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