Advertisement

GreatSchools Rating

Whitney E. Houston Academy Elementary School

Public | PK-8 | 436 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 3 ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
Based on 1 rating

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

16 reviews of this school


Sort by:
Show reviews by:
Posted August 31, 2012

This school is horrible my daughter broke her in that school. I wish they would just put it for six to eight graders.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 31, 2012

Hello, i used to go to whiney E. Houston Academy i was there from 4th grade form 8th grade. the reson i went to houston was i was a bron with speech problems and houston was the only school in the east orange who had a program for me. i love the school because the teacher would stay on top of u and sure u no the work that bein teach. the suff is friendly and careing. the school is a performing art school from pk-5 u would have arts,drama,dance,music,tech, olny once a week and from 6-8 u would have a major. with the same principal and a new VP ans the samee sprits i would not be where im am now . i learn and enjoy a lot from this school i hope u do to


Posted January 18, 2012

not a good school staff are not friendly at all, have this crazy thing about students being late even if the parents are with them no respect for parents at all can't wait to take my child out
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 2, 2011

This school is horrible. My son went here for 1 year. First, it is NOT a performing arts school. They might have music or drama once a week if that. The school is falling apart and in horrible shape. The students use the worse language I have ever heard! Bullying, name calling and cursing are a norm. The principle has been there forever and does nothing. The vice principles hands are tied in policies. My son has never been in a fight before this school. During his year, I have heard stories of cops being called, children getting beat up in bathrooms, closets, hallways, you name it! I had to go to the board of education for answers and action. I pulled my son out of that so called "school" and he his now thriving and on the honor roll in a REAL performing arts school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 3, 2008

This school is a stepping stone on my children's path to success. The teachers have helped to solidify the foundation that was already laid out from home. My children have done outstanding work under the guided leadership of the administration and the teachers. I love this school and would recommend it to anyone, especially for the arts.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 30, 2008

My daughter attended this school for the 1st grade and for 3 weeks for the 2nd I found there was alot of older childern powering over the small childern and there was not alot of order in this schoole small childern are subjected to alot of things they are too young to see I transfered my daughter to another school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 5, 2008

This school is very below standards. It doesn't prepare out children to achieve greatness. Our children cannot compete with children around the globe. Two of my children attend this poor performing school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 6, 2008

my child goes there it is a exelent school
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 14, 2007

I like this school alot, It has a free afterschool program that many East Orange Schools didn't have especially for single moms that need those types of programs
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 10, 2007

I am sorry to admit this school wasn't a walk in the park for my son Denzel. The teachers very much slacked their job. The science fair projects were a disgrace. My son did not enjoy his 6th grade year here but we are hoping 7th to be the best.
—Submitted by Addrientte Langly, a student


Posted July 10, 2007

I was a new student to Houston and at first i liked it but it started to get worse. There was no one-on-one help and i got left behind real easily. My mother moved out the district so i could go to another middle school.
—Submitted by a student


Posted June 19, 2007

I am a parent of a kindergarten student, as well as the wife of a teacher. I feel that the teachers at Whitney, for the most part, care about the students. Ms. Moore-Becker and Ms. Thomas, have kept my daughter, who started the year advanced for her age group, engaged and forever learning. Her desire to please her teachers, is yet another motivation for her to excel. I pray that the teachers at Whitney will be able to continue to offer such dedication to their students with the possibility of increased class size due to the multiple layoffs. My daughter has learned in a year, to write in complete sentences, and to write a paragraph. Proud Parent
—Submitted by onika popo-james, a parent


Posted February 22, 2007

Im a new student since September at Whitney E. Houston academy. Whitney Houston Academy is one of the most excellent school in East Orange. The teachers and cool and you learn a lot! Its Fun! My teachers are the best, speacialy Ms.Newby that is the dance teacher.
—Submitted by Fanny J., a student


Posted September 7, 2005

Very interesting mix of learning.
—Submitted by a former student


Posted May 31, 2005

I used to attend Whitney Houston(Franklin School) scince kindergarden. Personally I feel that this school is excellent! I was a dance major in the dance toupe under the direction of Mrs. Newby-Reynolds. The activities there are terrific.The teachers I have had, have great teaching skills, they have truly helped me alot in high school.Whitney Houston challenges your ability. They make you work your brain. There has been many great outcomes from any student that graduates from that school. You can make many friends there. I really do miss that school
—Submitted by whitney houston student, a former student


Posted January 26, 2005

I had two older sons who attended Houston Academy when it was Franklin Elementary. The Principal Mr. Hamilton, the staff and teachers are concerned about the students who attend. I now have another son Jordan who is in the 8th grade and will graduate this year (2005). He has attended Houston since 1st grade. The teachers are great and very passionate about the subjects they teach. My son's favorite subjects are social studies and drama. He also likes physical education and Language. Although there's always room for improvement you'll find a great support staff and parents (PTA) that are always willing to go that extra mile. I highly recommend Whitney Houston Academy. I'm going to miss everyone there when my son graduates. Keep up the good work Houston!
—Submitted by Deborah Scamorza, 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.
Language Arts Literacy

The state average for Language Arts Literacy was 67% in 2012.

37 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
64%

2010

 
 
47%

2009

 
 
67%
Math

The state average for Math was 78% in 2012.

37 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
59%

2009

 
 
83%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in language arts literacy and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The NJ ASK is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Language Arts Literacy

The state average for Language Arts Literacy was 59% in 2012.

50 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
44%

2011

 
 
39%

2010

 
 
43%

2009

 
 
46%
Math

The state average for Math was 77% in 2012.

50 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
75%

2009

 
 
73%
Science

The state average for Science was 91% in 2012.

50 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
93%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in language arts literacy and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The NJ ASK is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Language Arts Literacy

The state average for Language Arts Literacy was 62% in 2012.

58 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
46%

2011

 
 
50%

2010

 
 
51%

2009

 
 
43%
Math

The state average for Math was 83% in 2012.

58 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
70%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in language arts literacy and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The NJ ASK is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Language Arts Literacy

The state average for Language Arts Literacy was 65% in 2012.

58 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
52%

2011

 
 
44%

2010

 
 
41%

2009

 
 
35%
Math

The state average for Math was 79% in 2012.

58 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
62%

2010

 
 
55%

2009

 
 
59%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in language arts literacy and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The NJ ASK is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Language Arts Literacy

The state average for Language Arts Literacy was 61% in 2012.

67 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
45%

2011

 
 
45%

2010

 
 
34%

2009

 
 
54%
Math

The state average for Math was 63% in 2012.

67 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
45%

2011

 
 
37%

2010

 
 
62%

2009

 
 
60%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in language arts literacy and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The NJ ASK is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Language Arts Literacy

The state average for Language Arts Literacy was 82% in 2012.

58 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
65%

2010

 
 
58%

2009

 
 
74%
Math

The state average for Math was 72% in 2012.

58 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
56%

2011

 
 
57%

2010

 
 
45%

2009

 
 
64%
Science

The state average for Science was 82% in 2012.

58 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
54%

2011

 
 
59%

2010

 
 
60%

2009

 
 
61%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in language arts literacy and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The NJ ASK is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Language Arts Literacy

All Students81%
Female81%
Male81%
Black81%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged81%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Special educationn/a
General education88%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant81%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Math

All Students81%
Female81%
Male81%
Black81%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged81%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Special educationn/a
General education88%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant81%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in language arts literacy and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The NJ ASK is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the New Jersey Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Language Arts Literacy

All Students44%
Female41%
Male46%
Black44%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged43%
Non-economically disadvantaged46%
Special educationn/a
General education49%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant44%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Math

All Students80%
Female82%
Male79%
Black81%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged81%
Non-economically disadvantaged77%
Special educationn/a
General education82%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant80%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Science

All Students94%
Female95%
Male93%
Black94%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged97%
Non-economically disadvantaged85%
Special educationn/a
General education98%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant94%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in language arts literacy and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The NJ ASK is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the New Jersey Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Language Arts Literacy

All Students46%
Female44%
Male47%
Black46%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged47%
Non-economically disadvantaged42%
Special educationn/a
General education49%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant46%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Math

All Students68%
Female59%
Male77%
Black68%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged69%
Non-economically disadvantaged67%
Special educationn/a
General education68%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant68%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in language arts literacy and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The NJ ASK is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the New Jersey Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Language Arts Literacy

All Students52%
Female71%
Male30%
Black51%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged51%
Non-economically disadvantaged54%
Special educationn/a
General education67%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant52%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Math

All Students60%
Female78%
Male41%
Black60%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged62%
Non-economically disadvantaged54%
Special educationn/a
General education79%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant60%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in language arts literacy and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The NJ ASK is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the New Jersey Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Language Arts Literacy

All Students45%
Female46%
Male44%
Black46%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indiann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged46%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Special educationn/a
General education60%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant45%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Math

All Students45%
Female46%
Male44%
Black46%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indiann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged44%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Special educationn/a
General education60%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant45%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in language arts literacy and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The NJ ASK is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the New Jersey Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Language Arts Literacy

All Students65%
Female72%
Male57%
Black65%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged67%
Non-economically disadvantaged55%
Special education24%
General education89%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant65%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Math

All Students56%
Female59%
Male54%
Black56%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged57%
Non-economically disadvantaged55%
Special education19%
General education78%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant56%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Science

All Students54%
Female62%
Male47%
Black55%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged54%
Non-economically disadvantaged55%
Special educationn/a
General education83%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant54%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in language arts literacy and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The NJ ASK is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the New Jersey Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 59% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Biology Competency Test (NJBCT) to assess high school students in Biology. The New Jersey Biology Competency Test (NJBCT) is standards-based, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the test.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Biology I

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Special educationn/a
General educationn/a
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrantn/a
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Biology Competency Test (NJBCT) to assess high school students in Biology. The New Jersey Biology Competency Test (NJBCT) is standards-based, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the test.

The different student groups are identified by the New Jersey Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey 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 97% 17%
Hispanic 3% 20%
American Indian/Alaska Native N/A 0%
Asian N/A 8%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander N/A 0%
Two or more races N/A 0%
White N/A 54%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 76%N/A30%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 9N/A12
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

215 Dodd St
East Orange, NJ 07017
Phone: (973) 266-5880

ADVERTISEMENT

Compare this school
to nearby schools

Compare schools »

Compare

Add this school to compare
ADVERTISEMENT