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GreatSchools Rating

Tapestry Charter School

Charter | K-12 | 682 students

We are best known for Expeditionary Learning.
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

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Parent involvement

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16 reviews of this school


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Posted December 5, 2012

This is the 4th year that I've been teaching high school science at Tapestry. Prior to my position at this school, I had experience teaching in 3 other local middle and high schools as well as dozens of observations at other local area high schools. Tapestry has been by far the most impressive school I've been a part of. The administrators are very understanding and flexible and they too attend the frequent professional development sessions. My fellow teachers and I put forth a great deal of effort to support each other and we take a great deal of pride in what we accomplish with our students. We strive for excellence in every single student. And the students, who come from every walk of life across the entire city, all learn and grow together, helping each other out and becoming more like family by the time that they graduate together. A quick write up such as this can not do justice to the magnificence of the whole learning community. Tapestry is truly a great place to be.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted May 28, 2012

My son is in 6th grade, and this is his first year in Tapestry. The philosophy of this school really promotes creativity and independent thinking, a far cry from the rote learning and focus on test prep that I've seen in a lot of other schools. There is a strong focus on community, and a culture of openness, trust, and individuality woven into a solid academic program. Tapestry seems ideal for us.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 7, 2010

We have 3 children at Tapestry. Our eldest is in 10th grade. We are extemely impressed with education he receives - especially those taken at the end of each trimester used to be sure every student has accomplished their targeted goals. Our twins, who are in k/1 class, are excelling. This school is an expeditionary learning experience. Today our son (age 6) was one of the tour guides for an event at the school meant to educate politicians, and parents about our charter school. He was well mannered and articulate. We are happy to take some of the credit for that but the remainder of the credit belongs to all the teachers in the school. We love Tapestry!!!!!!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 14, 2010

2 of my children attend this wonderful school and I cannot say enough about the teachers, the principal and the couselors. They are all dedicated, hard working and great examples for our children. I feel my kids are getting a great education and having a wonderful high school experience. My daughter just left for London this morning on a school trip!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 15, 2009

I attend the high school & since I've gone here, my grades have gotten better and my bank of knowledge has grown as well
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 5, 2009

great school, with fantastic teachers and students!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 3, 2009

The teachers are great, and the children are really challenged. The sense of community that the school fosters is another great thing about Tapestry.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 6, 2009

tapestry is sweet! all the techers are real nice, and the students are too! plus, there ain't too much homework, cuz i ain't got time for all that, i got a life, and most kids do too, duh. the techers are really cool, and they really pay attention to you. plus it got college classes senior year, which alot of schools don't got. tapestry is the best school in buffalo!
—Submitted by a student


Posted April 5, 2009

By far the best school any of my children have ever attended, both public and private. I have never experienced such a dedicated faculty, a visionary leadership, and a caring community. The academics are rigorous, yet teachers clearly address the individual learning styles of every student. I particularly love the expeditionary learning model of education that begins in the middle school, and the infusion of the arts into the entire academic program.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 24, 2008

As a parent of a junior at Tapestry I kind of feel bad for sending my son there. With a school connected with the Bill Gates Foundation, I thought it would be better. He's stuck in the basement sharing a locker. They have a couple books. Come on Bill Gates. Give Tapestry Charter High School a home.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 21, 2008

Hi I am the parent of a 1st yr high school student . So far I am very pleased to have my child and my family as a part of Tapestry school . Thank you to the staff for caring for the childern of Buffalo and there education.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 6, 2008

It's our first year at the school and I continue to be impressed with the depth of learning. As an example, I was admiring my son's painting and I was asking about it. 'What's this? A stream?' 'Oh mom, it's a river, like the one in the Rousseau we were learning about.' He was 5 when he was learning this! The emphasis on the arts is so welcome and such a great base for all other branches of learning. A great place.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 23, 2007

This school is hard to get in to but once your child does you wont be disappointed , from the programs to the staff your children are treated as part of the family, no hanky panky behind the scenes. everyone is respected including the children, I think this is a wonderful school my daughter just loves it. i'm very pleased with everyone at this school, administration is just great not what i found to be true at other charter schools, constant learning and embracement of my childs background as an african american
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 22, 2006

this school is awesome , cant beleive the staff they are just wonderful. This is a wonderful place for children to learn with a wonderful concept on what a Charter School should be
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 19, 2006

Excellent school with great leadership , can relate to the the different backgrounds of students , a great place to have my children attend
—Submitted by Jacob Brunson, a parent


Posted April 10, 2006

Tapestry is the best school in the City of Buffalo. Tapestry is a school that cares about the safety and education of all students.
—Submitted by Natasha, 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.
English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 56% in 2012.

26 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
62%

2011

 
 
77%
Math

The state average for Math was 61% in 2012.

26 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
46%

2011

 
 
73%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New York used the New York State Assessments to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English language arts and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The results for English language arts and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles and the science results will be added when they are released in the Fall of 2013. The tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New York. The goal is for 90% of students to meet or exceed grade-level standards on the tests.

See New York's state standards

Source: New York State Education Department

English Language Arts

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

26 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
70%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

26 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
77%
Science

The state average for Science was 88% in 2011.

26 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
92%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New York used the New York State Assessments to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English language arts and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The results for English language arts and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles and the science results will be added when they are released in the Fall of 2013. The tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New York. The goal is for 90% of students to meet or exceed grade-level standards on the tests.

See New York's state standards

Source: New York State Education Department

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 58% in 2012.

52 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
52%

2011

 
 
54%
Math

The state average for Math was 67% in 2012.

52 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
62%

2011

 
 
42%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New York used the New York State Assessments to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English language arts and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The results for English language arts and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles and the science results will be added when they are released in the Fall of 2013. The tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New York. The goal is for 90% of students to meet or exceed grade-level standards on the tests.

See New York's state standards

Source: New York State Education Department

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 56% in 2012.

50 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
56%

2011

 
 
66%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

50 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
54%

2011

 
 
50%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New York used the New York State Assessments to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English language arts and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The results for English language arts and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles and the science results will be added when they are released in the Fall of 2013. The tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New York. The goal is for 90% of students to meet or exceed grade-level standards on the tests.

See New York's state standards

Source: New York State Education Department

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 52% in 2012.

25 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
56%

2011

 
 
40%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

25 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
68%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New York used the New York State Assessments to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English language arts and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The results for English language arts and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles and the science results will be added when they are released in the Fall of 2013. The tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New York. The goal is for 90% of students to meet or exceed grade-level standards on the tests.

See New York's state standards

Source: New York State Education Department

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 50% in 2012.

25 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
62%
Math

The state average for Math was 61% in 2012.

25 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
50%
Science

The state average for Science was 69% in 2011.

26 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
77%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New York used the New York State Assessments to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English language arts and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The results for English language arts and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles and the science results will be added when they are released in the Fall of 2013. The tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New York. The goal is for 90% of students to meet or exceed grade-level standards on the tests.

See New York's state standards

Source: New York State Education Department

Algebra 2/Trigonometry

The state average for Algebra 2/Trigonometry was 64% in 2011.

35 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
60%
Chemistry

The state average for Chemistry was 78% in 2011.

2011

 
 
n/a
Earth Science

The state average for Earth Science was 72% in 2011.

68 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
41%
English

The state average for English was 85% in 2011.

85 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
81%
French

The state average for French was 95% in 2011.

2011

 
 
n/a
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 75% in 2011.

43 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
60%
Global History and Geography

The state average for Global History and Geography was 70% in 2011.

99 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
61%
Integrated Algebra

The state average for Integrated Algebra was 73% in 2011.

129 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
39%
Living Environment

The state average for Living Environment was 81% in 2011.

114 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
68%
Physics

The state average for Physics was 79% in 2011.

14 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
43%
Spanish

The state average for Spanish was 94% in 2011.

29 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
79%
U.S. History and Government

The state average for U.S. History and Government was 80% in 2011.

80 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
89%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2010-2011 New York used the New York State Regents Examinations to test high school students in english language arts, math, global history and geography, US history and government, living environment, chemistry, earth science, physics and several foreign languages. The results for english language arts, math, living environment, chemistry, earth science, physics, global history and geography, US history and government, french, italian, and spanish are displayed in GreatSchools profiles. Students must take at least five Regents Exams in order to graduate. Scores of 65 and above are passing; scores of 55 and above earn credit toward a local diploma (with the approval of the local board of education). The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

See New York's state standards

Source: New York State Education Department

Algebra 2/Trigonometry

All Students60%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
General populationn/a

Chemistry

All Studentsn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
General populationn/a

Earth Science

All Students41%
Students with disabilities14%
General population44%

English

All Students81%
Students with disabilities54%
General population86%

French

All Studentsn/a
General populationn/a

Geometry

All Students60%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
General populationn/a

Global History and Geography

All Students61%
Students with disabilities46%
General population64%

Integrated Algebra

All Students39%
Students with disabilities15%
General population45%

Living Environment

All Students68%
Students with disabilities30%
General population76%

Physics

All Students43%
General population43%

Spanish

All Students79%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
General populationn/a

U.S. History and Government

All Students89%
Students with disabilities70%
General population91%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2010-2011 New York used the New York State Regents Examinations to test high school students in english language arts, math, global history and geography, US history and government, living environment, chemistry, earth science, physics and several foreign languages. The results for english language arts, math, living environment, chemistry, earth science, physics, global history and geography, US history and government, french, italian, and spanish are displayed in GreatSchools profiles. Students must take at least five Regents Exams in order to graduate. Scores of 65 and above are passing; scores of 55 and above earn credit toward a local diploma (with the approval of the local board of education). The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the New York Department of Education. If there are fewer than 5 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See New York's state standards

Source: New York State Education Department

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 52% 51%
Black 40% 19%
Hispanic 6% 21%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 0%
Asian/Pacific Islander 1% 8%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 33%N/A44%
Limited English proficient 0%N/A7%
Source: NYSED, 2007-2008

College readiness and student pathways

Students typically attend these schools prior to attending this school public schools
Read more about resources at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 12N/A13
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Fewer than 3 years experience 17%N/A10%
Source: NYSED, 2007-2008

Teacher education levels

  This school District averageState average
Master's degree and above 13%N/A33%
Source: NYSED, 2007-2008

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Teachers with no valid teaching certificate 30%N/A5%
Source: NYSED, 2007-2008

Arts & music

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Arts (all)
Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Painting
  • Photography
Performing and written arts
  • Dance
  • Drama

Language learning

Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish

Health & athletics

School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Gym
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School Leader's name
  • Joy Pepper
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Email

Programs

Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Arts (all)
Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish

Resources

Extra learning resources offered
  • Career/college counseling
  • Remediation
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Auditorium
  • Cafeteria
  • Computer
  • Gym
  • Library
  • Playground
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Track
  • Volleyball
  • squash
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Softball
  • Track
  • Volleyball

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Painting
  • Photography
Performing arts
  • Dance
  • Drama
School leaders can update this information here.

School culture

Dress Code
  • Neither uniforms nor dress code
School leaders can update this information here.

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65 Great Arrow Ave
Buffalo, NY 14216
Website: Click here
Phone: (716) 332-0754

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