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GreatSchools Rating

Overlook School

Public | K-6 | 447 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

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

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10 reviews of this school


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Posted January 10, 2011

My children have grown so much from their experience at this school. The principal is truly a leader who has the entire staff moving in the right direction. We were considering private school for our children; however, Overlook has changed our minds. What an awesome experience!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 1, 2010

I have three children in this school. All three have been blessed with great teachers. My 3rd grade son has been doubly blessed. His teacher goes so far above expectations in getting him to push himself!! I can't say enough about this teacher's qualities! In my son's words, 'He ROCKS!'. Lots of academic programs to keep the kids interest, gold card night rewards good behavior and there is a sense of community.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 27, 2010

great school and teachers are always helpful.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 18, 2009

it's beautiful; the principal and teachers; the PTO close to home; and most important my son loves it!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 16, 2009

The teachers and staff are excellent!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 27, 2009

Proactive administration, very accessible, innovative curriculum, evidence-based curriculum, innovative behavior modification program. Too much emphasis on 'bringing up the rear' at the expense of offering unique learning opportunities so that every child reaches their full potential.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 20, 2008

This is a great school. The teachers and administration are devoted to the students, and the environment is caring. Any concerns that I have had can be voiced to my child's teacher and will be handled by the next day. My children have attended private schools in the past. What I've learned is that every school has children that can be a handful, so it's best for parents to be involved in making sure that problems are resolved. Overlook is a friendly community with enriching curriculum. Like any school, you get out of it what you put into it. We are very happy that we chose Overlook.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 18, 2008

We feel the diversity at Overlook is a very good thing for our son to be exposed to. The curriculm is challenging and the extra activities are great. Every third grader is getting string instruction this year (violin, cello, etc.). All classrooms have computers and technology is a priority. Overlook accepted our request for our son to be tested for the APEX gifted program and although he missed the program by only 3 IQ points (state standards for acceptance), we still found the opportunity wonderful! If you want your child to know only the rich kids then go ahead and place them in a private school but if you regular person who accepts the ups and down of a diverse culture then Overlook is for you!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 1, 2008

New to the area this year, we chose Abington for its schools. Sadly for our child, Overlook is NOT a great school. At best, it's average. The principal is good but not great. The teachers do the best they can to manage a group of children who are so diverse abilities, they have a very difficult time of it. The kids are not encouraged to be friendly or accepting. My child is very friendly yet struggled to make friends here. 'I'm not used to mean kids, Mom' is what I hear all the time. I saw such a change in attitude, that I'm putting my child in private school next year. If your child is above average, creative or needs diversified curriculum, this is not the place for him/her. If I knew then what I know now, I would have chosen another place to live or at least another neighborhood.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 20, 2008

I have two children that attend this school.I have had many experiences with teasing and bullying and of teachers and aides that turn their heads to it. The student population is extremely diverse and I have found it difficult for my children to integrate with other children and make friends. I give the teachers a world of credit for their hard work and dedication. There are some however who are just there collecting a paycheck and taking vacation days. It reflects in their students and year end results of those who have been students of theirs. If I had other options, I would not be sending my children to this school. I always thought Abington SD schools were top notch. This one just doesn't make the grade.
—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 80% in 2012.

62 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
89%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 74% in 2012.

62 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
84%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Pennsylvania used the Pennsylvania System of State Assessments (PSSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in math and reading, in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 11 in science. The results for reading, writing, science and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The PSSA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Pennsylvania. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

See Pennsylvania's state standards

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 83% in 2012.

54 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
95%

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
84%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 72% in 2012.

54 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
79%
Science

The state average for Science was 82% in 2012.

56 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
93%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Pennsylvania used the Pennsylvania System of State Assessments (PSSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in math and reading, in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 11 in science. The results for reading, writing, science and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The PSSA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Pennsylvania. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

See Pennsylvania's state standards

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 73% in 2012.

64 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
78%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 65% in 2012.

62 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
72%

2010

 
 
65%

2009

 
 
69%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 64% in 2012.

65 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
55%

2010

 
 
70%

2009

 
 
51%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Pennsylvania used the Pennsylvania System of State Assessments (PSSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in math and reading, in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 11 in science. The results for reading, writing, science and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The PSSA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Pennsylvania. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

See Pennsylvania's state standards

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 77% in 2012.

60 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
82%

2009

 
 
86%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 69% in 2012.

58 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
69%

2010

 
 
70%

2009

 
 
77%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Pennsylvania used the Pennsylvania System of State Assessments (PSSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in math and reading, in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 11 in science. The results for reading, writing, science and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The PSSA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Pennsylvania. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

See Pennsylvania's state standards

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Education

Math

All Students90%
Female92%
Male88%
Black81%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged83%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students81%
Female84%
Male76%
Black69%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White92%
Economically disadvantaged67%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Pennsylvania used the Pennsylvania System of State Assessments (PSSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in math and reading, in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 11 in science. The results for reading, writing, science and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The PSSA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Pennsylvania. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

The different student groups are identified by the Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania's state standards

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Education

Math

All Students95%
Female96%
Male93%
Black89%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students85%
Female89%
Male81%
Black72%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White90%
Economically disadvantaged75%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Science

All Students91%
Female93%
Male89%
Black89%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White90%
Economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Pennsylvania used the Pennsylvania System of State Assessments (PSSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in math and reading, in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 11 in science. The results for reading, writing, science and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The PSSA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Pennsylvania. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

The different student groups are identified by the Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania's state standards

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Education

Math

All Students83%
Female77%
Male88%
Black68%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White89%
Economically disadvantaged65%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students76%
Female76%
Male76%
Black55%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White89%
Economically disadvantaged63%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Writing

All Students65%
Female65%
Male65%
Black39%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White78%
Economically disadvantaged50%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Pennsylvania used the Pennsylvania System of State Assessments (PSSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in math and reading, in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 11 in science. The results for reading, writing, science and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The PSSA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Pennsylvania. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

The different student groups are identified by the Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania's state standards

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Education

Math

All Students88%
Female90%
Male87%
Black76%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged81%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students86%
Female90%
Male83%
Black71%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged81%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Pennsylvania used the Pennsylvania System of State Assessments (PSSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in math and reading, in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 11 in science. The results for reading, writing, science and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The PSSA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Pennsylvania. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

The different student groups are identified by the Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania's state standards

Source: Pennsylvania 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 51% 73%
Black 40% 16%
Hispanic 6% 7%
Asian/Pacific Islander 2% 3%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Attendance

  This school District averageState average
Attendance rate 96%N/A95%
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2004-2005

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 13N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

1750 Edge Hill Rd
Abington, PA 19001
Phone: (215) 657-0857

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