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GreatSchools Rating

Dobson James School

Public | K-8 | 251 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars


Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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10 reviews of this school


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Posted May 11, 2010

Dobson is a great public school. I think the staff really want to see each child succeed. As a parent with 3 children attending Dobson, I can honestly say that each teacher has managed to have a handle on where each child is academically, what assitance they might need & how to get & keep them motivated to strive for their very best. I would really like to see the curriculum include foreign language classes in the very near future. That is one area that the children could really benefit from, that's not currently addressed in the curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 8, 2009

Im currently a student at Dobson,and I love being there!People aren't sure about sending their children to a public school,but picky parents,Dobson is the best exception.We've made AYP every year since 2002.We are the #1 elementary in the west region.The teachers are friendly,polite,and I promise you that your child's level of knowledge will grow quickly,and you'll be surprised.I've seen children in my class come to Dobson having no clue what the teachers were talking about.I've seen another student who began the year with an average score in math of 38%.This past summer,I passed out one of his tests with a 98% on it.And Dobson also has classes for Learning Support and Autistic Support.At Dobson you begin to bond with the other students,and pretty soon,usually in the month of November,Dobson is like your second family.Pick Dobson,become part of our family! 7th grade student
—Submitted by a student


Posted June 2, 2009

I was very skeptical about sending my children to public school, but after hearing about this 'best kept secret' I decided to take a tour and was extremely impressed. The counselor and principal knew the students by name, and the teachers seemed to be excited about teaching and enthusiastic. Several of the teachers had their own children attending the school. This is the end of my daughter's first year and my son will be starting in kindergarten in September. Our family loves Dobson, and I am happy to make this our school home. I am 100% satisfied.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 20, 2009

No human is perfect therefore no school can be perfect. My child attends school there. Yes Dobson has its good points, hence the 4 star rating, but if your child gets one 'strike' be prepared to be branded for the rest of your time at Dobson, although they say its not on the permanent record.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 1, 2008

My son is new at this school, but I love it already. The teachers are very intuned to his needs as well as other staff members in the school. They seem very supportive and the additional help they offer is wonderful. I am grateful to have a child at this school
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 2, 2007

This school is a gem. Children are focused on learning at Dobson. The principal and teachers support the arts (e.g., theatre, music) and recreation. Individual needs and diversity are recognized. The building interior is immaculate, bright and cheery. I have paid for private schools and gotten less. --Cynthia, Parent of First Grader
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 17, 2007

Exceptional parental participation, teachers who appear to take responsibility for presenting information in such a manner that children with different styles of learning can be successful, a principal who visibly supports the students, parents and teachers by sharing herself (being involved) are a few of what makes Dobson a 'Great School'. The teachers who take on the additional responsibility of providing extra curricular activities (sports, music, theater, art programs) are very much a part of the equation, that realizes not all learning is theoretical. Lastly, I must re-state Dobson parents are accountable, they appear to know their partnership with the school is vital to it's success.
—Submitted by Alfreda Johnson, a parent


Posted June 3, 2006

Dobson is a small school with a very 'homey' feeling. Teachers know all students by name. The reading teacher is excellent; she know all the kids reading level and uses many innovative programs. The librarian is outstanding; the library is a hub of activity. Teachers are very strong. The specual ed teachers are great, especially the LS and speech teachers. The principal is new this year and I think she'll be fine. Very well integrated school as well.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 31, 2005

My Son has been going to James Dobson since the 4th grade. After being in a school that had been identified as 'A need for improvement' I decided to enroll him into Dobson. He continues to be on the A-B honor roll. The school has an execellent music program as well as an insturmental program. This is the 1st time my child had an opportunity to participate in music and to play an insturment. The teachers are great and attentive to the students needs. I am particularly fond of the interacial concept this school has. This is the Principal first year at the school, I am certain that she will do as great a job as the pervious principal have done.
—Submitted by Michelle Moore, a parent


Posted March 11, 2004

This school has excellent academics. Dobson has an atmoshphere of being in a caring family. This school truly leaves no child behind. Parental support is always a must.
—Submitted by Donna DeLoach, 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.

26 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
58%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
89%

2009

 
 
90%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 74% in 2012.

26 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
62%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
68%
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.

26 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
90%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 72% in 2012.

26 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
74%

2009

 
 
83%
Science

The state average for Science was 82% in 2012.

26 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
66%

2010

 
 
71%

2009

 
 
80%
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.

28 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
57%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
78%

2009

 
 
57%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 65% in 2012.

29 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
62%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
67%

2009

 
 
57%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 64% in 2012.

28 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
50%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
48%

2009

 
 
44%
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.

33 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
67%

2010

 
 
63%

2009

 
 
72%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 69% in 2012.

33 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
63%

2010

 
 
58%

2009

 
 
66%
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 80% in 2012.

26 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
65%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
88%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 76% in 2012.

26 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
88%
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 76% in 2012.

23 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
82%

2009

 
 
79%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.

23 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
78%

2009

 
 
85%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

23 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
30%

2011

 
 
55%

2010

 
 
33%

2009

 
 
50%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 73% in 2012.

23 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
74%

2009

 
 
69%
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 Students58%
Female58%
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White60%
Economically disadvantaged58%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students62%
Female63%
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White67%
Economically disadvantaged62%
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 Students89%
Female79%
Male100%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White79%
Economically disadvantaged89%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students85%
Female79%
Male92%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White79%
Economically disadvantaged85%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Science

All Students88%
Female79%
Male100%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White79%
Economically disadvantaged88%
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 Students57%
Female67%
Malen/a
Black47%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White67%
Economically disadvantaged57%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students62%
Female84%
Malen/a
Black60%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White62%
Economically disadvantaged62%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Writing

All Students50%
Female68%
Malen/a
Black43%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White54%
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 Students79%
Female100%
Male63%
Black91%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White74%
Economically disadvantaged79%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students70%
Female93%
Male53%
Black91%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White63%
Economically disadvantaged70%
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 Students89%
Female92%
Male86%
Black88%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged89%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students89%
Female83%
Male93%
Black88%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged89%
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 Students65%
Femalen/a
Male47%
Black69%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged65%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students70%
Femalen/a
Male53%
Black62%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged70%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Science

All Students30%
Femalen/a
Male27%
Black31%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged30%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Writing

All Students70%
Femalen/a
Male53%
Black69%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged70%
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
Black 49% 16%
White 48% 73%
Hispanic 2% 7%
Asian/Pacific Islander 1% 3%
American Indian/Alaska Native N/A 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Attendance

  This school District averageState average
Attendance rate 93%N/A95%
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2004-2005

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 14N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

4667 Umbria St
Philadelphia, PA 19127
Phone: (215) 487-4460

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