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GreatSchools Rating

Portsmouth Middle School

Public | 4-8 | 979 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

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

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8 reviews of this school


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Posted May 13, 2010

My daughter had a wonderful experience at the Portsmouth Middle School. She is currently a sophmore at PHS and PMS prepared her well, both academically and behaviorially. She was challenged academically and the rules and consequences were clear and fair. She was givien the opportunity to have classes in many 'special' areas such as: computer graphics, ceramics, cooking, and wood shop just to name a few. Well done PMS!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 24, 2009

I have 2 children at this school and I am a teacher in Portsmouth. I find the faculty and administration to be unsupportive and uncooperative. Extra curricular activities are lacking and academic areas need to be upgraded.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 20, 2009

I have 2 children in PMS. Although we have been disappointed in the extra curricular activities; sports options are limited (please bring in field hockey for girls!) and the music program is not comprehensive (but at least there is one!), PMS has managed to keep some options open, as well as having a late bus for kids to stay after for extra help since all of my kids' teachers have been available for extra help. I am satisfied, but more importantly my children like the school and their options.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 12, 2007

My child is in the 5th grade. I haven't been impressed by PMS so far. The faculty hasn't been terribly warm or friendly. I don't feel welcome when I visit. During the parent orientation there was a definite sense of 'us' against 'them' between the parents and the teachers rather than a spirit of cooperation. The school organizes the daily schedules calling the days A, B, C, rather than Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. This is so confusing to kids and parents. This school would be a lot more user-friendly if the faculty attempted to put themselves in the parents' shoes. I also feel that the teachers should discipline the children rather than sending notes home. If a child misbehaves in class, (s)he doesn't learn a thing if (s)he isn't punished for it immediately.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 11, 2007

We have a 7th grader. Over all we were disappointed in the Middle school. We have been in many different school systems both public and private. The most important thing is that they do not have an Honors Program. Next is that they should have enough books, so that the kids would be able to take home on a daily basis without having to check them out. Last but not least not enough extra curricular activities. We realize some of this is due to the money issue that school system is having. With all of that said we would not choose to let our child stay if we were going to be in RI longer. We have children in the Elementary school and the High School too. Some how the Middle school got lost ??? We are pleased with the Elementary and High School.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 25, 2007

As a former teacher at this school, as well as parent of a student currently at this school, I am extremely dissatisfied with the lack of leadership and uniformity within and across grades and curriculum. My child will not return to this school next year.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 28, 2005

Portsmouth Middle School is an excellent school. The teachers are all highly qualified and put every ounce of energy into every student. The students are wonderful, respectful, and polite boys and girls. This is a great district that will enhance your child's education and abilities.
—Submitted by a staff


Posted June 14, 2005

Portsmouth Middle School is a source of pride within the community. The administration and parent groups work well together to provide an effective, but fun learning environment. I attended this school in the 70's and my children attend now. Taxes are high, but well worth the quality education they provide. If only all citizens agreed, we would be able to provide more programs. Programs that would provide enrichment to all students at all levels, not just the lower achieving but the high achieving as well. We also need our intermural sports program back. It is a loss to the community. To sum it up. Portsmouth Middle School is a great school, but it is limited because it is not given the financial resources it deserves. With talented teachers, and motivated administrators, it hasn't neared the potential it has to provide a first rate education.
—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 65% in 2012.

193 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a

2008

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 71% in 2012.

193 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a

2008

 
 
n/a
Science

The state average for Science was 45% in 2012.

190 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
71%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Rhode Island used the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in reading and math, in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 11 in science. The NECAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Rhode Island. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Rhode Island's state standards

Source: Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Math

The state average for Math was 62% in 2012.

190 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a

2008

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 69% in 2012.

190 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a

2008

 
 
n/a
Writing

The state average for Writing was 55% in 2012.

190 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
61%

2011

 
 
66%

2009

 
 
n/a

2008

 
 
n/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Rhode Island used the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in reading and math, in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 11 in science. The NECAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Rhode Island. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Rhode Island's state standards

Source: Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Math

The state average for Math was 62% in 2012.

186 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
72%

2009

 
 
82%

2008

 
 
73%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 73% in 2012.

186 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
79%

2008

 
 
77%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Rhode Island used the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in reading and math, in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 11 in science. The NECAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Rhode Island. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Rhode Island's state standards

Source: Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Math

The state average for Math was 56% in 2012.

209 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
75%

2008

 
 
69%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 72% in 2012.

209 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
86%

2008

 
 
79%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Rhode Island used the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in reading and math, in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 11 in science. The NECAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Rhode Island. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Rhode Island's state standards

Source: Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Math

The state average for Math was 58% in 2012.

190 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
77%

2009

 
 
82%

2008

 
 
74%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 78% in 2012.

190 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
81%

2008

 
 
74%
Science

The state average for Science was 27% in 2012.

192 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
49%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 59% in 2012.

189 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
58%

2008

 
 
40%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Rhode Island used the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in reading and math, in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 11 in science. The NECAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Rhode Island. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Rhode Island's state standards

Source: Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Math

All Students86%
Female88%
Male83%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
Multiracialn/a
White (non-Hispanic)87%
Economically disadvantaged students81%
Not economically disadvantaged students87%
Title In/a
Students with disabilities43%
Students without disabilities93%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English86%
Non-migrant86%

Reading

All Students86%
Female88%
Male85%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
Multiracialn/a
White (non-Hispanic)88%
Economically disadvantaged students78%
Not economically disadvantaged students88%
Title In/a
Students with disabilities36%
Students without disabilities95%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English86%
Non-migrant86%

Science

All Students71%
Female71%
Male71%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
Multiracialn/a
White (non-Hispanic)72%
Economically disadvantaged students55%
Not economically disadvantaged students75%
Title In/a
Students with disabilities19%
Students without disabilities80%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English71%
Non-migrant71%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Rhode Island used the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in reading and math, in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 11 in science. The NECAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Rhode Island. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

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

See Rhode Island's state standards

Source: Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Math

All Students81%
Female83%
Male77%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
Multiracialn/a
White (non-Hispanic)81%
Economically disadvantaged students67%
Not economically disadvantaged students83%
Title In/a
Students with disabilities36%
Students without disabilities87%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English81%
Non-migrant81%

Reading

All Students84%
Female89%
Male79%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
Multiracialn/a
White (non-Hispanic)84%
Economically disadvantaged students55%
Not economically disadvantaged students88%
Title In/a
Students with disabilities40%
Students without disabilities91%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English83%
Non-migrant84%

Writing

All Students61%
Female67%
Male55%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
Multiracialn/a
White (non-Hispanic)63%
Economically disadvantaged students44%
Not economically disadvantaged students63%
Title In/a
Students with disabilities12%
Students without disabilities68%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English61%
Non-migrant61%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Rhode Island used the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in reading and math, in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 11 in science. The NECAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Rhode Island. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

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

See Rhode Island's state standards

Source: Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Math

All Students82%
Female86%
Male80%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
Multiracialn/a
White (non-Hispanic)85%
Economically disadvantaged students60%
Not economically disadvantaged students86%
Title In/a
Students with disabilities30%
Students without disabilities89%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English82%
Non-migrant82%

Reading

All Students86%
Female89%
Male83%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
Multiracialn/a
White (non-Hispanic)88%
Economically disadvantaged students74%
Not economically disadvantaged students88%
Title In/a
Students with disabilities50%
Students without disabilities90%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English86%
Non-migrant86%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Rhode Island used the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in reading and math, in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 11 in science. The NECAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Rhode Island. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

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

See Rhode Island's state standards

Source: Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Math

All Students82%
Female82%
Male82%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic or Latino63%
Multiracialn/a
White (non-Hispanic)83%
Economically disadvantaged students43%
Not economically disadvantaged students88%
Title In/a
Students with disabilities44%
Students without disabilities89%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English81%
Non-migrant82%

Reading

All Students85%
Female88%
Male82%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic or Latino73%
Multiracialn/a
White (non-Hispanic)86%
Economically disadvantaged students53%
Not economically disadvantaged students90%
Title In/a
Students with disabilities43%
Students without disabilities93%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English85%
Non-migrant85%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Rhode Island used the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in reading and math, in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 11 in science. The NECAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Rhode Island. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

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

See Rhode Island's state standards

Source: Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Math

All Students74%
Female77%
Male70%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
Multiracialn/a
White (non-Hispanic)76%
Economically disadvantaged students36%
Not economically disadvantaged students79%
Title In/a
Students with disabilities36%
Students without disabilities80%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English74%
Non-migrant74%

Reading

All Students89%
Female93%
Male85%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
Multiracialn/a
White (non-Hispanic)89%
Economically disadvantaged students64%
Not economically disadvantaged students92%
Title In/a
Students with disabilities57%
Students without disabilities94%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English89%
Non-migrant89%

Science

All Students49%
Female54%
Male44%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
Multiracialn/a
White (non-Hispanic)51%
Economically disadvantaged students18%
Not economically disadvantaged students53%
Title In/a
Students with disabilities7%
Students without disabilities56%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English49%
Non-migrant49%

Writing

All Students75%
Female84%
Male66%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
Multiracialn/a
White (non-Hispanic)76%
Economically disadvantaged students48%
Not economically disadvantaged students78%
Title In/a
Students with disabilities44%
Students without disabilities80%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English75%
Non-migrant75%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Rhode Island used the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in reading and math, in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 11 in science. The NECAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Rhode Island. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

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

See Rhode Island's state standards

Source: Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary 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 93% 69%
Black 3% 9%
Asian/Pacific Islander 2% 3%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 1%
Hispanic 1% 19%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students participating in free or reduced-price lunch program 10%N/A40%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 11N/A13
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

125 Jepson Ln
Portsmouth, RI 02871
Phone: (401) 849-3700

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