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GreatSchools Rating

Gower Elementary School

Public | PK-4 | 597 students

 

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Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 2 ratings
2012:
Based on 3 ratings
2011:
Based on 3 ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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18 reviews of this school


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Posted May 3, 2013

I have been so impressed with this school thus far. They give a great sense of community to the students. The recent events at Gower have really been fun, useful, and informative (Math Night, uniform sale, art show). The teachers seem very willing to work with students. The school gives off a very friendly atmosphere, one that I love to be a part of. Thanks for a great experience!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 13, 2013

I wouldn't bring my child here unless I had to. I just ate lunch with him today, for his birthday, and I walk in & find him secluded, facing the wall, and very sad. I asked him why he was sitting there, and one of the lunch ladies, who walks around like she's queen in there, was so condescending when speaking to me, not even concerned about how the children feel, I saw her addressing children mockingly even. My son then later told me that the reason she made him sit by himself EVERYDAY, is because he said a bad word to 4th graders who were making fun of him & laughing at him, and he was upset & tried to tell her, only for her to tell him to shut his mouth & go sit back down, and didn't even listen to anything he said. They have the most inconsiderate staff, and rude at that. So, instead of notifying me of his behavior, they isolate my 5 yr old daily, since school began for taking up for himself & having a problem occasionally. a FIVE year old!!! Regardless, I never hear anything positive about my son from the staff, always pointing out what he's doing wrong & ridiculing him. There's also no place to park, EVER. Rude staff. As soon as I can, I will be moving him out of this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 7, 2012

This is the absolute worst school i have ever been to. If you have the option to take your child somewhere else do it! The Teachers, and office staff are very rude, and unwelcoming. The setup for the drive to pick up kids is terrible. There is on drive in a small loop to pick up kids, takes at least an hour to get through it and the line backs up for almost a mile down the highway. not to mention, if you want to park and walk up to the door forget it. not convient parking and the spaces are so tiny you cant get out of your car. Also the parents arent allowed to do that because it causes to much confusion, unless you walk then its ok. Just dumb. Also, most metro schools have an automated system that calls when your child is out, they dont. Also the ymca program is completely full before school even started, so no after school care. I would not recommend this school ever, as soon as i can my child is out of there.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 3, 2012

Excellent teachers and supportive staff. Have nothing but great things to say. They have incredible "specials" with incredibly talented music teachers, PE instructors, computer lab instructor and art teacher. Librarians are tuned into the children's needs and love to make reading something enjoyable for any age. The front office staff is always pleasant and more than willing to find the answers you may need. Our new principal and assistant principals have dug in to make positive changes and create a school with harmony amongst the teachers/staff, parents and students.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 12, 2012

Gower is a great school. Great teachers, great parental involvement.. The only problem thus far is unstable leardership; the principals change every year or two. If we could have stability at that position I would rate this 5 stars.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 10, 2011

Big changes came with a new principal. Great leadership! Great teachers( they were always great)! Love this school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 1, 2011

My child was in Pre-K last year and is starting Kindergarten this year. He LOVES going to school. I was pleasantly surprised at the school. I was kind of nervous due to earlier reviews I had read. But last year was the first year for their new principle and I am impressed. It is a school that is in transition. From what I hear the previous administration was not very good, but I have been very impressed with this administration. The parent involvement, the communication with the parents, pta, and volunteer opportunities are wonderful. You can tell the principle is in it for the kids and not to win a popularity contest. And I like that! My sons teacher was AMAZING and I'm sad he won't have her for Kindergarten. I, too, have found that I am recommending Gower to other parents. I would put it up there with Julia Green and Harpeth Valley as well.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 22, 2011

My daughter is going into 2nd grade and so far, I have been pleasantly surprised by the education/communication/teaching staff/parent involvement at Gower Elem. I am very familiar with the schools in Nashville and wouldn't hesitate to take my child out if I felt the school wasn't providing her what she needs. BUT.....I am actually recommending Gower to other parents! I would consider it to rank right up there with Julia Green and Harpeth Valley!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 21, 2010

Gower is great, both of my children started school this year. One in Pre-k and one in Kindergarten and they love going to school everyday. The school is very diverse, the teachers are caring and attentive, and they keep the parents involved with newsletters, frequent family nights, pta, and volunteer opportunities. We are so lucky to be zoned for Gower Elementary! They also have a before and after school daycare center on site that is affordable and open on holidays, which makes it easier on us working parents. I'm so proud of the progress my children have already made at Gower this year, my pre-k child is already reading sight words!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 20, 2009

I so agree with the review that found the staff to be very cold and unwelcoming. That is exactly what we have encountered for four years
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 13, 2009

My daughter attended Gower for kindergarten and I am thankful that we moved. Her teacher was wonderful but we found most of the staff very cold and unwelcoming.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 23, 2009

We had a fabulous experience at Gower. Unfortunately we are rezoned to another school for next year, but have loved K and 1st grade there, excellent teachers, great principal who is wonderful with the kids, parents who are involved as much as they are able and really want to help. Good after school music classes available as well. Do not worry about sending your child to this school at all, especially for earlier grade levels.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 27, 2009

Both of my children attend this school. I love the mix of children.There is agreat deal of diversity with over 20 countries represented. The staff is very friendly and helpful. This school offers a large variety of specials such as art, music( keyboards and guitars) computer labs and PE. The parents are very involved and take pride in their school. You feel very loved and welcome when you are there. Even with the variety of cultural mix and English learning language scores the school ranks well in test scores and is in excellent standing. Very solid public education.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 22, 2008

Teachers are eager to help children. Administration is challenging. We scheduled a meeting with the prinicple only to arrive and had to reschedule because the principle did not have us on her schedule. Poor communication.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 27, 2007

My Daughter started Kindergarden this year at Gower and so far i love it. Everyone has been very nice and has helped anyway i need.
—Submitted by Tammy Robertson, a parent


Posted February 5, 2007

I have had three children go to Gower and they have all loved it! I love the cultural diversity! I feel confident my children are safe there and the teachers are so loving. Great School! My kids T-cap scores are very high. The teachers always make sure my kids are not bored by giving them challenges to meet their academic needs. I see a lot of parental involvement. The Principal is also very involved and great to work with! They also have safe entry to control who comes in the building.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 16, 2006

Both of my children loved this school. We are now moving and I hope we find one as cozy and loving as Gower! The teachers are wonderful! The class sizes are great. Very clean building. We will miss this school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 19, 2004

I have two children that attend this school and they love it. I love it. The school is great,teachers are great, relations with parents are great and the diversity is great. Overall a well rounded school.
—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 55% in 2012.

117 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
50%

2010

 
 
51%
Reading/Language Arts

The state average for Reading/Language Arts was 46% in 2012.

117 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
55%

2011

 
 
54%

2010

 
 
49%
Science

The state average for Science was 67% in 2012.

117 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
72%

2010

 
 
68%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading/language arts, math and science. The TCAP is a standards-based test that measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 43% in 2012.

115 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
36%

2011

 
 
44%

2010

 
 
39%
Reading/Language Arts

The state average for Reading/Language Arts was 48% in 2012.

115 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
47%

2010

 
 
38%
Science

The state average for Science was 54% in 2012.

115 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
63%

2011

 
 
48%

2010

 
 
35%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading/language arts, math and science. The TCAP is a standards-based test that measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Math

All Students60%
African American55%
Hispanic50%
White64%
Economically disadvantaged54%
Students with disabilities38%

Reading/Language Arts

All Students55%
African American39%
Hispanic43%
White66%
Economically disadvantaged43%
Students with disabilities38%

Science

All Students79%
African American76%
Hispanic64%
White84%
Economically disadvantaged72%
Students with disabilities52%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading/language arts, math and science. The TCAP is a standards-based test that measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

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

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Math

All Students36%
African American19%
Hispanic36%
White43%
Economically disadvantaged34%
Students with disabilities17%

Reading/Language Arts

All Students60%
African American22%
Hispanic55%
White72%
Economically disadvantaged50%
Students with disabilities22%

Science

All Students63%
African American41%
Hispanic64%
White71%
Economically disadvantaged56%
Students with disabilities28%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading/language arts, math and science. The TCAP is a standards-based test that measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

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

Source: Tennessee 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 57% 67%
Black 22% 24%
Hispanic 11% 6%
Asian 8% 2%
Two or more races 1% 1%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 51%N/A55%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 13N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

School basics

School Leader's name
  • Lorraine Johnson

Resources

Extra learning resources offered
  • Title I Schoolwide program (SWP)
School leaders can update this information here.

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650 Old Hickory Bl
Nashville, TN 37209
Phone: (615) 353-2012

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