Advertisement

GreatSchools Rating

Donelson Middle School

Public | 5-8 | 781 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

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

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

Rate this school

Click on stars to rate
Please select a star rating for this school.
    Helpful reviews answer questions:
  • What do you think others should know?
  • What do you like?
  • How could your school improve?
    Review Guidelines
    GreatSchools won’t post reviews that contain:
  • Inappropriate language
  • Allegations of criminal conduct
  • Names of students, teachers or staff
1200 characters remaining
Please indicate your relationship to the school.
Please read and accept our Terms of Use to join GreatSchools.
Indicates a required field

15 reviews of this school


Sort by:
Show reviews by:
Posted February 25, 2012

All of the the teachers my child has had are fantastic. However, there is no sense of community. The Ptsa, if it exists, does very little. Parents and visitors are not welcome in the building during the school day. My child tells me that students get away with horrible behavior and it makes it difficult for the teachers to teach. In the 4 years my child has been there I've wanted to remove them a few times. It's the teachers that have kept me there. The administration provides no structure, no discipline, has very little to do with the students, and is not encouraging. As a matter of fact, they are down right unpleasant. It seems every year more and more extracurricular sports and fun events have been cut. If the students don't have fun events in school, then they won't enjoy being there! When is metro going to wake up and get an amazing administration in this school? We need our COMMUNITY SCHOOL to represent the community. Some of us have younger children moving up into middle school. It sure would be nice to not feel like we have to look for another school for our children. I , for one, do not feel comfortable sending another child through that enviornment!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 18, 2011

It amazes me that my child who is in the 6th grade this year 2010-11 at DMS never has any homework. They give them class time to do their homework, but the teachers should be teaching during their class time not giving them free time every day. I appreciate them giving them a little time at the end of the day to work on homework, but they should have some homework or book reports, something to reinforce what they have learned. The teachers overall are good, but the discipline at the school could be better. Bullying is a realy problem at DMS, but I guess that is at every middle school. The PTSO is not active, and if the parents are not involved then the students are not going to be either.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 1, 2011

This is not your average hand a kid a book and they will learn kind of school. This school is better for kids that need to learn out loud. My child went to Two Rivers for two years then Donelson for two and despite test scores learned more at Donelson. It is not a good school for kids that need quiet. It is very disorderly and easy to lose site of goals. It's my job to keep my kids focused and their job to teach. They do teach.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 25, 2008

Teachers are unfriendly, lack of empathy, unclean and students are disruptive. My child is changing schools asap.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 11, 2008

We are very disappointed. Although the music program is outstanding (band and strings), there are deficiencies in the quality of the curiculum across most of the subjects, especially math and reading. We hope that the administration will also make strides to improve or enforce their discipline guidelines. The disruptions in the classroom from lack of control of the children is I think the largest reason the school's performance has not improved over the last few years.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 29, 2008

I am shocked to see the parents in this school give 4 out of 5 stars to this school. This school has been under 'improvement 1' for the past 3 years. Parents,please, do your homework! Poor performance was attributed to 'low income' and 'minority' and yet if you look acroos to another part of town where some 70-90% are minorities, some of these schools have out performed Donelson MS.


Posted February 23, 2008

Great teachers and very nice school
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 29, 2008

No discipline for students from the administration
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 21, 2008

I went to dms for two years it was a great experience. I had realy good teachers , but the best teachers were in the 8th grade and there names are ms.Johns, ms.Souder, ms.Mitchell, mr.Patterson,and mr.Heim. They made my last year there the best.
—Submitted by a student


Posted January 3, 2008

This school is very good. I fell in love with the 8th grade teachers. They really make my child feel comfortable in school it means a lot to me Mr. Patterson, Ms Mitchell, Mrs Newcomb, Ms Johns, you guys are the best at what you do. Thank you
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 7, 2007

I can't say enough good things about the 8th grade at Donelson. Ms Johns is the best dressed teacher I've aver met. I particularly like here sleeveless dresses. Mrs. Newcomb is the most knowledgeable Language ! teacher in the school. Dr. Souder teachers grammar like nobody's business and Ms. Brown contacts parents so often the 9 button doesn't work anymore. Add to that the mathematics genius the eminates from 100 (Ms. Mitchell) and the overall greatness that is 109 (Mr. Patterson) this 8th grade is the anchor to a school that has served the Donelson community for the past 7 years. Thank you Donelson.
—Submitted by Hugh Jass, a parent


Posted July 29, 2007

I am now interring my fourth year as a parent at Donelson Middle School. At the starting of my daughter's 5th grade year there I was pondering wether to let her go there, but with the experiences she has had and the friends she has made I don't know why I ever thought twice about letting her go there. I have to brag on the teachers they spend time explaining and helping every child until they get it and for that I am truly thankful. Another thing I love about Donelson is the music program. My Daughter has been in Band since day one and loves it. Thank you so much Sam Oliva and Keith Heim for giving our kids the gift of music. As my daughter is sad to let Donleson go, We are very proud and eager to pass on this Wonderful School to more students. THANKS DMS
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 29, 2007

Its great there are alot of cool ppl and we have awesume dances and spring flings and our principal roxxxx! from Bethany Okeke
—Submitted by a student


Posted May 4, 2007

This school is the worst school for having subs. My son has had sub throughout the whole school year at least 2-3 different subs a week. Deviating from the lesson plans each time there is a sub hurst our childrens ability to learn their assignments effectively. Lack of supervision of these kids is hurting the kids
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 24, 2007

Donelson Middle has some good points but I am concerned over the administration lack of control and school discipline.
—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 54% in 2012.

172 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
49%

2011

 
 
31%

2010

 
 
27%
Reading/Language Arts

The state average for Reading/Language Arts was 57% in 2012.

172 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
45%

2011

 
 
43%

2010

 
 
29%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

172 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
44%

2011

 
 
27%

2010

 
 
27%
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.

187 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
43%

2011

 
 
33%

2010

 
 
23%
Reading/Language Arts

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

187 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
50%

2011

 
 
40%

2010

 
 
35%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

187 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
35%

2011

 
 
23%

2010

 
 
25%
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 45% in 2012.

177 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
15%

2010

 
 
15%
Reading/Language Arts

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

177 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
36%

2011

 
 
29%

2010

 
 
31%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

177 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
36%

2011

 
 
21%

2010

 
 
26%
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 37% in 2012.

177 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
37%

2011

 
 
20%

2010

 
 
16%
Reading/Language Arts

The state average for Reading/Language Arts was 47% in 2012.

177 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
27%

2011

 
 
39%

2010

 
 
31%
Science

The state average for Science was 63% in 2012.

178 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
40%

2011

 
 
44%

2010

 
 
37%
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 Students49%
African American33%
Hispanic32%
White69%
Economically disadvantaged44%
Students with disabilities46%

Reading/Language Arts

All Students45%
African American41%
Hispanic16%
White57%
Economically disadvantaged43%
Students with disabilities33%

Science

All Students44%
African American28%
Hispanic24%
White67%
Economically disadvantaged42%
Students with disabilities42%
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 Students43%
African American36%
Hispanic47%
White51%
Economically disadvantaged37%
Students with disabilities50%

Reading/Language Arts

All Students50%
African American41%
Hispanic35%
White63%
Economically disadvantaged41%
Students with disabilities39%

Science

All Students35%
African American22%
Hispanic41%
White50%
Economically disadvantaged28%
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

Math

All Students70%
African American51%
Hispanic81%
White84%
Economically disadvantaged66%
Students with disabilities44%

Reading/Language Arts

All Students36%
African American27%
Hispanic43%
White43%
Economically disadvantaged30%
Students with disabilities28%

Science

All Students36%
African American19%
Hispanic43%
White49%
Economically disadvantaged23%
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

Math

All Students37%
African American21%
Hispanic50%
White50%
Economically disadvantaged34%
Students with disabilities24%

Reading/Language Arts

All Students27%
African American15%
Hispanic25%
White43%
Economically disadvantaged23%
Students with disabilities41%

Science

All Students40%
African American22%
Hispanic42%
White61%
Economically disadvantaged35%
Students with disabilities41%
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

English 2

The state average for English 2 was 50% in 2011.

2011

 
 
n/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science, and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. Students must pass the algebra I, English II, and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. This year, Tennessee introduced two new exams in algebra II and English III, and those results are included on the GreatSchools profile as well. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined 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

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 100% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science, and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. Students must pass the algebra I, English II, and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. This year, Tennessee introduced two new exams in algebra II and English III, and those results are included on the GreatSchools profile as well. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined 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

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 96% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
English I

The state average for English I was 99% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science, and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. Students must pass the algebra I, English II, and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. This year, Tennessee introduced two new exams in algebra II and English III, and those results are included on the GreatSchools profile as well. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined 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

Algebra I

All Studentsn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science, and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. Students must pass the algebra I, English II, and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. This year, Tennessee introduced two new exams in algebra II and English III, and those results are included on the GreatSchools profile as well. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined 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

Algebra I

All Studentsn/a
African Americann/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a

English I

All Studentsn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science, and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. Students must pass the algebra I, English II, and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. This year, Tennessee introduced two new exams in algebra II and English III, and those results are included on the GreatSchools profile as well. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined 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
Black 52% 25%
White 38% 68%
Hispanic 8% 5%
Asian/Pacific Islander 3% 2%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 70%N/A50%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 15N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

110 Stewarts Ferry Pk
Nashville, TN 37214
Phone: (615) 884-4080

ADVERTISEMENT

Compare this school
to nearby schools

Compare schools »

Compare

Add this school to compare
ADVERTISEMENT