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GreatSchools Rating

Cooper High School

Public | 9-12 | 1887 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

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

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8 reviews of this school


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Posted January 2, 2010

Here s an anecdote that speaks to how good Cooper is A friend of mine recently returned to Abilene from Virginia. His bright, straight A student ranked as #71 of 390 or so. He was disappointed because she had been in the top 2% at the previous school! The principal and staff are very concerned about the quality of education each child receives. AP teachers prepare diligently for the annual AP exams - to a fault. I can t understand or explain why the standardized scores are poor. The athletic program has had some hiccups until late, but the most obvious program, football, won district. There are A LOT of clubs and other extracurricular activities for kids to be involved. The booster club is sad, but the programs do well regardless. As far as drugs go, from my kids' reports, Wylie is far worse. So far, my kids have 'just said no'.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 17, 2009

I went there and they have the best teachers ever. I loved all of my teachers and wouldn't trade them for the world.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 7, 2008

Absolutely the worst school. Drugs are rampant, even to the point of bringing them to school. Security is niland the supervisory staff is totally apathetic. We had to transfer our child to another state so he could go to a college prep school because there is nothing a Cooper for the very bright students. If you are interested in a dumbed down school, it's the one for you
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 1, 2008

I graduated in 2005 and was very well-prepared for college. Wonderful fine arts programs, an excellent array of PAP and AP courses with superb teachers. Wonderful school spirit and a great mix of backgrounds among the students keeps Cooper an interesting tapestry of diversity. I'm so proud to be a Cougar!


Posted September 16, 2007

I am a student at this school and I want to let everyone know that we are a great school with teachers that are easy to work with. Our teachers challenge us to do better all the time and seem to hae the patientce of a saint. We cherish our acedenic career while expanding our athletics. There is room for improvement and the school sees that and tries to improve very frequently. Overall I am very satisfied with my education. I do not skip school, nor do I want to, because my teachers engage in teaching in a way that it is fun to learn.
—Submitted by a student


Posted April 13, 2007

I'm a former Cooper student and I think that Cooper was a great school, I did have some wonderful teachers and that I did graduate prepared for college. I will agree that I wasn't then, nor am I now, pleased with Gregg as a principal. Teachers did teach and the vast majority did it because they loved teaching; if they were 'in it for the paycheck' as you stated, wouldn't they choose another career? I'm currently a junior in college and I've maintained a 3.5 gpa, I don't think that I could have done that if I hadn't been 'prepared for college.' It is also partly your job, as a parent, to 'prepare your children for the rigorous demands...,' that all can't be put on teachers. Finally, as far as test scores go, with 'No Child Left Behind' they have to be concerned. You can blame Bush for that one.
—Submitted by a former student


Posted February 24, 2007

The principal is no leader. The school has no direction...solely 100+ teachers going their own direction. Many teachers do not teach; they are there only to get a paycheck. Students in the district are not prepared to enter college and the rigorous demands it places on students. The school and district are only concerned about money. They do not see education as an serious goal. Bottom line is test scores and $. Teachers who receive recognition are often those who are popular, not ones who work hard, teach and expect the students to produce. Those teachers are the ones who go unnoticed. The priorities of this school and its district are in major need of upheaval and re-evaluation.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 1, 2006

I feel that there is always room for improvement. I feel that some of the individual principals seem to be more involved with the kids with no support from Principal Gregg. I have also found him to be very unapprochable to parents and not very intrested in any contributions on any scale for improvements. I find the school has great potential but have noticed that not everyone is on the same team which makes for a very unorginized environment. Parents have to be a constant advocate where there children are concerened but that is everyday life in general. There are motivating and caring individuals and they will help you help your child excel in everything they do. ROTC is a great program and the Arts at the school are great. Stay involved and love your kids.
—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 70% in 2011.

480 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
65%

2010

 
 
75%

2009

 
 
73%

2008

 
 
64%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

493 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
90%

2008

 
 
86%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 91% in 2011.

424 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
86%

2008

 
 
83%
Math

The state average for Math was 74% in 2011.

400 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
78%

2009

 
 
67%

2008

 
 
63%
Science

The state average for Science was 76% in 2011.

410 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
76%

2009

 
 
67%

2008

 
 
62%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 93% in 2011.

408 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
91%

2008

 
 
84%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 95% in 2011.

400 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
95%

2008

 
 
91%
Math

The state average for Math was 90% in 2011.

403 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
89%

2009

 
 
83%

2008

 
 
84%
Science

The state average for Science was 91% in 2011.

419 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
89%

2009

 
 
80%

2008

 
 
80%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 99% in 2011.

412 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
97%

2008

 
 
97%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Math

All Students65%
Female66%
Male63%
Black or African American51%
Asian82%
Hispanic61%
American Indian or Alaska Native100%
White69%
Economically disadvantaged53%
Not economically disadvantaged77%
Special education27%
Not special education71%
Limited English proficient (LEP)25%
Proficient in English66%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant65%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students91%
Female94%
Male89%
Black or African American80%
Asian78%
Hispanic90%
American Indian or Alaska Native100%
White95%
Economically disadvantaged86%
Not economically disadvantaged97%
Special education64%
Not special education96%
Limited English proficient (LEP)42%
Proficient in English93%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant91%
Gifted/talented100%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Texas Education Agency; if there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

English Language Arts

All Students88%
Female91%
Male84%
Black or African American89%
Asian56%
Hispanic87%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White88%
Economically disadvantaged84%
Not economically disadvantaged91%
Special education46%
Not special education95%
Limited English proficient (LEP)43%
Proficient in English89%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant88%
Gifted/talented100%

Math

All Students77%
Female76%
Male78%
Black or African American62%
Asian33%
Hispanic71%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White86%
Economically disadvantaged71%
Not economically disadvantaged82%
Special education31%
Not special education82%
Limited English proficient (LEP)29%
Proficient in English78%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant77%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students78%
Female75%
Male80%
Black or African American55%
Asian22%
Hispanic73%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White86%
Economically disadvantaged69%
Not economically disadvantaged85%
Special education38%
Not special education84%
Limited English proficient (LEP)43%
Proficient in English79%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant78%
Gifted/talented100%

Social Studies

All Students92%
Female91%
Male92%
Black or African American81%
Asian56%
Hispanic93%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White94%
Economically disadvantaged88%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Special education69%
Not special education95%
Limited English proficient (LEP)57%
Proficient in English92%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant92%
Gifted/talented100%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Texas Education Agency; if there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

English Language Arts

All Students94%
Female95%
Male94%
Black or African American93%
Asian40%
Hispanic95%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged91%
Not economically disadvantaged97%
Special education75%
Not special education97%
Limited English proficient (LEP)31%
Proficient in English96%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant94%
Gifted/talented100%

Math

All Students92%
Female90%
Male94%
Black or African American91%
Asian78%
Hispanic92%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White93%
Economically disadvantaged87%
Not economically disadvantaged96%
Special education54%
Not special education96%
Limited English proficient (LEP)77%
Proficient in English93%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant92%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students88%
Female88%
Male88%
Black or African American82%
Asian70%
Hispanic86%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White92%
Economically disadvantaged81%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Special education51%
Not special education94%
Limited English proficient (LEP)57%
Proficient in English90%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant88%
Gifted/talented100%

Social Studies

All Students98%
Female97%
Male98%
Black or African American98%
Asian80%
Hispanic98%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White99%
Economically disadvantaged96%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education85%
Not special education99%
Limited English proficient (LEP)86%
Proficient in English98%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant98%
Gifted/talented100%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Texas Education Agency; if there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

  • In 2010-2011, this school was rated "Academically Acceptable".
  • In 2009-2010, this school was rated "Academically Acceptable".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was rated "Academically Acceptable".

About the tests


Texas uses Accountability Ratings to indicate the overall performance of each school and district. The ratings are based on TAKS test results, dropout rates for grades 7 and 8 and school completion rates for grades 9 through 12. Schools and districts rated under standard accountability procedures are designated as Exemplary, Recognized, Academically Acceptable or Academically Unacceptable. Schools and districts rated under alternative education accountability (AEA) procedures are designated as either AEA: Academically Acceptable or AEA: Academically Unacceptable.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

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 58% 34%
Hispanic 24% 48%
Black 15% 14%
Asian/Pacific Islander 2% 4%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 22%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 6%N/A8%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 2%N/A17%
Economically disadvantaged 42%N/A55%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 14N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Beginning teachers 4%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 20%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 10%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 33%N/A23%
21 or more years 33%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

3639 Sayles Blvd
Abilene, TX 79605
Website: Click here
Phone: (325) 691-1000

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