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GreatSchools Rating

River Road High School

Public | 9-12 | 429 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

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

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12 reviews of this school


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Posted October 4, 2012

River Road High School and River Road ISD is the best in the Area. The teacher and administrators care deeply about every student and work very hard to ensure they receive the best education possible. It is east to cast stones when you have parents who expect the schools to raise their children but despite what the teachers, principals and staff have to deal with, they do a fantastic job. I would not have my kids in any other district. We have been very pleased with our childrens education and will recommend River Road to anyone looking for a quality education for their kids. Thank you River Road!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 10, 2011

I am a River Road alumni and that school is literally the worst in the area. Most of the teachers are coaches who don't care about any kids unless their on their sports team. And if you want to be in any other extra cirricular activities, they expect you to pay for every little thing because all the schools money goes to their sports teams. The people in the area are either rich farm kids or kids living below the poverty line. The teachers choose favorites and will easily ignore students that are not excelling in National Honor Society, which by the way, they are so desperate for members they let anyone in. Also, the school allows racism to happen. Because a lot of kids are white in the region, they don't care if the kids yell racial slurs or even taunt others kids about their races. Another thing, their academic programs are so bad that students in River Road's National Honor Society don't qualify for Amarillo High School or really any other honor society because the programs are so ill constructed. Any student graduating from this high school is being cheated a real education. Please, if you love your child, do not send them to this school.
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 5, 2009

It is the best high school in north Amarillo, & it has the best students in town


Posted January 10, 2009

We have new school that is already falling apart after only two years. The superintendent is clueless and the school just want to spend money to be like the jones. They were going to demo the old school building but all of a sudden see possible new student due to a small housing start in the area, so now 3/4 of it will used as a two grade middle. The teaching staff are more concerned about a paycheck then educating students. Indepth teachng is done is done before and after school for student wish come early 30 minutes or staying late. There are not enough teachers in each subject or room for it either. A third of the teaching staff are coaches teaching other subject. Sports play a major roll in the district allowing others to fall into a stepchild status ( music, arts, etc.).
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 27, 2008

I graduated from River Road not that long ago. I recently went to the UIL Marching Contest at Dick Bivins. I almost cried. I give a huge hand to the kids that had the courage to be on that field against so many big bands. It is dissheartening to see the enrollement drop from when I was in band under Mr. Hutson, by the way was 83 to 12. It must be frustrating for the new director, which my daughter had the honor to play for before our move. What is going on at this school? Programs like band and choir are so important to the development in our children. No wonder people are moving away at such a fast rate.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 18, 2008

As a river road alumni, I just have to say that River Road is one of the best small country high schools out there. The teachers know you and if you give them the time of day and don't act foolish or violent everything is fine. One thing that is a real downer is the student body. They would first insult their own school then others, granted insulting your palce of learning is pretty immature it's worse when you do it to your own school. It isn't hard to make good grades and pass course, if you try. 9 times out of 10 the students you here flaming their own school are the students who are un-involved because they are just to cool for school. But if you talk to any student who is actively involved with an organization or sport you will find a whole different attitude.
—Submitted by a student


Posted March 23, 2008

First they were going to tear up the old high school and build a new HS with the bond money . Hah!!! We were lied to from the get go, now they are going to put the Jr. high kids in the old part with the asbestos. I don't have any respect for the ones that decided to do this, Notice the superintendent is still in the new part. For this reason I give the school and all who run it a big fat 0 I am just glad the people in bushland were smart enought to vote down the second bond. Way to go Bushland!!!


Posted August 17, 2007

Its pathetic. The teachers have a horrible disposition about themselves and the students have a low morale from the disrespect received from the administrators. The only extracurricular activities they really have is sports. The discipline is irresponsible and the parents could care less. Unless their kids are in sports. Then they make sure their kid is comfortable on the bus to the game. But don't do anything about the classes. They give all the opportunities to the gifted kids and pay no attention to the ones that are average and/or struggling.


Posted April 18, 2007

Hello I am a Sophmore fixen to become a Junior and I have to say something about this school yes it is a safe school I have to give them that but they they dont care about there choir and band or theater or anything like that all they care about is there athletic program. I dont think that the school should be spending so much time on athletics and a little more on choir and band and theater and stuff like that but other than than that the school is ok
—Submitted by a student


Posted December 2, 2006

I had my doubts about RRHS the first 2 years of my enrollment here, But now entering my Junior year I can see how I was very wrong. The teachers are great with one-on-one with the students and I have really learned alot more than I thought I would. I do think we could spend more on our music and art programs, but other than that this school is simply a fun learning experience. And I see a new face every week in the hallways now. So I guess people are starting to realize the possibilities of RRHS. Hail to Glory, River Road!
—Submitted by a student


Posted December 9, 2005

This high school puts more into Athletics than anything else such as Chior, Art, etc. They care more about their loosing football team than anything else.
—Submitted by a student


Posted August 24, 2005

The academic programs are great. The smaller class sizes create more one on one with the students. The extracurricular activities are available to everyone as long as you comply with the guidelines to each sport or extracurricular activity. The parents are usually involved with everything that they are permitted to be involved with. By that I mean things that the parents might get in the way like practices and team meetings. I feel that this school is as safe as a school can be.
—Submitted by a former student


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.

114 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
61%

2009

 
 
61%

2008

 
 
70%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

117 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
88%

2008

 
 
89%
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.

103 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
89%

2008

 
 
86%
Math

The state average for Math was 74% in 2011.

101 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
60%

2009

 
 
63%

2008

 
 
48%
Science

The state average for Science was 76% in 2011.

105 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
72%

2009

 
 
59%

2008

 
 
56%
Social Studies

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

104 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
86%

2008

 
 
88%
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.

101 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
96%

2008

 
 
97%
Math

The state average for Math was 90% in 2011.

96 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
89%

2009

 
 
71%

2008

 
 
78%
Science

The state average for Science was 91% in 2011.

100 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
78%

2008

 
 
83%
Social Studies

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

100 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
96%

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 Students71%
Female71%
Male71%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic65%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White72%
Economically disadvantaged61%
Not economically disadvantaged82%
Special education11%
Not special education76%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English71%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant71%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students92%
Female98%
Male88%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic94%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White93%
Economically disadvantaged90%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Special education54%
Not special education97%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English93%
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 Students96%
Female98%
Male95%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic91%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Special education88%
Not special education97%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English97%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant96%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Math

All Students79%
Female78%
Male80%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic80%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White79%
Economically disadvantaged80%
Not economically disadvantaged79%
Special education40%
Not special education81%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English79%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant79%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Science

All Students78%
Female74%
Male81%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic73%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White77%
Economically disadvantaged72%
Not economically disadvantaged83%
Special education44%
Not special education81%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English79%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant78%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Social Studies

All Students92%
Female94%
Male91%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic90%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White92%
Economically disadvantaged93%
Not economically disadvantaged91%
Special education75%
Not special education94%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English92%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant92%
Gifted/talentedn/a
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 Students95%
Female100%
Male88%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic91%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White95%
Economically disadvantaged91%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Special education57%
Not special education98%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English95%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant95%
Gifted/talented100%

Math

All Students93%
Female95%
Male90%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic90%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White93%
Economically disadvantaged90%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Special educationn/a
Not special education94%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English93%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant93%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students92%
Female95%
Male88%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic82%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White93%
Economically disadvantaged89%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Special education33%
Not special education96%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English92%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant92%
Gifted/talented100%

Social Studies

All Students98%
Female98%
Male98%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White98%
Economically disadvantaged95%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education83%
Not special education99%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
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 "Recognized".
  • 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 88% 34%
Hispanic 11% 48%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 0%
Asian/Pacific Islander N/A 4%
Black N/A 14%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 12%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 12%N/A8%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 1%N/A17%
Economically disadvantaged 31%N/A55%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 12N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Beginning teachers 15%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 22%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 25%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 29%N/A23%
21 or more years 8%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

101 W Mobley
Amarillo, TX 79108
Website: Click here
Phone: (806) 383-8867

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