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GreatSchools Rating

Sunset Valley Elementary School

Public | PK-5 | 496 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 3 ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
Based on 1 rating

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Parent involvement

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15 reviews of this school


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Posted March 9, 2012

My daughter is in 1st grade at SVE, and it has been a wonderful experience. She is in the dual language program and we have been very impressed with the program and the school. From the principal, the teachers, counselor to houskeeping there is a strong sense of community and dedication to the students. I feel that my participation and involvement in my child education is welcome and encouraged. And I really appreciate that!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 9, 2012

I have a kindergartner at SVE and at first I was nerves about public school, but have been so happy with her teachers and the staff and the community. I love the Dual -language program she is in. I feel like parent participation is getting strong each week and that the school is very welcoming and thankful for all we do.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 8, 2012

I take my kids across town to attend this school. It is a great school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 16, 2011

I made one phone call to their main office after being notifiied by the main AISD office that Sunset Valley Elementary School is the one they are suppose to be attending. An administrator called me back like with 5 minutes from my message leaving. Went to the school and all I can say is WOW. I'm so ready to be a proud parent of this school. Yay! Yay! for my children is all I can say! :)
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 19, 2010

Great teachers, office staff and administration. All are helpful and want to keep parents informed and involved. This school has gone above and beyond to help my child develop both academically and emotionally. She is doing MUCH better now that she has a caring team of professionals to meet her needs. I wouldn't think of taking her a different school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 4, 2009

I love helping Sunset Valley elementary because of its ethnic makeup. They are making great strides at our school...every year the education gets better.


Posted October 27, 2008

There is a major lack of communication between parents and teachers. As a parent, I find myself calling teachers to get answers because I am concerned about my child's education but I get no response unless it is the teacher that wants something.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 20, 2006

Personal experience: This school may be besetted by low income griefs but I saw many parents very concerned for their children's educational welfare. The staff was all right until I showed my displeasure at a safety issue and their lack of foresight on an educational problem my child had, thereafter I was met with insolence and haughtiness. From then on, no amount of my reaching out to them could bridge the gap that appeared. I was called in for a meeting and was surrounded by all manner of staff that ranged from the principal to their lower echleon, making me feel as if I were on trial. Their unfriendly demeanor truly concerned me. The school as a whole has bright future and much promise, I wish them every success.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 10, 2006

This is a good school but has many battles based on the low income (Title I) underpriveleged student body. It is small compared to most elementaries. Low staff turnover. Excellent principal management and leadership skills. The staff seem to look at the school as extended family and each embraces the entire student body.
—Submitted by Sherri Williams, a parent


Posted May 6, 2005

Pre-K and Kindergarden are great but the 4th and 5th grade are lacking in true teacher ' I care about your child feel'.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 26, 2005

We transfered our daughter in to Sunset Valley and never regretted it. It's a great school, and well worth attending!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 9, 2005

There are several excellent teachers and yet there are just as many if not more that are obviously burnt out and participate only enough to recieve a pay check. Those excellent teachers and the wonderful student body is what keeps as many student from transferring out as those that do. The loss in talent is a facter in its 'acceptable' rating. Leadership, staff participation and parent involvement is low and a lot less then what its students deserve.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 24, 2004

Teachers are fully committed to making sure their respective students are prepared for the following grade and are providing them with a solid educational foundation. I was overly impressed with the instruction of Ms. Sanchez, a first grade bilingual teacher, provided to her class. She is a quality, dedicated teacher.
—Submitted by G Castillo, a parent


Posted February 13, 2004

Sunset Valley has seen my son through three school years and my daughter beginning her schooling. I feel that the teachers, staff, and principal are all very dedicated to the students that attend. Smaller class sizes make for more personal involvement with the students and it shows with the commments my children make to me after school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 28, 2003

I have a daughter who just left SSV for middle school and 2 younger children still attending. I am very impressed by the incentives offered to the kids for their hard work. It gives them something extra to work for. The teachers have been very easy to work with and they challenge my children's minds and encourage them to do better.


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 87% in 2011.

45 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
83%

2008

 
 
81%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

32 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
93%
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

The state average for Math was 88% in 2011.

42 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
75%

2008

 
 
76%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2011.

39 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
73%

2008

 
 
75%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 90% in 2011.

31 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
86%

2008

 
 
90%
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

The state average for Math was 81% in 2011.

42 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
83%

2008

 
 
73%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 82% in 2011.

43 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
83%

2008

 
 
74%
Science

The state average for Science was 87% in 2011.

44 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
79%

2008

 
 
57%
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 Students93%
Female86%
Male100%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic90%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged94%
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Special education100%
Not special education93%
Limited English proficient (LEP)92%
Proficient in English94%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant93%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Reading

All Students97%
Female100%
Male94%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged95%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education97%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English97%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant97%
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

Math

All Students88%
Female88%
Male88%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic88%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged86%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education83%
Not special education89%
Limited English proficient (LEP)87%
Proficient in English87%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant88%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Reading

All Students87%
Female96%
Male73%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic87%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged85%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education86%
Not special education88%
Limited English proficient (LEP)60%
Proficient in English96%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant87%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Writing

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education100%
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
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

Math

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students88%
Female82%
Male95%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic87%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged86%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education100%
Not special education87%
Limited English proficient (LEP)67%
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant88%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students82%
Female78%
Male86%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic79%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged78%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education67%
Not special education84%
Limited English proficient (LEP)53%
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant82%
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 "Exemplary".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was rated "Recognized".

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
Hispanic 81% 48%
White 13% 34%
Asian/Pacific Islander 3% 4%
Black 3% 14%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 18%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 2%N/A8%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 48%N/A17%
Economically disadvantaged 75%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 0%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 11%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 14%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 30%N/A23%
21 or more years 46%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

3000 Jones Rd
Austin, TX 78745
Phone: (512) 414-2392

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