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GreatSchools Rating

Purple Sage Elementary School

Public | PK-5 | 320 students
 

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  • "Recognized" status and moving up! This smaller sized school offers great...

  • Purple Sage is truly an outstanding program and test scores are proving it.

  • My son has gone to Purple Sage for almost 2 years now, kindergarten and 1st...

  • Our daughter has thrived here for the past two years. We are especially happy...

  • excellent school. wonderful teachers and very helpful staff members. This...

 

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Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Based on 10 ratings
Community Rating by Year
2013:
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2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
Based on 3 ratings
2010:
Based on 2 ratings

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10 reviews of this school

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Posted April 23, 2012
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"Recognized" status and moving up! This smaller sized school offers great student/teacher ratios, experienced teachers, and a true sense of community. PS gives both of my children the individualized education that they require. The art, music and TAG teachers are exceptional and the dual language program is a fantastic opportunity for both native Spanish and English speakers and a good alternative to the AP campuses in the district. The middle school and high school (one of the best rated in the nation) are in close proximity, making it convenient for a large family.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted August 30, 2011
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Purple Sage is truly an outstanding program and test scores are proving it. Last year's standards got a lot tougher and PS excelled into "Recognized" status while it's neighborhood counterpart declined (not to say it's not a good school in it's own right). I'm so happy to have my daughter zoned for this school and am looking forward to many more years there with my next child. Great teachers, thoughtful administration, I really think this will be the next "Exemplary" school for RRISD. Parents could always step up a bit more to make this school even better, but there's a good foundation in place. Go volunteer folks! My family couldn't be happier.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted March 7, 2011
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My son has gone to Purple Sage for almost 2 years now, kindergarten and 1st grade. I am shocked at how the teachers and administrators quit on a student that is having a hard time. We have done everything that they asked us to do, and they have done nothing that has been asked of them. I am appalled at the lack of communication and lackadaisical attitude of the teachers at this school. I would recommend finding a school with teachers and administrators that actually care about the kids that they are in charge of. I gave them a one rating only because it would not let me give them a lower score.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted March 5, 2011
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Our daughter has thrived here for the past two years. We are especially happy for the dual-language program that started this year. The school as a whole has a very safe community feel to it. Teachers and office staff know all of the students, and if there's a problem, they deal with it in a proactive, respectful way. I think they have one of the best music teachers in the district, too. We're amazed with our daughter's love and knowledge of music from school.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted September 30, 2010
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excellent school. wonderful teachers and very helpful staff members. This is a wonderful school and I just hope that the school distrect we are now moving to is aleast half the school Purple Sage is.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted April 27, 2010
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We have one child who's about to graduate to middle school and one in 2nd grade. As others have said, the rating do not do this school justice. The teachers at PSE care a great deal about their students and their success. The classes are smaller and the overall school size is smaller so students get much more attention than they would at other schools. The ESOL has pros and cons but it allows students to understand the concept of diversity and the opportunities and challenges that exist in the real world - something we thing is important. We love the 'specials' programs: Art, PE and Music, that our kids get to enjoy and that continues into middle school. Although PSE may not be the newest, biggest or fanciest school in the area or district, it is filled with commitment and focus on the kids and that's what matters most.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted April 13, 2010
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We just moved to a school that was highly rated (9-10) and are soooo much happier at Purple Sage. My kids are in 2nd and 5th grade. At the other school all I heard about was their weaknesses with little attention paid to their strengths. Here their strengths are nurtured and there is a whole different 'caught you being good' atmosphere that has helped my kids be relaxed, happy and enthusastic about learning that wasn't quite there with the previous school. Don't just go be ratings - look at what the parents are saying too.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted April 25, 2006
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good school, internationally oriented, but weak on teacher communication
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted April 21, 2006
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My child has been at this school for 1 year. He has blossomed. Thanks to the wonderful staff and teachers! Purple Sage is also a bilingual school and has approximately 100 enrolled in the spanish bilingual program. They have really given these bilingual students a great start to their future in life and in their education. The principal leadership has been very good. The communication among parents/guardians is and has always been an open one. The students are in a safe & healthy environment. Purple Sage just had their 25th Birthday. Thanks Purple Sage!
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted May 13, 2005
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My children have been at Purple Sage for 4 years. Even though it's rating has gone down, the quality of education hasn't. I think the change in rating has to do the bilingual program that has been implemented. The teachers show great concern for the students; the music, art, and PE programs are very good, even including swim lessons! Parent involvement, in my opinion, is average, again due to the addition of bilingual students (there is a lesser percentage of involvement from these parents). Overall, I would recommend this school without hesitation to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review

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.

62 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
82%

2008

 
 
88%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

55 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
94%

2008

 
 
94%
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.

54 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
79%

2008

 
 
81%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2011.

51 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
73%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
79%

2008

 
 
91%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 90% in 2011.

49 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
91%

2008

 
 
82%
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.

60 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
92%

2008

 
 
87%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 82% in 2011.

59 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
91%

2008

 
 
95%
Science

The state average for Science was 87% in 2011.

61 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
91%

2008

 
 
87%
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 Students92%
Female90%
Male94%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic85%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged77%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education93%
Limited English proficient (LEP)64%
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant92%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students93%
Female93%
Male93%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic89%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White96%
Economically disadvantaged87%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Special educationn/a
Not special education93%
Limited English proficient (LEP)71%
Proficient in English96%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant93%
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

Math

All Students83%
Female86%
Male81%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic75%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White88%
Economically disadvantaged68%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Special educationn/a
Not special education88%
Limited English proficient (LEP)64%
Proficient in English88%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant83%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Reading

All Students73%
Female73%
Male72%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic67%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White77%
Economically disadvantaged63%
Not economically disadvantaged78%
Special educationn/a
Not special education76%
Limited English proficient (LEP)44%
Proficient in English78%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant73%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Writing

All Students84%
Female80%
Male86%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic84%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White81%
Economically disadvantaged95%
Not economically disadvantaged77%
Special educationn/a
Not special education85%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English80%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant84%
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 Students95%
Female93%
Male97%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic96%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White93%
Economically disadvantaged96%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Special educationn/a
Not special education95%
Limited English proficient (LEP)90%
Proficient in English96%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant95%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

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 educationn/a
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students95%
Female97%
Male93%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic92%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged88%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education95%
Limited English proficient (LEP)90%
Proficient in English98%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant95%
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 "Recognized".
  • 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 48% 34%
Hispanic 44% 48%
Asian/Pacific Islander 5% 4%
Black 3% 14%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 7%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 5%N/A8%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 30%N/A17%
Economically disadvantaged 38%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 12%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 45%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 8%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 17%N/A23%
21 or more years 18%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

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11801 Tanglebriar Trl
Austin, TX 78750
Website: Click here
Phone: (512) 428-3500

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