Advertisement

GreatSchools Rating

Polk Middle School

Public | 6-8 | 1090 students

Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

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

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

7 reviews of this school


Sort by:
Show reviews by:
Posted June 29, 2012

My daughter attended Polk Middle School and has since graduated from Newman Smith and University of Houston. When she attended Polk it was an excellent school. The facilities were very well kept both inside and out. The teaching staff all the way from the teachers, counselors and principals were awesome! I think the Carrollton ISD is a wonderful place for family and has high standards set for education criteria for students.


Posted June 30, 2011

I am pleased with the ways of communication that are sent to me regarding my childs' progress at school. I like when I'm notified via email and phone call when my child is tardy/absent; low grade in a class and when progress reports and report cards are sent out. This keeps in the loop with their progress' and this helps at times when I don't have time to meet with teachers or attend PTA meetings.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 16, 2008

Mrs. Clark is my student's teacher and he understands the meaning of US HIstory better than ever!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 28, 2008

My daughter attends Ted Polk Middle School. I must say, overall it is a pretty good school. I believe the leadership is truly concerned about the students well-being. However,I sometimes question some of the teachers tendency to stereotype particular children. I believe this is a result of the lack of racial and gender diversity within the teaching staff. This area definitely needs to be addressed. The school has an incredible performing arts program. One of the best if I must say. On the other hand, the athletic program is terrible. The school does not seem to value the importance of their athletic program and their overall performance supports that. If I were a parent who had a child who was looking excel in sports, I would definitely send them somewhere else.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 1, 2007

The staff at Ted Polk Middle School has done wonders for my daughter. I no longer fear report card day.
—Submitted by Susie, a parent


Posted April 11, 2007

This was our first year at Polk and I have to say, I am impressed. I had heard so many good things regarding the former principal and was a bit nervous that a new principal would be taking his place our first year, but Mrs. Bailey has proven to be an attentive, approachable and proactive principal with only the best intentions for our children. The band program is phenomenal and plans lots of fun activities throughout the year. My only complaint is that there are so few parents willing to help out at the school. This isn't just at Polk, I am sure, but parents should really get involved more...for THEIR children. I have worked concessions, dances, bookfair etc. It is easy 'work,'fun and a good way to get a feel for your child's daily environment at the school. All in all, Ted Polk Elementary is a great school!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 22, 2007

Polk Middle School is the best! From the moment my daughter walked in the door of Ted Polk Middle School, she was completely caught up in the positive and encouraging atmosphere. The principal is a good leader, great example, very involved and in tune with the kids and the teachers. The vast majority of the students are well behaved. There are creative and effective great ways to encourage good character and correct misbehaviour. The teachers have high expectations, and they put in the work and provide the encouragement to help students rise to those expectations. The Fine Arts Department is amazing. Those teachers bring out the best in each student, encouraging each new musician or singer or actor or artist while impressing upon them the importance of working hard and excelling in all of their classes and endeavors. Polk is the best!
—Submitted by Cindy Lynn, 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 83% in 2011.

324 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
79%

2008

 
 
79%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2011.

317 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
95%

2008

 
 
91%
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.

326 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
82%

2008

 
 
78%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 86% in 2011.

327 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
89%

2008

 
 
85%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 94% in 2011.

323 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
94%

2008

 
 
91%
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 73% in 2011.

348 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
86%

2008

 
 
82%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2011.

347 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
97%

2008

 
 
98%
Science

The state average for Science was 79% in 2011.

344 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
89%

2009

 
 
83%

2008

 
 
80%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 95% in 2011.

345 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
94%

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

All Students86%
Female86%
Male86%
Black or African American79%
Asian93%
Hispanic86%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White92%
Economically disadvantaged84%
Not economically disadvantaged90%
Special education58%
Not special education88%
Limited English proficient (LEP)78%
Proficient in English88%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant86%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students86%
Female89%
Male84%
Black or African American87%
Asian80%
Hispanic85%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White95%
Economically disadvantaged84%
Not economically disadvantaged91%
Special education35%
Not special education89%
Limited English proficient (LEP)62%
Proficient in English91%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant86%
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 Students82%
Female80%
Male84%
Black or African American77%
Asian94%
Hispanic80%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White91%
Economically disadvantaged80%
Not economically disadvantaged86%
Special education62%
Not special education84%
Limited English proficient (LEP)63%
Proficient in English84%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant82%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students88%
Female88%
Male88%
Black or African American80%
Asian88%
Hispanic89%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White96%
Economically disadvantaged87%
Not economically disadvantaged90%
Special education57%
Not special education90%
Limited English proficient (LEP)73%
Proficient in English89%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant88%
Gifted/talented100%

Writing

All Students97%
Female99%
Male95%
Black or African American95%
Asian100%
Hispanic99%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged96%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Special education89%
Not special education98%
Limited English proficient (LEP)97%
Proficient in English97%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant97%
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 Students84%
Female85%
Male84%
Black or African American80%
Asian92%
Hispanic83%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White92%
Economically disadvantaged82%
Not economically disadvantaged89%
Special education57%
Not special education86%
Limited English proficient (LEP)50%
Proficient in English86%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant84%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students96%
Female96%
Male96%
Black or African American93%
Asian92%
Hispanic95%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged94%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education85%
Not special education96%
Limited English proficient (LEP)69%
Proficient in English97%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant96%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students83%
Female81%
Male86%
Black or African American76%
Asian92%
Hispanic82%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White90%
Economically disadvantaged80%
Not economically disadvantaged89%
Special education62%
Not special education84%
Limited English proficient (LEP)50%
Proficient in English85%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant83%
Gifted/talented100%

Social Studies

All Students97%
Female98%
Male96%
Black or African American95%
Asian92%
Hispanic97%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged96%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Special education85%
Not special education98%
Limited English proficient (LEP)88%
Proficient in English97%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant97%
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 "Recognized".
  • 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 50% 48%
White 24% 34%
Black 19% 14%
Asian/Pacific Islander 6% 4%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 12%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 10%N/A8%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 9%N/A17%
Economically disadvantaged 53%N/A55%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 15N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Beginning teachers 11%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 34%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 30%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 15%N/A23%
21 or more years 10%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

2001 Kelly Blvd
Carrollton, TX 75006
Website: Click here
Phone: (972) 968-4600

ADVERTISEMENT

Compare this school
to nearby schools

Compare schools »

Compare

Add this school to compare

Nearby schools

ADVERTISEMENT