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GreatSchools Rating

Harry Stone Montessori Academy

Public | PK-6 | 372 students

 
 
Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
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2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
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2010:
Based on 1 rating

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12 reviews of this school


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Posted August 14, 2012

The school is not what it is cracked up to be. Great schools TOS forces me to self censor on important topics, but if you expect your leadership team to be in touch with you, forget about it. If you expect them to hold themselves accountable to the standards they say they will forget about it. They are a bunch of walls and will not provide information that is otherwise public. Very, very sad as the school used to be much better than it is now.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 14, 2010

Our family loves Harry Stone Montessori. My 8th grader and 6th grader have attended this school since pre-K. We are pleased with the rigorous academics and wonderful fine arts department. Our theater program is only in its third year, but the plays they have performed rival our local Childrens' Theater. We feel like our children are getting a private school education at Harry Stone Montessori.
—Submitted by Sandi Erspamer, a parent


Posted April 17, 2010

My daughter has been attending ding this school since pre-k 4. She has had some great teachers Ms.Guess, Ms.Kertz, and Ms.Massey. She has participated in many of the extra curriculum activities the school has to offer. Since my oldest daughter his having such a wonderful educational experience at the school I wanted my youngest daughter to attend the school. Un- fortunely after 3 attempts she didn t get in. She was put on a waiting list I guess there is not enough room since all the staff kids attend the school. The school has changed so much it use to be more diverse but now it is not.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 9, 2008

I have a daughter who has attended Harry Stone for 3 years since she was in Pre-K and its got to be one of the best schools in the Dallas area. In this day and time its hard to find a school with high academic standards that is not private and most importantly is free. Your child will have to test to get in, but it worth the effort.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 4, 2008

I have a daughter who attends Harry Stone Elementary. She enjoys attending Harry Stone along with applying the educational skill she obtained from home. That's the key strong parent involvement, along with guiding your child through the public education maze. And that's why our child attends Harry Stone, becuase majority of the parents are on the same page concerning the importance of education. Excellent job Harry Stone Staff as a whole. Now I see why teachers want to stay at Harry Stone Elementary.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 25, 2008

We have two children at Harry Stone - a first grader in her third year at the school and a sixth grader who started in kindergarten. Both are doing very well academically and love school. The teachers at Harry Stone are fantastic. The Montessori method focuses on the whole child, and the teachers help the students see themselves as part of a larger community and emphasize respect for others. Peace and concern for the environment are valued at the school. The class sizes are small, typically 18 students, and the teachers are adept at working one-on-one or in small groups while other students work independently. Gifted students can move ahead since work is done individually. Lessons are stimulating and creativity is encouraged. The environment is very safe and nurturing. The school offers excellent art & music programs, plus computer and Spanish classes. Overall, we've been very pleased with Harry Stone.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 12, 2007

My child has grown so much here. It is a great school with great teachers. Annabelle Vance
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 7, 2006

The Principal & staff are an awesome team, very accessible & do really care for the children. There's a vibrant PTA, as well as enriching extra curricular activities. This school brings the truth out in the statement that 'a book can't be judged by its cover'. I am glad to have an affiliation with such wonderful & dedicated people (staff, parents & student body)as we are blessed with, at Harry Stone.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 10, 2006

I feel very fortunate that my son was accepted to Harry Stone. He has really blossomed academically there. He is in Pre-K and he is starting to read and do simple arithmetic. He always comes home very excited after learning a new lesson. I hope to keep him here through 8th grade.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 20, 2006

Although it is not in a great part of Dallas, Harry Stone is a hidden gem in the school system. Children are taught to be responsible individuals, and valuable players within society as a whole. The teachers vary in their interpretation of Montessori--- some are more rigid than others. Overall, I'd say it is an excellent school.
—Submitted by Elizabeth, a parent


Posted January 11, 2006

Children get to move at their own pace. Are in with other grades so peers at every level. There is music and art as well as piano and violin. PTA is pretty active and there are also other committees with parent involvement. Like the way that the student can move at their own pace.
—Submitted by Jamie, a parent


Posted November 5, 2004

Harry Stone Montessori is an excellent school, but the student's experience varies dramatically from class to class. The main problems we have arise from the irreconcilable differences between the Montessori system and the traditional system the District wants to impose on us. Montessori philosophy and curriculum is very different from traditional teaching methods; for example, standardized testing is antithetical to the Montessori way. The District tries to demand that our teachers do the same curriculum and Benchmark and TAKS test prep. that other schools in the district are doing, but somehow also fit in the Montessori curriculum. This is impossible. Some teachers adhere to the Montessori system; their students do well and are well prepared for middle school. Some teachers are overwhelmed and, frankly, scared by the District's (not the principal's) threats and demands about test scores; their students I feel suffer. We constantly face this balancing act.
—Submitted by Melanie Gibson, 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 87% in 2011.

47 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
89%

2008

 
 
94%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

47 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
96%
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.

47 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
84%

2008

 
 
93%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2011.

47 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
88%

2008

 
 
91%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 90% in 2011.

46 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
93%

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 81% in 2011.

46 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
98%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 82% in 2011.

46 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
98%
Science

The state average for Science was 87% in 2011.

46 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
100%

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 83% in 2011.

45 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
91%

2008

 
 
98%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2011.

45 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
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 Students96%
Female96%
Male96%
Black or African American96%
Asiann/a
Hispanic92%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged95%
Not economically disadvantaged96%
Special educationn/a
Not special education96%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English95%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant96%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students98%
Female100%
Male96%
Black or African American96%
Asiann/a
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged95%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education98%
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

Math

All Students85%
Female81%
Male90%
Black or African American86%
Asiann/a
Hispanic80%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged84%
Not economically disadvantaged86%
Special educationn/a
Not special education85%
Limited English proficient (LEP)71%
Proficient in English88%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant85%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students94%
Female93%
Male95%
Black or African American95%
Asiann/a
Hispanic90%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged92%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Special educationn/a
Not special education94%
Limited English proficient (LEP)86%
Proficient in English95%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant94%
Gifted/talented100%

Writing

All Students93%
Female93%
Male95%
Black or African American95%
Asiann/a
Hispanic90%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged88%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education93%
Limited English proficient (LEP)71%
Proficient in English97%
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 Students98%
Female97%
Male100%
Black or African American95%
Asiann/a
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged97%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education98%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English97%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant98%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African American100%
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%

Science

All Students98%
Female97%
Male100%
Black or African American100%
Asiann/a
Hispanic96%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged97%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education98%
Limited English proficient (LEP)89%
Proficient in English100%
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

Math

All Students87%
Female90%
Male79%
Black or African American82%
Asiann/a
Hispanic88%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged81%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Special educationn/a
Not special education87%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English90%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant87%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students93%
Female94%
Male93%
Black or African American88%
Asiann/a
Hispanic96%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged89%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education93%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English95%
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

  • In 2010-2011, this school was rated "Recognized".
  • In 2009-2010, this school was rated "Exemplary".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was rated "Exemplary".

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
Black 48% 13%
Hispanic 40% 50%
White 9% 31%
Two or more races 2% 2%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 0%
Asian 0% 3%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 3%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 28%N/A8%
Economically disadvantaged 50%N/A55%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 9%N/A17%
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 0%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 10%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 20%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 36%N/A23%
21 or more years 34%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

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4747 Veterans Dr
Dallas, TX 75216
Phone: (972) 794-3400

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