Advertisement
Find a School
find a school hot topic

New!

School and District Boundaries Map

Review Your School
Preschool
preschool hot topic

Hot Topic

Should your preschooler already
be reading?

Elementary School
elementary school hot topic

Hot Topic

5 key skills for academic
success

Middle School
middle school hot topic

Hot Topic

Secrets to middle school
success

High School
high school hot topic

Hot Topic

An inside look at your teen's
brain

College
college hot topic

Hot Topic

Easing college admissions
anxiety

GreatSchools Rating

School of Science and Engineering

Public | 9-12 | 388 students
 

Add photos

Schools,
join today
to upload
photos.

 

What schools are available to you?

Find attendance
zones for your
address »

 

  • When your student body is the best and brightest available there is small...

  • I am a former student of the School of Science and Engineering. The education...

  • It is one of the most challenging and helpful schools in the Dallasisd. It...

  • SEM offers a challenging environment for its students. I have noticed a great...

  • This is a place where intellectual curiosity and motivation to learn are the...

 

Finding the right school

How to choose a school video thumbnail
What to look for in a
high school
 

In the know: Get our expert advice on schools

placeholder
 

School choice terminology

Public schools: fact and fiction

Public vs. private vs. charter...

 

Private versus public

Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Based on 19 ratings
Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
Based on 2 ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

Are you
the principal?

Complete your school's profile»

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

26 reviews of this school

Sort by:
Show reviews by:
Posted September 15, 2011
Report it

When your student body is the best and brightest available there is small wonder how this school can be ranked first.

Write your own review
Posted June 24, 2010
Report it

I am a former student of the School of Science and Engineering. The education is world class. The training I received there was very instrumental to my educational and personal development. Now I am a parent and would not hesitate to enroll my child into the school or and of the schools at Townview Magnet Center.

Write your own review
Posted November 5, 2009
Report it

It is one of the most challenging and helpful schools in the Dallasisd. It prepares students for college and life. The best teachers and counselors my son has ever had.
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review
Posted November 1, 2009
Report it

SEM offers a challenging environment for its students. I have noticed a great deal of support by the teachers with tutoring to help the students keep up with the demanding pace. There are numerous clubs and activities available so that students can stay engaged in their interests.
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review
Posted October 31, 2009
Report it

This is a place where intellectual curiosity and motivation to learn are the only requirements. I tell people that a one-eyed-flying purple people eater would fit right in if he/she/it were interested in science and math.
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review
Posted October 28, 2009
Report it

SEM has a great math and science curriculum Both of my sons have/will gratuate and their experience at SEM was great, prepared them for a great future and opened doors for them. Great school, Talented teachers, Dedicated administration!
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review
Posted October 26, 2009
Report it

The School of Science and Engineering does an outstanding job preparing students for their post-secondary education. They give them the knowledge, confidence and tools that they need to succeed in their college 'careers'.
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review
Posted October 26, 2009
Report it

The School of Science/Engineering is a great school that offers a college preparatory and rigorous learning environment for all students.
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review
Posted September 24, 2009
Report it

I think this is a great school. It prepares the students to enter prominent schools and get great scholarships.

Write your own review
Posted September 20, 2009
Report it

I entered Cornell with 54 credits after going to SEM... booyah
—Submitted by a student

Write your own review
Posted September 20, 2009
Report it

We, at SEM, have the greatest teachers in the nation, the greatest learning environment and the greatest communal support!
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review
Posted September 20, 2009
Report it

My school is always ranked among top 10 in the nation, and is filled with extremely talented teachers
—Submitted by a student

Write your own review
Posted September 20, 2009
Report it

As a senior this year, I have been doing a lot of looking back on my time at SEM. I wouldn't be able to find the same group of driven students (nerds of course!) anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review
Posted September 20, 2009
Report it

I have no idea where I'd be without SEM. Not only does SEM offer the best education and teachers possible, but it also has helped me to discover new interests and possibilities, to the point of questioning my entire planned life. What's more, SEM has the best student body one could ask for. Virtually ever person there will go out of their way to be straight-up nice to everyone. There will never be real enmity between SEM students, nor will they seek enmity elsewhere, because we're about the nicest, most caring, and most intelligent students around.
—Submitted by a student

Write your own review
Posted September 20, 2009
Report it

The school offers an abundance of AP courses that gives the students an opportunity to work and learn in a college-level environment. The teachers are helpful and there is such an amazing chemistry (pun not intended) between the SEM students. If you're looking for a school that offers the best education in math and science in the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex, this school is the one.
—Submitted by a student

Write your own review
Posted September 20, 2009
Report it

Our high school is one of the top in the nation and offers great coursework. Besides, where else can you have a legitimate conversation about the physics of Pokemon?
—Submitted by a student

Write your own review
Posted September 20, 2009
Report it

It's small, and we're like a family. The teachers actually care here, and don't teach TAKS!
—Submitted by a student

Write your own review
Posted September 19, 2009
Report it

As an alumna of SEM, and someone who spent a year helping out the counselor there, I can see how much SEM is only getting better and better. This school offers students the chance to graduate High School with many college credits (I've seen a recent graduate with 40+ hours), millions of dollars in college scholarships, but more importantly - the students have a strong sense of self, and goals. The alumni from SEM succeed in a wide range of fields, not only science and engineering ones, because this school teaches students to think, to reason, and to ask questions. Great school!

Write your own review
Posted September 17, 2009
Report it

awesome teachers + awesome environment = SEM
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review
Posted September 16, 2009
Report it

The instructors are awesome and made my college transition flawless!
—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 70% in 2011.

101 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

101 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

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

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 91% in 2011.

107 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
Math

The state average for Math was 74% in 2011.

107 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
Science

The state average for Science was 76% in 2011.

107 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
Social Studies

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

107 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

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

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 95% in 2011.

87 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
98%
Math

The state average for Math was 90% in 2011.

87 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
Science

The state average for Science was 91% in 2011.

87 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
Social Studies

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

87 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

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 Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African American100%
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African American100%
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
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 Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African American100%
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
Gifted/talented100%

Math

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African American100%
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African American100%
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
Gifted/talented100%

Social Studies

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African American100%
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
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 Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African American100%
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
Gifted/talented100%

Math

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African American100%
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African American100%
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
Gifted/talented100%

Social Studies

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African American100%
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
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 "Exemplary".
  • 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
Hispanic 58% 50%
Black 19% 13%
White 13% 31%
Asian 10% 3%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 0%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 1% 0%
Two or more races 0% 2%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 0%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 89%N/A8%
Economically disadvantaged 48%N/A55%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 0%N/A17%
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 7%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 25%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 14%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 29%N/A23%
21 or more years 25%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

This school has not yet provided programming information.

Schools, join today to tell families more about what you offer.

Upcoming Events

No upcoming events found for this school
Searching for school events...
Date
Title
  • {{date}}
    {{title}}
Export calendar
Microsoft Outlook
iCal Format
Google Calendar
POWERED BY
Tandem

Add videos

Schools, join today to
upload videos

 

Tips for understanding school culture

Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!
Map thumbnail

Get directions »

1201 E Eighth St
Dallas, TX 75203
Website: Click here
Phone: (972) 925-5960

Nearby homes for sale

ADVERTISEMENT

Compare this school
to nearby schools

Compare schools »

Compare

Add this school to compare

Nearby schools

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Thank you. You've successfully subscribed to the GreatSchools newsletter.

Thank you. Please confirm your subscription by clicking the link in the email we just sent you.

Sign Up For Email Updates
Please enter your email address to sign up.
The email address is already signed up.
Connect With Us

About GreatSchools

Our mission is to inspire and support families to champion their children's education - at school, at home and in their community. We are a national non-profit with offices in San Francisco, Milwaukee, Washington D.C. and Indianapolis.

Find the great schools in Texas

All cities in Texas:ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWYZ

GreatSchools, Inc. 160 Spear Street, Suite 1020, San Francisco, CA 94105

©1998-2013 GreatSchools Inc. All Rights Reserved. GreatSchools is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization

Please verify your email address

Great work! Only one more step. Now we just need you to verify your email address. Please click on the link in the email we just sent you to complete your registration.

Please verify your email address

Great work! Only one more step. Now we just need you to verify your email address. Please click on the link in the email we just sent you to submit your review.

Your new email needs to be verified

Please click on the link in the verification email we just sent you to complete your change of email address.

Your registration is complete

Thanks for registering. Welcome to GreatSchools, the largest online community committed to improving educational outcomes through parental involvement.

Your email change is complete

Thanks for verifying your updated email address.

Your email needs to be verified

Oops! You haven't verified your email address yet. To do so, please click on the link in the email we sent you. Can't find the email? Click the button below to receive a new one.

Verification link expired

Oops! That email verification link has expired. Please click the button below to receive a new one.

Sign in to GreatSchools

Not a member? Join GreatSchools.

Sign in with an existing GreatSchools account:

 

Forgot your password?

Forgot your password?

Please enter the email address associated with your account. Instructions for selecting a new password will be emailed to you.

Thank you for submitting a review

Your review has been posted to GreatSchools.

Thank you for submitting a review

Welcome to GreatSchools!

Complete your school's profile

For principals and school officials, we offer a special Enhanced School Profile (ESP) which allows you to update and add information about your school, as well as respond to reviews. If you are a school official, click Continue to start.

You must agree to continue

Thank you for submitting a comment

Please note that it can take up to 48 hours for your comment to be posted to our site. While you're here, we'd like to invite you to fill out a survey on your school's programs, activities, and extracurriculars. It only takes a few minutes and will help parents get a full picture of your school.


No thanks

Your account is now active

Get started now! You have successfully registered and can now start updating your Official School Profile. The information you provide is extremely valuable in helping parents and students learn more about your school, so thanks for taking the time!