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Idea College Preparatory

Charter | 6-12 | 805 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars


Teacher quality

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9 reviews of this school


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Posted December 12, 2009

IDEA College Preparatory just received the honor of top school in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, the school was just rated 13th in the whole USA (up from 19th last year) out of 21,000 schools. It is number 1 in our region, 1st charter school in Texas, 3rd charter school in the whole USA, and 2nd Open Enrolment (Not Selective entry) school in the US. Absolutely the BEST school in the region for my daughter who will graduate this year. Don't listen to the drop-outs who write bad reviews and prefer to party than study! They will get the future they earn. A bright future is worth working hard for!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 8, 2009

This school has changed my daughter's grades tremendously! She has learned alot ever since we withdrawed her from her previous school. It took a while to get her here, but it was worth it.


Posted October 20, 2009

This school is not for everyone. It is for anyone willing to work hard with the goal of preparing to excel in college and life. No excuses is the mantra, because everyone has excuses for why they didn't reach their potential. I have seen too many students decide to change their future at this school to give into excuses anymore. As an IDEA parent, spouse of an IDEA teacher and someone wanting to see education in America improve, I am glad to see a school requiring students and parents take responsibility for their education! We should demand more from all our schools, it's our tax dollars.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 6, 2009

For those kids who left idea and the parents who gave in to their whims and whining because it was to much work; over 3000 kids on waiting lists trying to get in to pick up where they left off.Great job admin /teachers.All that extra work and prep that my my kids do now will pay off for them when they get to university and dead lines have to be met for papers/projects and exams are around the corner.Thanks
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 20, 2009

Idea Academy can change your children lives forever with a good education and a goal to get into a four or more year college to become some of the greatest people of all time.
—Submitted by a student


Posted December 26, 2008

Idea College Prep in Donna, focuses on just keeping the kids busy and not teaching them the things they should be learning. Science Academy is a much better learning environment.
—Submitted by a student


Posted December 6, 2008

I had my daughter in a private school before I transferred her to IDEA. We are very happy with the staff, I feel that the teachers treat students like people with real needs and I like the fact that the teachers are readily available via phone for homework help. I highly recommend this school to any parent that is looking for a school that cares for the student academics and socially. They are very friendly people with high expectations but will also do anything to help the students get there. Good Job IDEA Staff.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 26, 2008

Guys, I attended 5th Grade, I am now in 8th grade in a regular school. Idea is horrible. So much stress. 3 hours of homework. No gym at the time, though it has one now. If you have a 7th through 10th grader I do not recommend it is the worst mistake that I have made in my life by going there.
—Submitted by a student


Posted February 13, 2008

this school is very challenging but comes down to a great reward yes we have longer school days and longer semesters (9 wks instead of 6wks)we go on field trips like the syphony the lab a real lab i might add and the library
—Submitted by a student


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.

121 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
80%

2008

 
 
91%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2011.

121 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
90%

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 81% in 2011.

121 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
90%

2008

 
 
90%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 86% in 2011.

121 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
92%

2008

 
 
95%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 94% in 2011.

122 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
98%

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 73% in 2011.

114 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
96%

2008

 
 
90%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2011.

114 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
99%

2008

 
 
100%
Science

The state average for Science was 79% in 2011.

113 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
96%

2008

 
 
93%
Social Studies

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

113 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
99%
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 70% in 2011.

114 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
89%

2008

 
 
86%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

113 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
97%

2008

 
 
97%
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.

111 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
97%
Math

The state average for Math was 74% in 2011.

112 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
89%

2008

 
 
89%
Science

The state average for Science was 76% in 2011.

112 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
86%

2008

 
 
79%
Social Studies

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

110 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
99%
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.

102 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
98%
Math

The state average for Math was 90% in 2011.

101 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
95%

2008

 
 
94%
Science

The state average for Science was 91% in 2011.

101 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
96%
Social Studies

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

100 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 Students91%
Female89%
Male93%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic91%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged90%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education92%
Limited English proficient (LEP)81%
Proficient in English91%
Non-migrant91%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Reading

All Students94%
Female95%
Male93%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic94%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged94%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education96%
Limited English proficient (LEP)88%
Proficient in English95%
Non-migrant94%
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 Students90%
Female89%
Male91%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic90%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged91%
Not economically disadvantaged86%
Special education60%
Not special education91%
Limited English proficient (LEP)89%
Proficient in English90%
Non-migrant90%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Reading

All Students96%
Female98%
Male93%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic96%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged96%
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Special education33%
Not special education99%
Limited English proficient (LEP)89%
Proficient in English97%
Non-migrant96%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Writing

All Students96%
Female100%
Male92%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic96%
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged95%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education60%
Not special education97%
Limited English proficient (LEP)80%
Proficient in English99%
Non-migrant96%
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 Students93%
Female90%
Male96%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic93%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged93%
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Special educationn/a
Not special education93%
Limited English proficient (LEP)90%
Proficient in English94%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant93%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Reading

All Students97%
Female100%
Male94%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic97%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged97%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education99%
Limited English proficient (LEP)90%
Proficient in English98%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant97%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Science

All Students93%
Female92%
Male94%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic93%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged92%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education80%
Not special education94%
Limited English proficient (LEP)90%
Proficient in English94%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant93%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Social Studies

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 education100%
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
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 Students85%
Female95%
Male73%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic85%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged83%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Special education29%
Not special education89%
Limited English proficient (LEP)88%
Proficient in English84%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant85%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Reading

All Students96%
Female100%
Male92%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic96%
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged97%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Special education60%
Not special education98%
Limited English proficient (LEP)88%
Proficient in English97%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant96%
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

English Language Arts

All Students93%
Female95%
Male90%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic93%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged93%
Not economically disadvantaged90%
Special educationn/a
Not special education95%
Limited English proficient (LEP)67%
Proficient in English94%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant93%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Math

All Students95%
Female98%
Male90%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic95%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged94%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education95%
Limited English proficient (LEP)43%
Proficient in English98%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant94%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Science

All Students92%
Female95%
Male88%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic93%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged91%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education93%
Limited English proficient (LEP)29%
Proficient in English97%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant92%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Social Studies

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/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

English Language Arts

All Students99%
Female98%
Male100%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic99%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged99%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English99%
Non-migrant99%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Math

All Students99%
Female100%
Male97%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic99%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged99%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English99%
Non-migrant99%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Science

All Students98%
Female98%
Male97%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic98%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged98%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education98%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English98%
Non-migrant98%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Social Studies

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%
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

  • 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 98% 48%
White 2% 34%
Asian/Pacific Islander 1% 4%
American Indian/Alaska Native N/A 0%
Black 0% 14%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 5%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 6%N/A8%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 13%N/A17%
Economically disadvantaged 78%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 21%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 47%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 18%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 10%N/A23%
21 or more years 5%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

401 S 1st St
Donna, TX 78537
Website: Click here
Phone: (956) 464-0203

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