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GreatSchools Rating

Duncanville High School

Public | 9-12 | 3884 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 3 ratings
2012:
Based on 4 ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
Based on 3 ratings

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52 reviews of this school


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Posted August 28, 2007

I jus recently graduated from Duncanville High School, and I'm glad that I graduated from Duncanville High School. Even though they focused on our dress code more than anything, the teachers and staff there made sure that we got the education we needed, and they made sure that we were ready for the world. Parents, you should be glad and honored that your child is attending and graduating from Duncanville.
—Submitted by a student


Posted April 6, 2007

I think Duncanville is the worst school I have every seen in my 10 years as a resident in Texas. The school is lacking in text books,art materials,academics program material necessary for students to succeed. Its a shame a brand new library doesn't have books to fill its shelves.More money is spent in football,basketball, sports over all than any other educational needs. The TASK test is part of the problem because teacher instruct how to pass testing
—Submitted by James Cahalan, a parent


Posted February 25, 2007

I am currently attending Duncanville High School. Its a good school, but it could use some changes. The staff concentrates more than it should on dress code. It feels like they are trying to make us grow up faster than we should. The classes are great, although they should check on the teachers to see if they are actually teaching (a problem that I had with a class first semester). There is less security for such a large school, and often the officers are rude. Overall, I think Duncanville High is a good place to send your kids. They will get the education needed in order to be successful.
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 20, 2006

My daughter graduated from DHS four years ago & was well prepared for a major university. Now my son is a freshman. The AP academics and extracurricular activities are excellent; if your child will work the system, he can get well prepared for college or a skill. The school is so big, you have to help your child find a niche, to become a bigger 'fish' in a somewhat smaller 'pond'. All the challenges of a big school in a multi-cultural city offer opportunities for your child to get used to & deal with the real world. Only a parent can tell whether the child will thrive or get lost or misdirected. DHS can be a place for a great education!
—Submitted by Karen Hall, a parent


Posted September 19, 2006

This is one of the best public schools I've seen. Kids complain about the dress code, but it helps bring order to the school and improves discipline. The band program may be the best in the country. I feel it is one of the most important 'subjects' my children take. They learn self-discipline, what it takes to be a top winner, and individual excellence while working as a group. Dr. Shine develops a tremendous esprit de corps and pride in hard work that brings a job well done. Most of the teachers my five children have had were excellent. A very few were not so good. A. Perkins
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 9, 2006

I just recently graduated from Duncanville on June 2, 2006. I have been in the Duncanville school system since the fourth grade. Every school has its ups and downs. I believe that DHS is one of the best high schools in the surrounding Dallas area. I feel very confident in my college studies and consider myself more mature than the other students at my school. The only way for your child to get proper education at any school is for them to have plenty of parental support. As a psychology major, I know that misbehavior comes from lack of attention at home or some other internal pain. Become a supportive parent and you will have nothing to worry about.
—Submitted by Amisha Atchison, a former student


Posted July 12, 2006

I was a student at Duncanville High from 2003-2005 and I loved it. Being a Caucasian student it was wonderful making new friends and learning so much about other cultures. I truly believe the school is what you make it, I was out-going and it paid off with lots of great friends and good relationships with my teachers. I am enrolling in medical university this fall and DHS helped prepare me for success. It is important to be cheerful and to keep your chin up and I think any student can succeed. Devon bell
—Submitted by a former student


Posted July 12, 2006

The faculty focuses more on dress code violations and not enough time on academics. The school would rather send students home for minor infractions instead of educating them. I guess for the school this eases the problem of overcrowding as this is the only High School in the Duncanville school district...
—Submitted by Rhae Bush, a parent


Posted July 1, 2006

I personally went to duncanville high school and hated every minute of it. The administration concentrates more on guidelines and codes, and could care a less about how the students feel. I hated this high school. God bless your child if he/she has to attend this school.
—Submitted by a former student


Posted June 5, 2006

Great school! Administration is awesome! Teacher communicate high expectations and provide instruction that is rigorous and relevant.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted May 11, 2006

my daughter is in the ninth grade at duncanville high. I am very pleased with the public schools in the dallas area. She enjoys going to school at Duncanville and has learned much more than she would have learned in the New orleans school system. Thank God for change.Thank you Duncanville.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 9, 2006

Academic programs are exceptional. Sports programs are based on favortism, limited opportunities.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 9, 2006

School is wonderful with a lot of programs that are offered. Schools are very involved and caring. School has wonderful special education department.
—Submitted by Desiree Galloway, a parent


Posted February 5, 2006

Its a great school for your child to attend.
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 26, 2005

I've had two sons attend DHS for all 4 years of their High School. The school has been exceptional for them. There are excellent, many and varied extracuricular activities and classes. The band program and all athletic programs we know of first hand are outstanding. The Advanced Placement Program is outstanding. Both of my children have been in several of these classes each year and have gained many hours of college credit as well as excellent study skills and an excellent education. My oldest son is graduating from Baylor Univ in just three years, with 20 extra hours, and has had an easy time with his college studies (has 4.0)--he credits this with having the DHS AP classes. Teachers and principals are great, in- volved in students lives, and know us by name! The school could use more parental involvement--most schools could. The school has beautiful, new facilities.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 15, 2005

I like that they give out progress reports every 3 weeks so that I can see how my child is doing. But their classrooms are all overfilled. My child has almost 40 kids in her English class.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 8, 2005

I am satisfied with this school for my children.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 18, 2005

This school is ridiculous. Too many students and not enough security. Be careful before sending your kids yere.
—Submitted by Rochelle German, a parent


Posted August 14, 2005

I've only been living here a short while and I am impressed withe the schools academic and fine arts departments. My child is very excited to be a part of the Schools alma mater.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 17, 2005

i am a current student. the school has a large student body so the district is adding on and giving us more space. that's making it easier to learn in the classes. the EC activities are great for those students who participates. the majority of the teachers get their jobs done. security in and out of the school can be a little harsh. most consequences and repercussions effects all of the students and not just the one that need to be punished. overall its an all right school.
—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 70% in 2011.

1003 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
55%

2010

 
 
58%

2009

 
 
55%

2008

 
 
56%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

1007 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
84%

2008

 
 
85%
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.

961 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
80%

2008

 
 
75%
Math

The state average for Math was 74% in 2011.

934 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
60%

2010

 
 
53%

2009

 
 
46%

2008

 
 
45%
Science

The state average for Science was 76% in 2011.

933 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
59%

2010

 
 
52%

2009

 
 
48%

2008

 
 
47%
Social Studies

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

918 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
82%

2008

 
 
79%
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.

764 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
92%

2008

 
 
88%
Math

The state average for Math was 90% in 2011.

747 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
73%

2008

 
 
63%
Science

The state average for Science was 91% in 2011.

760 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
76%

2008

 
 
65%
Social Studies

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

761 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
95%

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

All Students55%
Female57%
Male53%
Black or African American50%
Asian91%
Hispanic57%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White75%
Economically disadvantaged52%
Not economically disadvantaged63%
Special education9%
Not special education59%
Limited English proficient (LEP)32%
Proficient in English57%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant55%
Gifted/talented98%

Reading

All Students87%
Female90%
Male84%
Black or African American88%
Asian92%
Hispanic85%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White94%
Economically disadvantaged85%
Not economically disadvantaged92%
Special education46%
Not special education90%
Limited English proficient (LEP)51%
Proficient in English88%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant87%
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 Students88%
Female93%
Male84%
Black or African American89%
Asian92%
Hispanic84%
American Indian or Alaska Native91%
White98%
Economically disadvantaged86%
Not economically disadvantaged92%
Special education48%
Not special education91%
Limited English proficient (LEP)56%
Proficient in English90%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant88%
Gifted/talented100%

Math

All Students60%
Female60%
Male61%
Black or African American57%
Asian71%
Hispanic58%
American Indian or Alaska Native45%
White84%
Economically disadvantaged56%
Not economically disadvantaged68%
Special education17%
Not special education64%
Limited English proficient (LEP)35%
Proficient in English62%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant60%
Gifted/talented96%

Science

All Students59%
Female56%
Male63%
Black or African American56%
Asian72%
Hispanic56%
American Indian or Alaska Native73%
White89%
Economically disadvantaged54%
Not economically disadvantaged70%
Special education14%
Not special education63%
Limited English proficient (LEP)19%
Proficient in English61%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant59%
Gifted/talented95%

Social Studies

All Students91%
Female90%
Male91%
Black or African American90%
Asian91%
Hispanic90%
American Indian or Alaska Native91%
White96%
Economically disadvantaged89%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Special education60%
Not special education93%
Limited English proficient (LEP)59%
Proficient in English92%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant91%
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 Students95%
Female96%
Male93%
Black or African American96%
Asian96%
Hispanic93%
American Indian or Alaska Native100%
White98%
Economically disadvantaged94%
Not economically disadvantaged96%
Special education78%
Not special education96%
Limited English proficient (LEP)50%
Proficient in English96%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant95%
Gifted/talented100%

Math

All Students82%
Female80%
Male84%
Black or African American79%
Asian81%
Hispanic83%
American Indian or Alaska Native80%
White95%
Economically disadvantaged81%
Not economically disadvantaged84%
Special education51%
Not special education85%
Limited English proficient (LEP)40%
Proficient in English83%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant82%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students82%
Female80%
Male85%
Black or African American83%
Asian96%
Hispanic78%
American Indian or Alaska Native80%
White93%
Economically disadvantaged79%
Not economically disadvantaged87%
Special education39%
Not special education86%
Limited English proficient (LEP)30%
Proficient in English83%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant82%
Gifted/talented100%

Social Studies

All Students97%
Female97%
Male97%
Black or African American96%
Asian100%
Hispanic97%
American Indian or Alaska Native100%
White100%
Economically disadvantaged96%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education82%
Not special education99%
Limited English proficient (LEP)85%
Proficient in English98%
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 "Academically Acceptable".
  • 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
Black 50% 14%
Hispanic 36% 48%
White 11% 34%
Asian/Pacific Islander 3% 4%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 11%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 7%N/A8%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 5%N/A17%
Economically disadvantaged 51%N/A55%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 17N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Beginning teachers 1%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 33%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 19%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 23%N/A23%
21 or more years 24%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

900 W Camp Wisdom
Duncanville, TX 75116
Phone: (972) 708-3700

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