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Teacher quality
Principal leadership
Parent involvement
I have a friend who lives in Grand Prairie but sends her kids to Arlington schools. She pays a fee that is not much. We live in Duncanville and would like to send our kids to another school district like Mansfield or Arlington. Does anyone have any information on this?
—Submitted by a parent
I don't know what is going on with Duncanville HS now, but my son graduated in 2009 and went on to Texas A&M University. He will graduate in December 2013. He loved Duncanville HS and I always had a great rapport with his teachers. We moved to Texas from New York, it was a big adjustment but he adapted well, thanks to the curriculum at Duncanville HS.
—Submitted by a parent
My stepson attends this school, he is currently a sophomore and I feel he is not being challenged at all. There are times that he will not have any homework for days. The assignments that he brings home from the teachers often contains grammatical errors and misspelled words, is this the material that the teachers are using to teach their students? The school is extremely over crowded, which makes for overcrowded classrooms. I will be looking to take my child out of this school as soon as he is finished with the 10th grade!
—Submitted by a parent
Because of all the students transferring to Duncanville High this new yr school semester creating overcrowded students in classes. A new school being built would be highly recommended in the near future.
—Submitted by a parent
This school is disappointing. No one answers their phones not even the principal. They don`t call back either. I left a message and sent an email to one of the teachers and they didn`t call back or answer to my emails. I went in person to see if they were available. They were not there and not even the counsler could help me. It is so frustrating to get a hold of someone. My son wanted a school map so I called asking if they could fax me school map. They refused to send me any. I am so displeased with this school. The staff is lazy and refuse to help you when you need to get a hold of someone.
—Submitted by a parent
In may my daughter will graduate and i think all have done a wonderful job... some of the kids are just bad... if u check on your kids you find out things you did not know...go duncanville high.
—Submitted by a parent
This school is the worst school I have ever had to deal with in the last 21 years. I have dealt with schools from a few different states and even schools within the same state, and I have never had as many problems with a school as I have with this school. The counselors don't return your calls, the principles don't return calls nor do the superintendent return calls. When I was in the process of relocating my realtor stated that duncanville isd was the "best" isd in the Dallas area, if this is the best I would hate to see the worst.
—Submitted by a parent
My older son graduated from DHS in 2010 and is majoring in physics and chemistry at University of Texas. He was very well-prepared for college. My younger son will graduate this year and plans to follow the path found in Career and Technology classes. He has found his passion in life and is developing habits to succeed. I am very happy with what this school offers.
—Submitted by Trisha, a parent
Not everyone ia AP program material. Students who are NOT in AP programs are discriminated against. I have found the parents of AP students to be very snobbish!!
—Submitted by a parent
This school prepared my daughter for college. The attention to academics (not just sports) is excellent.
Duncanville's AP program is one of the best program's in the district. We've had students accepted to Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton and etc. I'm lucky to have been affiliated with these gifted and motivated students
—Submitted by a student
I'm a former student of Duncanville and I have to say I loved it. I moved to the Houston area after graduation and when I hear horror stories and how much other people hated high school, I am saddened. High school was wonderful and I am glad I spent my forming years at DHS. GO PANTHERS!
The teachers at this school are amazing they really care about their students.
—Submitted by a parent
DHSis awesome, I went there for 2 years. it is clean, safe, and has good academics.
—Submitted by a student
My child recently graduated Duncanville High school. He attended K-12 in Duncanville. The High School has some real problems. There is no accountability within the administration or the staff, there are a few good teachers but most are seriously lacking. The security there is a joke. 4K students under one roof and no one is in control. DHS is a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. The staff and administration discourage parental involvement. And no one there has the time to deal with any issues. It's a joke. They barely have an 'acceptable' rating.
—Submitted by a parent
My daughter graduated from DHS in 2005. I know it was a great experience for her. Moving from NC to Texas twice I think that the is was a true blessing. She learned more and was exposed to a lot of different things. DHS is an awesome school, keep up the good work.
—Submitted by a parent
I'm an alumni of DHS and I think it's an awesome school. I learned so much from my teachers and peers. The diversity of the students prepares you for the real world. The teachers sincerely care about their students, and there's so many extracurricular activities that leaves no one out. There's a niche for everyone.
I am an alumni of Duncaville H.S. I think it is a great school. It has an awesome curriculum, I didn't think that when I was in school. However now I really appreciate and am grateful for all the wonderful teachers at D'ville High. They do a great job at preparing the students for the 'Real World'. Keep up the great world.
my child is in band, and has been for 5 years previously. she loves it, despite the rigorous program. It encourages working as a team, and excells in musicality, and marching. The concerts are wonderful, and we have enjoyed all of them. the students are challenged to do well, and private teaching is expected for the most part. As for the academics, they seem to be good. My child has some AP and some regular classes. In general, she has found that the aP classes are better, because of better behavior, and the more intense work. As long as the student is prepared to work hard, I believe that they can do well at DHS. As for extracurricular activities, there are many clubs, and many organizations to be involved in: athletics, languages, and others. I have heard that choir is also excellent.
—Submitted by a parent
Duncanville High School is an amazing school. The athletics have been stellar for decades, the band is top-notch, and the pre-professional courses are numerous. There is something for everyone at DHS. Culinary Arts, Drafting, Auto Mechanics, Cosmetics, Hotel and Restaurant Management; the list goes on and on. The academic offerings are great as well. AP and Pre-AP classes have prepared me well. The one 'regular' class I took was not bad either, and that teacher had achieved a perfect score on his SAT. The school is very diverse, and white people are a minority. The dress code is a pain, but in the long run, it doesn't matter what miserable clothing you had to wear in high school. One student in my class achieved a perfect score on his ACT; several students were national merit scholars. The facilities are new and there is something for everyone at DHS.
—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.
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 state average for Math was 70% in 2011.
1003 students were tested at this school in 2011.
2011
2010
2009
2008
The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.
1007 students were tested at this school in 2011.
2011
2010
2009
2008
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.
Source: Texas Education Agency
The state average for English Language Arts was 91% in 2011.
961 students were tested at this school in 2011.
2011
2010
2009
2008
The state average for Math was 74% in 2011.
934 students were tested at this school in 2011.
2011
2010
2009
2008
The state average for Science was 76% in 2011.
933 students were tested at this school in 2011.
2011
2010
2009
2008
The state average for Social Studies was 93% in 2011.
918 students were tested at this school in 2011.
2011
2010
2009
2008
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.
Source: Texas Education Agency
The state average for English Language Arts was 95% in 2011.
764 students were tested at this school in 2011.
2011
2010
2009
2008
The state average for Math was 90% in 2011.
747 students were tested at this school in 2011.
2011
2010
2009
2008
The state average for Science was 91% in 2011.
760 students were tested at this school in 2011.
2011
2010
2009
2008
The state average for Social Studies was 99% in 2011.
761 students were tested at this school in 2011.
2011
2010
2009
2008
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.
Source: Texas Education Agency
| All Students | 55% |
| Female | 57% |
| Male | 53% |
| Black or African American | 50% |
| Asian | 91% |
| Hispanic | 57% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| White | 75% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 52% |
| Not economically disadvantaged | 63% |
| Special education | 9% |
| Not special education | 59% |
| Limited English proficient (LEP) | 32% |
| Proficient in English | 57% |
| Migrant | n/a |
| Non-migrant | 55% |
| Gifted/talented | 98% |
| All Students | 87% |
| Female | 90% |
| Male | 84% |
| Black or African American | 88% |
| Asian | 92% |
| Hispanic | 85% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| White | 94% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 85% |
| Not economically disadvantaged | 92% |
| Special education | 46% |
| Not special education | 90% |
| Limited English proficient (LEP) | 51% |
| Proficient in English | 88% |
| Migrant | n/a |
| Non-migrant | 87% |
| Gifted/talented | 100% |
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.
Source: Texas Education Agency
| All Students | 88% |
| Female | 93% |
| Male | 84% |
| Black or African American | 89% |
| Asian | 92% |
| Hispanic | 84% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | 91% |
| White | 98% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 86% |
| Not economically disadvantaged | 92% |
| Special education | 48% |
| Not special education | 91% |
| Limited English proficient (LEP) | 56% |
| Proficient in English | 90% |
| Migrant | n/a |
| Non-migrant | 88% |
| Gifted/talented | 100% |
| All Students | 60% |
| Female | 60% |
| Male | 61% |
| Black or African American | 57% |
| Asian | 71% |
| Hispanic | 58% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | 45% |
| White | 84% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 56% |
| Not economically disadvantaged | 68% |
| Special education | 17% |
| Not special education | 64% |
| Limited English proficient (LEP) | 35% |
| Proficient in English | 62% |
| Migrant | n/a |
| Non-migrant | 60% |
| Gifted/talented | 96% |
| All Students | 59% |
| Female | 56% |
| Male | 63% |
| Black or African American | 56% |
| Asian | 72% |
| Hispanic | 56% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | 73% |
| White | 89% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 54% |
| Not economically disadvantaged | 70% |
| Special education | 14% |
| Not special education | 63% |
| Limited English proficient (LEP) | 19% |
| Proficient in English | 61% |
| Migrant | n/a |
| Non-migrant | 59% |
| Gifted/talented | 95% |
| All Students | 91% |
| Female | 90% |
| Male | 91% |
| Black or African American | 90% |
| Asian | 91% |
| Hispanic | 90% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | 91% |
| White | 96% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 89% |
| Not economically disadvantaged | 94% |
| Special education | 60% |
| Not special education | 93% |
| Limited English proficient (LEP) | 59% |
| Proficient in English | 92% |
| Migrant | n/a |
| Non-migrant | 91% |
| Gifted/talented | 100% |
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.
Source: Texas Education Agency
| All Students | 95% |
| Female | 96% |
| Male | 93% |
| Black or African American | 96% |
| Asian | 96% |
| Hispanic | 93% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | 100% |
| White | 98% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 94% |
| Not economically disadvantaged | 96% |
| Special education | 78% |
| Not special education | 96% |
| Limited English proficient (LEP) | 50% |
| Proficient in English | 96% |
| Migrant | n/a |
| Non-migrant | 95% |
| Gifted/talented | 100% |
| All Students | 82% |
| Female | 80% |
| Male | 84% |
| Black or African American | 79% |
| Asian | 81% |
| Hispanic | 83% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | 80% |
| White | 95% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 81% |
| Not economically disadvantaged | 84% |
| Special education | 51% |
| Not special education | 85% |
| Limited English proficient (LEP) | 40% |
| Proficient in English | 83% |
| Migrant | n/a |
| Non-migrant | 82% |
| Gifted/talented | 100% |
| All Students | 82% |
| Female | 80% |
| Male | 85% |
| Black or African American | 83% |
| Asian | 96% |
| Hispanic | 78% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | 80% |
| White | 93% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 79% |
| Not economically disadvantaged | 87% |
| Special education | 39% |
| Not special education | 86% |
| Limited English proficient (LEP) | 30% |
| Proficient in English | 83% |
| Migrant | n/a |
| Non-migrant | 82% |
| Gifted/talented | 100% |
| All Students | 97% |
| Female | 97% |
| Male | 97% |
| Black or African American | 96% |
| Asian | 100% |
| Hispanic | 97% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | 100% |
| White | 100% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 96% |
| Not economically disadvantaged | 99% |
| Special education | 82% |
| Not special education | 99% |
| Limited English proficient (LEP) | 85% |
| Proficient in English | 98% |
| Migrant | n/a |
| Non-migrant | 97% |
| Gifted/talented | 100% |
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.
Source: Texas Education Agency
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.
Source: Texas Education Agency
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 »
Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
All students
Female
Male
All students
African American
Asian
Hispanic
Native American
White
All students
Economically disadvantaged
Not economically disadvantaged
Special education
Not special education
English language learners
Proficient in English
Non-migrant
Gifted/talented
All students
| Ethnicity | This school | State average | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 48% | 13% | ||
| Hispanic | 39% | 50% | ||
| White | 9% | 31% | ||
| Asian | 3% | 3% | ||
| American Indian/Alaska Native | 1% | 0% | ||
| Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander | 0% | 0% | ||
| Two or more races | 0% | 2% |
| This school | District average | State average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special education | 11% | N/A | 10% |
| Gifted/talented students | 7% | N/A | 8% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 51% | N/A | 55% |
| Limited English proficient (LEP) | 5% | N/A | 17% |
| This school | District average | State average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per FTE teacher | 17 | N/A | 15 |
| This school | District average | State average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginning teachers | 1% | N/A | 8% |
| 1 to 5 years | 33% | N/A | 30% |
| 6 to 10 years | 19% | N/A | 20% |
| 11 to 20 years | 23% | N/A | 23% |
| 21 or more years | 24% | N/A | 19% |


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