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GreatSchools Rating

Polk Elementary School

Public | PK-5 | 583 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

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

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16 reviews of this school


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Posted January 9, 2013

Both my kids go to this school and I am happy to say that they are reaching their greatest potential. The GT program teachers are phenomenal. I like the feeling of a small community school. I strongly recommend this school. The principal, teachers, and parents work together to make this school Excellent.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 19, 2012

My 3 kids been attending Polk for over 4 yrs ,and all I have to say is that this is the best school.the principle and teacher are always trying to solve any issues or concerns.The only bad thing that I've seen in the last couple of years is that us parents our just complaining a good school is made of good teachers as well as students and most of all us the parents .Polk been known for parent involvement unfortunate this has dropped,in the pass 2 yrs.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 17, 2011

This school has become such a disappointment, I'm at my wits end waiting for the school year to end. This school really ruined not only my faith in the public school system, but my son s as well. My child went from being excited to go to school and graduating with his childhood friends being discouraged by the entire school system and not caring even to finish off the year. I DO NOT recommend this school. For those of us who like to be involved in our children's education it and get regular feedback on their progress, and expect their children to be treated with respect and fairness this is not a desirable school for you. Not only that but their curriculum is backwards they are tested on material before it is ever sent home for review and teachers freely mis-grade students with no penalties.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 24, 2008

Moving from out-of-state, all research stated that Polk Elementary is the best. Unfortunately all research is based solely on test scores, not an all-around education. I find Polk to be very unfriendly and unknowing in the entire administrative department. Although very stand-offish and cold, the principal addressed our concerns and our child was moved from the initial assigned class to another more appropriate classroom. 95 percent of the teachers are warm and caring - what is wrong with the administartion?
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 15, 2008

The Principal is more concerned in maintaining her school's good standing with test scores than addressing complaints from parents regarding the Teacher. The Teacher we have is very disorganized and is not teaching my kid to the best of her abilities. I am very disappointed in this school and feels she is not getting as good of an education as the other schools we've attended.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 6, 2008

The schools in El Paso are not the best in our country. They are under funded, under staffed and not supplied with everything they need to help every child overcome learning issues. This school is the only exemplary elementary school in town. Does that make them perfect? - NO. Every school has issues that are not resolved to the parents liking, mine included. This school, however, has been consistently excellent for years and years. Budget or no budget. But remember.. Parents are always the key to a child success. It is not just the school. (See May 16, 2007 comment)
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 12, 2008

'I am disappointed in the school's administrators, and their so called 'importance.' The teachers along with the Principal and Vice-principal. I can't wait till my child goes to Tippin.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 11, 2007

This is our first year as a Polk Panther family. Some things are good with this school, others are not so great. The staff is excellent, and very caring. My daughter is learning a great deal. There is no longer a music or art program officially in the curriculum, though once a month parents can volunteer to bring art and music to the classroom. The students are pushed to excel, which is not necessarily a bad thing. The PTA here is above and beyond good, and they are responsible for alot of projects and fun things for the kids that go on throughout the year. But, at times, I feel like I am in a constant fundraiser at functions. I wonder where all our excessive property taxes go? School lunches are somewhat disgusting, so I would brown bag it if you like your kids healthy. Cheeseburgers are a frequent guest on the menu.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 13, 2007

We were at Polk the last two years and It has been the worst school any of my kids have ever attended. There is no communication sent home from the teachers about what is going on in the classroom with different subjects during the week. We were very disappointed that our kids are not getting as good of an education here that they have gotten in other parts of the country.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 12, 2007

My son has attended Polk for 3 years and I have to say that it is one of best schools in El Paso. Classes are challenging and teachers are dedicated and really care. The only down side is the lack of structured/dedicated art, music, and science curriculum. Also I was shocked when I found out that they didn t teach Spanish, a critical knowledge in such a multicultural city. I believe that Spanish instruction is currently being taught for children now entering kindergarten.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 15, 2005

Super school. Our daughter just finished 2nd-5th grades and we could not have been happier. Small school enviroment with a super music program. Overall curriculum good - G/T program not as strong as in other schools but they have instituted program changes to bring it more current. Parental involvement very high with the PTA providing great monetary returns to the students.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 26, 2005

Polk Elementary is an exceptional school. From the teachers to the staff, everyone is dedicated to the students that attend this special little school. Parents are welcomed and abundant. The teachers are caring and cooperative. My son attended this school for almost two years and he misses it very much.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 3, 2005

We've been at Polk for 4 yrs now, and have loved it. My child has learned so much, loves school, and consistently performs well. We'll miss our Polk family!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 19, 2005

My son started KG in this school now he is in 1st and me and my wife are happy with his improvement. I would suggest to join kids in this school because all the staff are friendly.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 7, 2004

So far, I have been impressed by my son's Kindergarten Teacher. She is sensitive to each child's needs, and open to suggestions and ideas. Walking through the halls at Polk, I have sensed a positive atmosphere by teachers, students, and parents; the Principal is the key to this school's success!
—Submitted by H. R. Rolins, a parent


Posted August 17, 2004

Since sending my children to this school I have nothing but praise for them. The staff is wonderful! My daughters are doing so well now, the teachers take the time to make sure the students comprehend what they are doing. Overall this is the best school my children have ever attended.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 87% in 2011.

97 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
99%

2008

 
 
96%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

97 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
98%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Math

The state average for Math was 88% in 2011.

110 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
94%

2008

 
 
100%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2011.

110 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
95%

2008

 
 
91%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 90% in 2011.

109 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
96%

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

Math

The state average for Math was 81% in 2011.

92 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
98%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 82% in 2011.

92 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
98%
Science

The state average for Science was 87% in 2011.

92 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
97%

2008

 
 
89%
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 Students99%
Female98%
Male100%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic99%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged97%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education100%
Not special education99%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English99%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant99%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students97%
Female98%
Male95%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic96%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged93%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education100%
Not special education97%
Limited English proficient (LEP)92%
Proficient in English99%
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

Math

All Students98%
Female98%
Male98%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic99%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White96%
Economically disadvantaged97%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education83%
Not special education99%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English97%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant98%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students95%
Female95%
Male96%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic95%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White96%
Economically disadvantaged92%
Not economically disadvantaged97%
Special education83%
Not special education96%
Limited English proficient (LEP)90%
Proficient in English95%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant95%
Gifted/talented100%

Writing

All Students99%
Female98%
Male100%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White96%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education100%
Not special education99%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English99%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant99%
Gifted/talented100%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Texas Education Agency; if there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Math

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students98%
Female100%
Male96%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic97%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged97%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Special educationn/a
Not special education99%
Limited English proficient (LEP)82%
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant98%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students98%
Female100%
Male96%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic97%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged97%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Special educationn/a
Not special education98%
Limited English proficient (LEP)91%
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant98%
Gifted/talented100%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Texas Education Agency; if there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

  • 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 67% 48%
White 28% 34%
Asian/Pacific Islander 4% 4%
Black 1% 14%
American Indian/Alaska Native N/A 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 5%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 9%N/A8%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 22%N/A17%
Economically disadvantaged 23%N/A55%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 16N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Beginning teachers 0%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 13%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 21%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 40%N/A23%
21 or more years 27%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

940 Belvidere St
El Paso, TX 79912
Website: Click here
Phone: (915) 832-6970

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