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GreatSchools Rating

Margaret Taylor Smith Elementary School

Public | PK-6 | 544 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

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

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5 reviews of this school


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Posted February 24, 2013

Imagine having an elementary school teacher that leaves school early for weeks on end; and then takes a month off during the year for lapband surgery? The principal does NOTHING. This place is run like the post office, and the kids are the ones that suffer. For a community that spends as much as it does on schools; there is no accountability here.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 16, 2012

The atmosphere when you walk in the door is rarely friendly. Often, it is cold, distant, fake, even rude. The best I have heard it described was as neutral, but many find it off-putting. Many parents and professionals in the community found that they do not want people to visit the classroom outside of things like field day and parties. Observation is strongly discouraged. There were also concerns about the behavior and conduct of a few staff members. After a full school year and a partial school year, I am so thankful to be done with that school. My children now attend a much better school in which we had none of these types of issues or concerns.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 22, 2010

Smith is a great school. It is brand new. I had 2 students attend there last year, and 1 this year. Last year my 6th grader really enjoyed both of her teachers, especially her reading teacher. This year my 4th grader loves her teacher, too. Smith is a great place to be!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 11, 2009

Very good school. We are leaving going back to Blackburn, but with nothing but the fondest memories of Smith.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 11, 2009

I'm very impressed with Smith Elemntary. My 1st grade son has received a challenging education with teachers and a principal that really care about a quality of education and structure. WC
—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.

74 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
94%

2008

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

74 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
96%

2008

 
 
n/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.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Math

The state average for Math was 88% in 2011.

64 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
87%

2008

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2011.

63 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
85%

2008

 
 
n/a
Writing

The state average for Writing was 90% in 2011.

63 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
90%

2008

 
 
n/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.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Math

The state average for Math was 81% in 2011.

68 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
95%

2008

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 82% in 2011.

67 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
97%

2008

 
 
n/a
Science

The state average for Science was 87% in 2011.

65 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
94%

2008

 
 
n/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.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Math

The state average for Math was 83% in 2011.

55 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
93%

2008

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2011.

56 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
93%

2008

 
 
n/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.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Math

All Students91%
Female96%
Male87%
Black or African American81%
Asiann/a
Hispanic89%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged81%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Special educationn/a
Not special education92%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English90%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant91%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Reading

All Students93%
Female96%
Male91%
Black or African American94%
Asiann/a
Hispanic89%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged87%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Special educationn/a
Not special education94%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English93%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant93%
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 Students92%
Female90%
Male94%
Black or African American80%
Asiann/a
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White92%
Economically disadvantaged93%
Not economically disadvantaged91%
Special educationn/a
Not special education95%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English92%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant92%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Reading

All Students87%
Female87%
Male88%
Black or African American90%
Asiann/a
Hispanic86%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White86%
Economically disadvantaged87%
Not economically disadvantaged88%
Special educationn/a
Not special education90%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English88%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant87%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Writing

All Students95%
Female97%
Male94%
Black or African American100%
Asiann/a
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White92%
Economically disadvantaged97%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Special educationn/a
Not special education97%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English95%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant95%
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%
Female93%
Male93%
Black or African American77%
Asiann/a
Hispanic92%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged81%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education92%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English92%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant93%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Reading

All Students94%
Female100%
Male90%
Black or African American85%
Asiann/a
Hispanic92%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged88%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Special educationn/a
Not special education94%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English94%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant94%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Science

All Students95%
Female96%
Male95%
Black or African American93%
Asiann/a
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged92%
Not economically disadvantaged97%
Special educationn/a
Not special education95%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English95%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant95%
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 Students96%
Female94%
Male100%
Black or African American91%
Asiann/a
Hispanic90%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged95%
Not economically disadvantaged97%
Special educationn/a
Not special education96%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English98%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant96%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Reading

All Students89%
Female91%
Male88%
Black or African American91%
Asiann/a
Hispanic80%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White93%
Economically disadvantaged90%
Not economically disadvantaged89%
Special education60%
Not special education92%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English92%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant89%
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 "Recognized".
  • In 2009-2010, this school was rated "Recognized".
  • 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
White 59% 34%
Hispanic 23% 48%
Black 16% 14%
Asian/Pacific Islander 2% 4%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 15N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

1750 Iron Gate Blvd
Forney, TX 75126
Phone: (469) 762-4158

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