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Kathryn Wolfe Criswell Elementary School

Public | K-6 | 551 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars


Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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7 reviews of this school


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Posted April 30, 2013

We are fairly new to this school and my husband and I love it (not to mention my son who is in the 2nd grade). The principal really seems to care about the students achievement, the office staff is super helpful and very friendly and welcoming, and the school's atmosphere seems to be one conducive to learning. My son looks forward to more years with this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 23, 2006

This is our second year at Criswell. We feel very blessed to have the teachers we have had. We are very excited about the new principal, he seems to really care about the students. I would love to see more rewards and insentives for good behavior and hard work. Kids love to feel they are noticed for their good behavior or work!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 7, 2006

Criswell has a new principal this year. The atmosphere is very positive and energetic. The kids actually want to be at school this year!
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted September 5, 2006

I have 2 children at this school. One is in 6th and the other is in 1st. I have not had a single problem with any of the teachers (k-6), office staff, or principals. The only real negative thing that I have to say about Criswell is that it has been neglected by FISD Main office. Overall this is a great school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 24, 2006

We are new to the school and so far it's OK but not the best. The office staff is not overly friendly. The teachers seem ok but not spectacular. The traffic dropping off and picking up children is a nightmare!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 6, 2006

The academic programs for this school are severly lacking. My child could barely add going in to the 4th grade. All students going into the 4th grade knew very little cursive writing. They really 'dumb down' the students in this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 5, 2005

We now Home-school our children and that should be self explanatory.
—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.

66 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
95%

2008

 
 
92%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

66 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
89%

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

Math

The state average for Math was 88% in 2011.

86 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
93%

2008

 
 
92%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2011.

86 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
89%

2008

 
 
84%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 90% in 2011.

86 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
90%

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

The state average for Math was 81% in 2011.

83 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
86%

2008

 
 
94%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 82% in 2011.

83 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
90%

2008

 
 
96%
Science

The state average for Science was 87% in 2011.

82 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
97%

2008

 
 
87%
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.

94 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
90%

2008

 
 
95%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2011.

94 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
99%

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

All Students94%
Female94%
Male94%
Black or African American100%
Asiann/a
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White91%
Economically disadvantaged88%
Not economically disadvantaged96%
Special education71%
Not special education97%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English94%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant94%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Reading

All Students89%
Female89%
Male90%
Black or African American100%
Asiann/a
Hispanic88%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White87%
Economically disadvantaged82%
Not economically disadvantaged92%
Special education57%
Not special education93%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English91%
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

Math

All Students92%
Female89%
Male95%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic95%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White90%
Economically disadvantaged88%
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Special educationn/a
Not special education93%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English93%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant92%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Reading

All Students94%
Female96%
Male92%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic90%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White95%
Economically disadvantaged96%
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Special educationn/a
Not special education95%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English95%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant94%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Writing

All Students94%
Female94%
Male95%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic90%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White95%
Economically disadvantaged92%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Special educationn/a
Not special education95%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English94%
Migrantn/a
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 Students96%
Female94%
Male98%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic92%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged82%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education100%
Not special education96%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English96%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant96%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Reading

All Students96%
Female97%
Male96%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic92%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White98%
Economically disadvantaged88%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Special education100%
Not special education96%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English96%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant96%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Science

All Students96%
Female97%
Male96%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic92%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White98%
Economically disadvantaged88%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Special educationn/a
Not special education96%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English96%
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

Math

All Students91%
Female98%
Male86%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic86%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White94%
Economically disadvantaged96%
Not economically disadvantaged90%
Special educationn/a
Not special education92%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English91%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant91%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students95%
Female98%
Male92%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic86%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged96%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
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

  • 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
White 77% 34%
Hispanic 17% 48%
Black 5% 14%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 0%
Asian/Pacific Islander 1% 4%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 9%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 3%N/A8%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 3%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 6%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 36%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 21%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 24%N/A23%
21 or more years 12%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

401 Hwy 740 N
Forney, TX 75126
Phone: (972) 564-1609

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