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GreatSchools Rating

Garland High School

Public | 9-12 | 2666 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
Based on 3 ratings
2010:
Based on 2 ratings

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20 reviews of this school


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Posted December 17, 2012

If you are not in IB or an Athlete, avoid this school. Teachers, faculty, and administrators alike have no interest in you if you are not throwing a ball or (attempting) to get an IB diploma. As an AP student, I was insulted on at least 2 different occasions for "not being as smart" as IB students. The school is very segregated as well and, considering that GISD has a choice of school, I would suggest picking another school in the district if at all possible.
—Submitted by a student


Posted December 29, 2011

I am a former student at Garland High School and i would like to say that this school is one of the BEST high schools. This school has so much spirit and history behind it something that other schools don't really have. I'm glad to say when i grow up that i attended Garland High School. It might be the oldest but to me its not about the looks its about how the school i ran. This school is really consider a family they work together not by one individual but as a big team. I'm in the performing arts program and think its awesome and fun we are really a talented school. I am looking forward to my next 3 years at GHS and i know it will be a good three years.
—Submitted by a student


Posted May 16, 2011

Three of my four sons graduated from Garland High school and i love it. The school spirit is infectious but more than that the education was far above what I have seen in other high schools in the area. I credit this to the International Baccalaureate program. Some of the same teachers of this program also teach AP courses. My sons were well prepared for college. The one who attended the IB program entered Texas Tech as a sophomore and the other two only needed one semester to become college sophomores. There is plenty of opportunity at this school to take advantage of.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 25, 2011

I can't begin to tell you how much I love this school. I have one kid in band and one in color guard and they get so much from it. There is a true family atmosphere with the band and they do so many special things for the kids. Parent participation makes the program even better. There are some really great teachers that are a bit off the beaten path. Unique. My kids learn best from those kinds of teachers. I am blessed that my kids are going to this school and have 2 more that I am grooming to be Owls in the future. The day my last child leaves this school will be a sad day for me.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 14, 2010

Garland High School is extremely challenging academically, athletically, and the talent of these students is unlimited. The diversity of GHS is one I've never seen in any high school across the nation. But as part of a close-knit team that competes all over the state, I learned other schools did not like our unique culture and school spirit. Several students from other schools admitted it was because they were surprised and a bit jealous of such a close-knit albeit crazy community. While it is not perfect, most of the teachers are offbeat, unique, and teach what is truly important. I'd never change schools.
—Submitted by a student


Posted March 24, 2010

Hi i was a Student in Garland High School and i have to say that the Teachers and Principals were Great helpers towards me not because they where my teachers or principlas but i had a special thing for all of them... they were Great,,, Thank You Guys
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 5, 2008

I am a parent of two students at Garland High, one a full IB the other partial IB with a Performing Arts Endorsement. GHS is the best high school in the district, with the least amount of discipline problems and the greatest diversity in the student body. The administration and faculty are very strict about dress code and ethics, which sets GHS apart from the rest. Strict policies (even if I don't agree with all) are necessary to mold a student into the best person they can be. Both my students have been in band, which has provided for plenty of social life, while maintaining high academic success. If I had another child, he/she would attend GHS...it's that good.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 23, 2007

Academic-wise, this is a great school for IB students. But beware - if you are in the IB program, you can pretty much forget a social life! And, if you aren't in the IB program, I would surely stay away! All this school cares about are IB students and football players! I wasn't impressed with the discipline - seemed to be extremely lax and inconsistent. There was a lot of gang activity while my daughter was there (graduated in 2006). Would I send her there if I had to do it over again? No way!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 8, 2007

As a parent of 2 IB graduates, I can affirm the quality of the IB program, the fine arts program, the athletics, clubs, and student government. My daughters were able flourish in a diverse setting that prepared both of them for college and post-graduate work. The teachers and administrators were visible, friendly, involved, and genuinely concerned with the success of their students. After six straight years as an active parent at GHS, I feel qualified to state that the school is a hidden gem in old Garland and it provides a quality 'private school' education in a rich, diverse setting. Gig'em Owls!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 10, 2006

Great academics, great sports/music/drama programs, and a uniquely diverse student body make this a true world school. Student environment is conducive to building character, social skills, and a comprehensive understanding of human interaction well beyond what private or home-school can provide.
—Submitted by a former student


Posted May 25, 2006

This has been my first experience with public education. I have a sopohomore at Garland High, but previously we had homeschooled and used private schools. We came to Garland for their International Baccaulaureate program. It has been a good experience as far as the academics are concerned. I haven't liked the social experience that my child has been exposed to. Disrespect to the teachers, kids discussing inappropriate sexual topics with my son at school and just a feeling of disconnect between my child and other kids and adults. I feel that the school operates more as a business than anything else. This is not to pick out that things are this way only at Garland. I have a feeling it is pretty typical at all public schools.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 21, 2005

As the parent of an IB graduate from GHS, I can sat the program prepares students for college as well as any public or private institution in the area. Perhaps the greatest asset GHS possesses is it's incredible diversity. While the school is certainly not free of discipline problems, it represents an astonishing cross-section of life in Texas today. Students in IB courses often come from up to a dozen different cultural backgrounds, which helps to strengthen the international appeal of the program. The IB teachers are top notch. While there is great focus put on the success of the football program, often some other athletic events are shortchanged. As the district's school for the performing arts, its choir and orchestra (amongst other programs) are recognized as some of the best in the state. This school really is a hidden gem in the area.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 20, 2005

As the parent of an IB student, I am very pleased with the educational opportunities offered at GHS. The principal adhers to a stricter code of ethics and dress than other schools in the area, thereby setting the school apart. Their football team works out harder than the other schools and is a winning team. My son has learned that hard work and maximum effort pay off. Excellent school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 2, 2005

Garland High School has a great program for the gifted kids.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 28, 2004

Garland High School is overall ok. However, the principles are a bit power hungry (they make the boys tuck their shirts in).School pride is phenomenal!! The band has a very powerful sound and positive reaction on the kids. I will say my kid is in IB and he seems a bit stressed and stays up a bit later. The campus has decent facilities but ther are some bad spots. The staff has proven to be good but sometimes stubborn on policies. The school in general is very very safe. Kids must be able to saccrifice extra time to make it here!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 10, 2004

The perfect high school. A great education in a diverse environment. It's an old school that has attracted superior educators and inspires the students to 'go forth to serve'. It's students come away with a positive attitude toward life and their place in the world. It's amazing for a public school.
—Submitted by Ken Goree, a parent


Posted April 25, 2004

This school is wonderful it's full of so much tradition and diversity! The adminstration and faculty are great to work with and the students are amazing. GHS carries not only IB students but a plethora of students who care for their school especially during football season.
—Submitted by John E., a student


Posted September 14, 2003

Garland High is a great school as far as academics and education, but I believe the school needs more parent involvement, and more spirit toward sports.
—Submitted by Carla Sylvas, a parent


Posted September 9, 2003

Garland High School provides exceptional opportunities for the high-achieving student through the International Baccalaureate program and many Advanced Placement courses. IB has especially attracted many very fine teachers. The school is large and very diverse, therefore mimicking real life. We didn't want to send our children to some coddled environment, but we wanted them to meet all kinds of people with all kinds of attitudes and ambitions (or lack of ambition). Garland High School fits that bill while also providing an exceptional education, what most people would think is impossible. Extra-curricular activities are many and lots of students participate after school. The administration does a fine job in a challenging environment.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 10, 2003

Garland is a fantastic school. The quality of education exceeds expectations, especially with the International Baccalaureate Program (advanced honors). It is a safe environment for children to learn.
—Submitted by a teacher


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.

731 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
76%

2009

 
 
76%

2008

 
 
69%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

724 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
91%

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

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 91% in 2011.

641 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
88%

2008

 
 
87%
Math

The state average for Math was 74% in 2011.

630 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
76%

2009

 
 
70%

2008

 
 
68%
Science

The state average for Science was 76% in 2011.

629 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
71%

2008

 
 
67%
Social Studies

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

628 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
92%

2008

 
 
90%
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.

562 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
95%

2008

 
 
90%
Math

The state average for Math was 90% in 2011.

557 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
82%

2008

 
 
82%
Science

The state average for Science was 91% in 2011.

557 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
87%

2008

 
 
83%
Social Studies

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

562 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
97%

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 Students74%
Female77%
Male71%
Black or African American68%
Asian98%
Hispanic67%
American Indian or Alaska Native60%
White91%
Economically disadvantaged68%
Not economically disadvantaged84%
Special education34%
Not special education76%
Limited English proficient (LEP)31%
Proficient in English77%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant74%
Gifted/talented97%

Reading

All Students91%
Female94%
Male89%
Black or African American91%
Asian100%
Hispanic88%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged90%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Special education74%
Not special education92%
Limited English proficient (LEP)54%
Proficient in English94%
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 Students89%
Female93%
Male85%
Black or African American86%
Asian100%
Hispanic85%
American Indian or Alaska Native86%
White97%
Economically disadvantaged85%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Special education50%
Not special education90%
Limited English proficient (LEP)64%
Proficient in English92%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant89%
Gifted/talented100%

Math

All Students75%
Female75%
Male76%
Black or African American70%
Asian98%
Hispanic66%
American Indian or Alaska Native71%
White93%
Economically disadvantaged65%
Not economically disadvantaged87%
Special education35%
Not special education77%
Limited English proficient (LEP)23%
Proficient in English79%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant75%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students76%
Female74%
Male78%
Black or African American70%
Asian98%
Hispanic67%
American Indian or Alaska Native86%
White93%
Economically disadvantaged66%
Not economically disadvantaged88%
Special education33%
Not special education77%
Limited English proficient (LEP)20%
Proficient in English81%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant76%
Gifted/talented100%

Social Studies

All Students94%
Female94%
Male95%
Black or African American93%
Asian100%
Hispanic93%
American Indian or Alaska Native86%
White97%
Economically disadvantaged92%
Not economically disadvantaged97%
Special education60%
Not special education95%
Limited English proficient (LEP)75%
Proficient in English96%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant94%
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 Students97%
Female97%
Male97%
Black or African American96%
Asian100%
Hispanic95%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White99%
Economically disadvantaged95%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Special education74%
Not special education98%
Limited English proficient (LEP)76%
Proficient in English98%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant97%
Gifted/talented100%

Math

All Students94%
Female95%
Male94%
Black or African American94%
Asian100%
Hispanic93%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White96%
Economically disadvantaged93%
Not economically disadvantaged96%
Special education53%
Not special education96%
Limited English proficient (LEP)53%
Proficient in English95%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant94%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students94%
Female94%
Male93%
Black or African American93%
Asian100%
Hispanic90%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged90%
Not economically disadvantaged97%
Special education53%
Not special education95%
Limited English proficient (LEP)50%
Proficient in English95%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant94%
Gifted/talented100%

Social Studies

All Students99%
Female99%
Male99%
Black or African American100%
Asian100%
Hispanic98%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged99%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education95%
Not special education99%
Limited English proficient (LEP)81%
Proficient in English100%
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

  • In 2010-2011, this school was rated "Academically Acceptable".
  • In 2009-2010, this school was rated "Recognized".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was rated "Recognized".

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 47% 48%
White 28% 34%
Black 19% 14%
Asian/Pacific Islander 6% 4%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 9%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 32%N/A8%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 10%N/A17%
Economically disadvantaged 39%N/A55%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 14N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Beginning teachers 4%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 35%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 22%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 21%N/A23%
21 or more years 18%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

310 S Garland Ave
Garland, TX 75040
Website: Click here
Phone: (972) 494-8492

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