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GreatSchools Rating

Cora Spencer Elementary School

Public | PK-4 | 493 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

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

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14 reviews of this school


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Posted March 4, 2013

Our daughter started Kindergarten at CSE last year and we have had nothing but great experiences with the Principal, teachers and other staff. The teachers are very aware of where each student is and how to get the most from them. We receive daily updates on progress and e-mails are returned almost instantly if we have a question. Great place for students to grow!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 23, 2012

My child has been a student at CSE since kindergarten and I have to say that while I agree that the previous principal was unapproachable and kind of cold, the teachers have always been great. They are invested in our kids an want them to succeed as much as we do as parents. I am constantly emailing the teacher to ask questions and advice on how to address specific lessons and she is always open, friendly and helpful. My child is more motivated to be better and do better because of the new direction the school is taking by encouraging discipline, education and fun with their new college "houses". I'm also very happy that they are involved in helping families and kids in need. My child wanted to make sure I knew to donate shoes and canned goods today. Great direction and very happy with the new principal who greets parents and kids each morning when we are dropping out kids off in the car pool lane.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 22, 2012

We have a new principal! Yeah! This year is by far the best year we have had! The teachers and staff are wonderful! I can feel a complete transformation this year compared to previous years at Spencer and it's an answer to prayer! We love the Colleges that are new this year! My kids are even happier and notice many of the teachers and staff are as well! BEST YEAR EVER!!! The principal even eats lunch with the kids! So glad to be a Spencer Bronco this year!!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 23, 2012

awful school. They cant even control 5 year olds. If god forbid they dont act like little soldiers , they are targeted as problems.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 18, 2010

Although I do agree the the main focus of this school is the TAKS test I still believe the teachers and staff care very much of the students. This year is my son's first year at this school and after his first week he had to be moved to a different class to accommodate all the new 3rd graders this year. At first I was very worried but after they had a ice cream social so the kids could get acquainted with their new teacher I felt much better about the decision. She a great teacher and is doing every thing she can to make sure my son is doing his best in class. Two thumbs up for Ms. Molinar.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 14, 2010

The school has under cover problems with teachers and the admin staff.. individuals new to the area may not be aware of the problems. The school has a turn over rate of teachers. Many of the current teachers are new to the school. I agree with the review that states the admin is cold, because they are. I also agree that they only care about the taks, because that is all they care about. Be aware.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 2, 2009

Spencer has such great and caring faculty and staff!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 29, 2009

My girls started this school mid year, but they were welcomed with open arms. They made so many great friends (sooo many nice families in this area) and my oldest even got a perfect score on her TAKS test (after being discouraged last year b/c she needed tutoring). It would be hard to move again and leave this school. P.S. Drop off and Pick up for Car Riders, is the best and most organzied I have ever seen. P.S.S. Miss Tammy in the cafteria is the sweetest, kindest, most loving Lunch Lady. Every school should be so lucky to have someone like Miss Tammy!!! Thank you!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 8, 2008

The teachers of this school are excellent. They really care about the kids. However, the admin is a little cold and really cares too much about the state rating. The TAKS test is the sole focus of this school. The parents and the community is great as well.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 7, 2008

Cora Spencer is a wonderful place for my children to learn everyday. The faculty genuinly cares about each child and you can tell they love their jobs. My girls are getting an excellent education and love going to school everyday. CSE is still a new school and the PTA works very hard to raise funds to get the children everything they need to succeed (and their events are fun, too)!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 15, 2008

Teachers and School are first class. There are issues with the Administrative staff and with the PTA. If you are not a 'chosen' one, then you might as well not even try to help out. Over all, the school is a great place for kids to learn.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 29, 2008

My son loves going to school. The teachers are great, it's brand new and the education my child is getting is excellent.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 3, 2008

Best school hands down. The principal, teachers and PTA are amazing.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 28, 2007

As a military family our kids have attended many different schools, some good, some bad. Cora Spencer is one of the best! The education that our kids received far exceeded our expectaions. The kids have learned so much and they have fun doing it. The teachers and staff are so kind and welcoming. Who can complain when you kids love school!
—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.

80 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
96%

2008

 
 
100%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

81 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
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.

76 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
93%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2011.

76 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 90% in 2011.

73 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
100%
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 Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African American100%
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 Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African American100%
Asiann/a
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education100%
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
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 American100%
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students99%
Female100%
Male97%
Black or African American100%
Asian100%
Hispanic92%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Special educationn/a
Not special education99%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English99%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant99%
Gifted/talented100%

Writing

All Students99%
Female97%
Male100%
Black or African American100%
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Special educationn/a
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
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

  • 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 57% 34%
Black 22% 14%
Hispanic 17% 48%
Asian/Pacific Islander 4% 4%
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 8%N/A8%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 5%N/A17%
Economically disadvantaged 16%N/A55%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 15N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Beginning teachers 9%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 36%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 20%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 31%N/A23%
21 or more years 4%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

3140 S Camino Lagos
Grand Prairie, TX 75054
Website: Click here
Phone: (817) 299-6680

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