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GreatSchools Rating

Harry S Truman Middle School

Public | 6-8 | 569 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

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

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15 reviews of this school


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Posted October 2, 2011

Truman Middle School was a great experience. The thing you have to remember is that it is what you make of it. I was a student last year, and have moved to the South Grand Prairie 9th Grade Center. Truman was better than what I have now. The teachers are more determined, but will only go as far as you'll let them. If you don't want to listen to the lecture, teachers won't make you, and if you don't do the homework, they can't change that either. Bullying has virtually disappeared (or did when I was in 8th grade) and what little I had was reported to the counselor and was taken care of within the week. The principal kept things under control, and encouraged us to excell. We did. For me, it was also fun. The teachers tried and (most of the time) succeeded to keep things interesting. Overall, my experience at Truman was great. It was much better than the PRIVATE SCHOOL that I attended the year before.


Posted April 19, 2010

There are great teachers and not so great teachers at Truman. Overall, my kids are lucky to have mostly the good ones. The real problem at Truman is bullying! Not a day goes by that one or both of my kids are complaining about it. They have talked to teachers, ect, ect...but nothing is ever done about it. We plan to move this summer to different school district. This whole area is going down hill fast.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 15, 2010

I am in total agreement with the post dated 4/13/10. Truman is such a dissapointment. I have two children there and their time there has been a total waste.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 13, 2010

Truman is a dissapointment when it comes to the teachers and the principal. The teachers do not send home work home and the principal does not follow thru with issues that you bring to him. The children are too worried about their friends and not focused on having a good education, that is because Truman does not offer a good education. My daughter has been there for two years now and I am moving because of this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 21, 2009

Truman has disappointed me. My son does not show evidence of learning. I have had meeting with his teachers and counselors for additional help-very little was offered. Truman needs a serious academic makeup.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 6, 2009

Some teachers act like kids should teach themselves. This school is a waste of time and my daughter has wasted a year at this school when she could've excelled somewhere else.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 3, 2009

I could not disagree more with the negative comments about Truman Middle school.....I have gone out of my way to be sure my children were able to continue their education at this campus! we have built personal relationships with the staff and my son who struggled with learning disabilities K-5th excelled at Truman academically and personally. He is now at SGP 9th Center and has continued the same path! Thank you Truman Teachers and Admin!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 30, 2008

I really dont think it matters how hard Truman tries to be a good school, because either way there are troublemaker students, a severly-lacking staff and a low standard of safety. A teacher was arrested during a school day at this school, in the school! What kind of example does this set for our children? And think of the kids that had that person as a teacher. Truman needs a fresh start, but I doubt very much that they will be able to get one, if you are thinking about sending your child to a middle school in Grand Prairie, I strongly advise you to send them to Ronald Reagan Middle School. It is the complete opposite of Truman.


Posted August 13, 2008

The leadership is outstanding at Truman. The principals go above and beyond to help students and staff be successful. The atomsphere is positive and supportive. It truly is a great place for Middle schoolers. No child is left behind at this school! Way to Go Truman!
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted January 12, 2008

I had high hopes for Truman, and was unfortunately highly disappointed. I think the administrators and staff need immense training in bullying.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 21, 2007

Truman Middle School is the best school to go to. Why? Because the teachers are extremely nice there plus your classes will be easier to find in that school, because that school isn't big at all.
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 19, 2007

This school is so freakin rad and awesome i love everyone here and the schoolwork,grades and teaching skills are awesome...The athletics coaches are awesome!and we sure have great school spirit!
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 27, 2006

When it comes to protecting your child this school is at the bottom of the barrel. If you value education and safety you may want to rethink about Truman.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 10, 2006

Truman used to be one of the most stable schools in the district. There is now a high turnover among teachers, principals, and students. I think this has really hurt the 'Truman Pride' that used to exist, but doesn't really anymore. A lot of teachers, parents, and students are under the impression that Reagan is the 'better' school. It isn't. They have their own set of problems. What Truman needs is more parent involvement. Too many of the parents are unwilling to be involved anymore. Yes, it takes time out of your day, but what is more important than your child's education? The teachers and PTA are really trying, but it is going to take a large concerted effort to bring back the pride that once existed at Truman. These kids need to know that they are just as smart as Reagan!
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted March 5, 2004

I think this school is the best school ever! But that is my opinion. The teachers are great, the classes are great, and the kids are really great. I just think this school is the best! I love the teachers and the principal. In 6th the principal Mr.Dubuski, was cool. And in 7th for me, Mr. Brinkley was cool, too. And still is. Like I said I love this school!
—Submitted by Chandi Naquin, a former student


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 83% in 2011.

194 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
71%

2008

 
 
47%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2011.

197 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
76%

2009

 
 
87%

2008

 
 
84%
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.

150 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
71%

2009

 
 
59%

2008

 
 
68%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 86% in 2011.

153 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
76%

2008

 
 
79%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 94% in 2011.

147 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
85%

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 73% in 2011.

143 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
83%

2008

 
 
75%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2011.

143 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
94%

2008

 
 
96%
Science

The state average for Science was 79% in 2011.

143 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
80%

2010

 
 
66%

2009

 
 
64%

2008

 
 
50%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 95% in 2011.

145 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
89%

2009

 
 
90%

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

Math

All Students82%
Female83%
Male81%
Black or African American73%
Asian100%
Hispanic82%
American Indian or Alaska Native83%
White87%
Economically disadvantaged77%
Not economically disadvantaged89%
Special education29%
Not special education84%
Limited English proficient (LEP)91%
Proficient in English81%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant82%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students84%
Female88%
Male80%
Black or African American74%
Asian100%
Hispanic85%
American Indian or Alaska Native83%
White90%
Economically disadvantaged80%
Not economically disadvantaged90%
Special education40%
Not special education87%
Limited English proficient (LEP)91%
Proficient in English84%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant84%
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 Students77%
Female80%
Male73%
Black or African American59%
Asian100%
Hispanic79%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White83%
Economically disadvantaged65%
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Special educationn/a
Not special education79%
Limited English proficient (LEP)63%
Proficient in English78%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant78%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students84%
Female85%
Male83%
Black or African American81%
Asian89%
Hispanic80%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White94%
Economically disadvantaged75%
Not economically disadvantaged96%
Special education33%
Not special education86%
Limited English proficient (LEP)50%
Proficient in English87%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant85%
Gifted/talented100%

Writing

All Students95%
Female98%
Male92%
Black or African American94%
Asian100%
Hispanic97%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White91%
Economically disadvantaged91%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education97%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English95%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant96%
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 Students85%
Female87%
Male83%
Black or African American75%
Asian100%
Hispanic81%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White96%
Economically disadvantaged84%
Not economically disadvantaged86%
Special education100%
Not special education84%
Limited English proficient (LEP)78%
Proficient in English85%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant85%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students90%
Female93%
Male88%
Black or African American81%
Asian100%
Hispanic91%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White96%
Economically disadvantaged90%
Not economically disadvantaged91%
Special education100%
Not special education90%
Limited English proficient (LEP)67%
Proficient in English92%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant90%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students80%
Female77%
Male83%
Black or African American69%
Asian100%
Hispanic77%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White93%
Economically disadvantaged76%
Not economically disadvantaged89%
Special education86%
Not special education80%
Limited English proficient (LEP)22%
Proficient in English84%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant80%
Gifted/talented100%

Social Studies

All Students92%
Female95%
Male89%
Black or African American86%
Asian100%
Hispanic91%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged90%
Not economically disadvantaged96%
Special education100%
Not special education91%
Limited English proficient (LEP)89%
Proficient in English92%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant92%
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 "Recognized".
  • In 2009-2010, this school was rated "Recognized".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was rated "Academically Acceptable".

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 42% 48%
Black 32% 14%
White 21% 34%
Asian/Pacific Islander 4% 4%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 13%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 12%N/A8%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 6%N/A17%
Economically disadvantaged 54%N/A55%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 19N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Beginning teachers 11%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 40%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 7%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 16%N/A23%
21 or more years 26%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

1501 Coffeyville Trl
Grand Prairie, TX 75052
Website: Click here
Phone: (972) 641-7676

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