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GreatSchools Rating

Frank Black Middle School

Public | 5-8 | 536 students

We are best known for Vanguard Magnet program.
Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

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

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Parent involvement

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12 reviews of this school


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Posted August 27, 2011

FBMS is a great middle school with a wide variety of athletic programs, excellent academics including a Vanguard program and strong and developing programs in the Arts. It provides a excellent, well-rounded education for kids on a spacious and recently upgraded campus.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 10, 2011

An amazing transformation is underway at Frank Black Middle School. There is good leadership from the principal and assistant principals. The faculty is talented and dedicated. There has been outstanding progress regarding discipline issues. The school has some great assets and physical renovations are starting. Community support is growing dramatically. Improvement at the school is accelerating at an exceptional rate.


Posted October 29, 2010

school year 2010-2011 off to a great start. teachers are happy with their class sizes and have the support of principal and office staff. Principal encourage parents to attend school conferences and school events. Lots of new events this year with teachers and parents.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 4, 2009

Wonderful start for this year 2009-2010. Looking forward to being more involved for the next two years.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 3, 2009

Black MIddle School has been on the right track for the last few years. They have been steadily improving and I have been impressed with this year especially. The discipline level of the school has seen the most growth, and I am confident that the students are learning every day.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 21, 2007

There has been a big improvement in behavior at this school this year. The hallways are now clear and orderly, and the classrooms look like good learning environments. The 6th graders are in an academy setting.


Posted November 12, 2006

The lack of discipline on campus has destroyed the learning environment. Hallways are chaotic and loud. Currently, this school is simply not a good place for good education.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted November 12, 2006

My child is zoned for this school and like so many other parents in my neighborhood who also have children zoned for Black Middle, we would rather die than expose our children to this toxic mess they actually have the gall to call a school. What are they teaching there? Nothing apparently. No foreign language, except Spanish--most middle schools offer at least French or German. No honor classes, no advanced math, nothing. What I see everyday are wild kids streaming out of that school and running through the neighborhood like banshees, destroying yards, calling out ugly names, and showing no respect for anything. What happened to citzenship and responsibility?
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 4, 2006

I am a new teacher at Black Middle School, and the problem in the past began when there were teachers at the school who could not relate to the minority population, those who barely cared, or had little clue on how to discipline these type of students. My classroom is organized, fun, thought-provoking, and forward-thinking. Fights everyday? No. Not at all. My classroom is clean (no grafitti, plus I clean it once a month), I update all of my wall decor constantly, and students' learning follows the mandated hands-on, active learning that our society calls for now-a-days. There are many new teachers at Black Middle School this year, including a new and brilliant principal, who are young, vibrant, and are personally knowledgeable of the environment our students experience everyday.
—Submitted by Math Teacher, a teacher


Posted November 29, 2005

I personally hold this school responsible for my son's current distaste for school. Once a gifted student, Black Middle School teachers and administrators killed any desire to learn. He felt unsafe while at school due to gang activity that is basically ignored. The teachers spend their time screaming at the kids instead of teaching them. The only good program is the Kickstart Karate Program. There is NO parental involvement at all. Bottom line, dangerous, uncaring teachers, administrators and parents. Do your child a favor and run away as fast as you can.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 17, 2005

very scary. some good teachers stuck in this mess.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 16, 2004

I dont think that black is a good school because the kids there do not know how to behave and there are fights every day!
—Submitted by summer dyches, 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 81% in 2011.

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a

2008

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 82% in 2011.

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a

2008

 
 
n/a
Science

The state average for Science was 87% in 2011.

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a

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.

166 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
80%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
67%

2008

 
 
68%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2011.

167 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
73%

2010

 
 
69%

2009

 
 
80%

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.

144 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
71%

2008

 
 
49%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 86% in 2011.

147 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
72%

2010

 
 
76%

2009

 
 
77%

2008

 
 
70%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 94% in 2011.

143 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
85%

2008

 
 
77%
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.

130 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
80%

2010

 
 
76%

2009

 
 
69%

2008

 
 
61%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2011.

131 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
91%

2008

 
 
91%
Science

The state average for Science was 79% in 2011.

137 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
64%

2009

 
 
62%

2008

 
 
50%
Social Studies

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

131 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
89%

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 Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Special educationn/a
Not special educationn/a
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Non-migrantn/a
Gifted/talentedn/a

Reading

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Special educationn/a
Not special educationn/a
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Non-migrantn/a
Gifted/talentedn/a

Science

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Special educationn/a
Not special educationn/a
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Non-migrantn/a
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 Students80%
Female78%
Male82%
Black or African American71%
Asiann/a
Hispanic84%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White71%
Economically disadvantaged80%
Not economically disadvantaged89%
Special education40%
Not special education84%
Limited English proficient (LEP)78%
Proficient in English81%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant80%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Reading

All Students73%
Female73%
Male73%
Black or African American71%
Asiann/a
Hispanic74%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White77%
Economically disadvantaged74%
Not economically disadvantaged67%
Special education38%
Not special education77%
Limited English proficient (LEP)61%
Proficient in English81%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant73%
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 Students78%
Female72%
Male84%
Black or African American59%
Asiann/a
Hispanic83%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White82%
Economically disadvantaged79%
Not economically disadvantaged75%
Special education50%
Not special education82%
Limited English proficient (LEP)69%
Proficient in English80%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant79%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students72%
Female70%
Male74%
Black or African American62%
Asiann/a
Hispanic74%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White83%
Economically disadvantaged72%
Not economically disadvantaged75%
Special education44%
Not special education76%
Limited English proficient (LEP)58%
Proficient in English76%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant73%
Gifted/talented100%

Writing

All Students85%
Female93%
Male79%
Black or African American92%
Asiann/a
Hispanic84%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White83%
Economically disadvantaged85%
Not economically disadvantaged88%
Special education47%
Not special education91%
Limited English proficient (LEP)79%
Proficient in English86%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant85%
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 Students80%
Female85%
Male75%
Black or African American83%
Asiann/a
Hispanic79%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White80%
Economically disadvantaged79%
Not economically disadvantaged90%
Special education78%
Not special education80%
Limited English proficient (LEP)77%
Proficient in English78%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant80%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students85%
Female90%
Male81%
Black or African American85%
Asiann/a
Hispanic84%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged85%
Not economically disadvantaged90%
Special education73%
Not special education87%
Limited English proficient (LEP)75%
Proficient in English86%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant85%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students75%
Female77%
Male74%
Black or African American75%
Asiann/a
Hispanic74%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White90%
Economically disadvantaged74%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education73%
Not special education76%
Limited English proficient (LEP)50%
Proficient in English81%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant75%
Gifted/talented100%

Social Studies

All Students94%
Female96%
Male92%
Black or African American96%
Asiann/a
Hispanic93%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged93%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education91%
Not special education94%
Limited English proficient (LEP)88%
Proficient in English95%
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

  • In 2010-2011, this school was rated "Academically Acceptable".
  • 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 72% 48%
Black 23% 14%
White 5% 34%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Asian/Pacific Islander N/A 4%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 17%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 1%N/A8%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 23%N/A17%
Economically disadvantaged 90%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 29%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 34%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 16%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 5%N/A23%
21 or more years 16%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Clubs
  • Gardening

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Painting
Music
  • Band
Performing and written arts
  • Creative writing
  • Dance
  • Drama
Clubs
  • Yearbook

Language learning

Foreign languages taught
  • Japanese
  • Spanish

Health & athletics

School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Gym
Clubs
  • Gardening

Gifted & talented

Instructional and/or curriculum models used
  • Gifted / high performing
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • After school
School Leader's name
  • Meilin Jao
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Email
Special schedule
  • Block scheduling
Is there an application process?
  • Yes
Fax number
  • (713) 613-2533

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Gifted / high performing
Foreign languages taught
  • Japanese
  • Spanish

Resources

Extra learning resources offered
  • Remediation
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Auditorium
  • Cafeteria
  • Computer
  • Garden
  • Gym
  • Library
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cross country
  • Football
  • Lacrosse
  • Soccer
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Track
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Cross country
  • Lacrosse
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Track
  • Volleyball

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Painting
Music
  • Band
Performing arts
  • Creative writing
  • Dance
  • Drama

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Gardening
  • Yearbook
School leaders can update this information here.

School culture

Dress Code
  • Uniforms
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

 

TIP: Don't forget to ask about documents required for enrollment, such as your child's birth certificate, proof of address, or a record of immunizations.

 
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What are your chances?

Students typically come from these schools
Oak Forest Elementary
Sinclair Elementary
Stevens Elementary

Planning ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
Waltrip High School
Scarborough High School
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

1575 Chantilly
Houston, TX 77018
Website: Click here
Phone: (713) 613-2505

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