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GreatSchools Rating

Westchester Academy for International Studies

Charter | 6-12 | 977 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

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

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22 reviews of this school


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Posted August 3, 2003

I'm not a parent, rather a student. This school is very new; therefore it isn't quite as organized and disciplined as others in the district. The administration is trying to put a new look on learning, trying to get away from traditional teaching. As of yet they haven t perfected their methods. The abstract idea of the school a great one, and because of it we get more recognition then expected. Because of this, we can do things most students can t, such as terrific guest speakers and teachers that teach us from millions of miles away (i.e. Link to London-Distance Learning Program Conducts Class at The Globe Theater http://www.bnisolutions.com/Successstories/DistanceLearning/SBISDlondon.html). While this is a great opportunity for the students who embrace it, what it comes down to is getting the ones who don t care to realize what an advantage they have. As for our teachers, they are great. They are truly the most talented group of educators I have ever come across. Their vast background experience makes them perfect for the job of International Studies. Again though, some of my colleagues aren t appreciative of what they ve got. Once Mrs. Butler, the teachers, and the rest of the SBISD administration learn how to harness their teaching abilities and focus them into the entire student body, this will be a truly great and unique school. Until then though, most of us are just coasting. Nicholas R. Clark 10th Grader at Westchester Academy for International Studies, August 03, 2003


Posted August 3, 2003

I have been attending Westchester Academy now for 4 years. I play on the Lacrosse Team and maintain good marks. I joined my 7th grade year and am looking forward to graduating here. I am now in 10th grade and couldn t be happier. Coming from a background of a bad school I can truly appreciate the possibility s WAIS has to offer. Here I don t have as much stress and have a bond with all of my teachers. Having smaller classes has definitely been a benefit to be able to receive attention in my studies. I can remember a time when I couldn t get much help in a class of 32 while my teacher spent half the time writing detentions, breaking her CD-ROM drive thinking it was a cup holder. Yes, it has been a very big upgrade I must say. Some people might say, I learn more at ________. Only there because their parents think it s in their best interests to attend WAIS. It s been great to have a teacher that would let me ponder a better UN, new ideas, or what my position is. When it comes to education, you can throw any kid a book, but you can t make them learn. I found some very intelligent people with great personalities and morals. Every school has their fruhas, and every school has someone who won t want to learn. Therefore I think every person has the door, they just have to open it.


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.

135 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
96%

2008

 
 
98%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2011.

135 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
98%
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.

133 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
94%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 86% in 2011.

133 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
94%

2008

 
 
93%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 94% in 2011.

131 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
98%

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

The state average for Math was 73% in 2011.

127 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
94%

2008

 
 
96%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2011.

127 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
99%

2008

 
 
98%
Science

The state average for Science was 79% in 2011.

126 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
90%

2008

 
 
90%
Social Studies

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

127 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
95%
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 70% in 2011.

136 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
89%

2008

 
 
86%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

136 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
99%

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

English Language Arts

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

142 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
95%

2008

 
 
97%
Math

The state average for Math was 74% in 2011.

142 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
86%

2008

 
 
80%
Science

The state average for Science was 76% in 2011.

141 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
89%

2009

 
 
82%

2008

 
 
83%
Social Studies

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

142 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
99%

2008

 
 
94%
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.

131 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
97%
Math

The state average for Math was 90% in 2011.

129 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
87%

2008

 
 
95%
Science

The state average for Science was 91% in 2011.

127 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
92%

2008

 
 
92%
Social Studies

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

129 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
99%

2008

 
 
98%
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 Students92%
Female92%
Male92%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic88%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged90%
Not economically disadvantaged96%
Special educationn/a
Not special education93%
Limited English proficient (LEP)81%
Proficient in English96%
Non-migrant92%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students87%
Female87%
Male88%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic83%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged84%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Special educationn/a
Not special education88%
Limited English proficient (LEP)68%
Proficient in English96%
Non-migrant87%
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 Students95%
Female94%
Male95%
Black or African American89%
Asian100%
Hispanic95%
American Indian or Alaska Native100%
White94%
Economically disadvantaged92%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education96%
Limited English proficient (LEP)90%
Proficient in English96%
Non-migrant95%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students92%
Female92%
Male93%
Black or African American89%
Asian86%
Hispanic90%
American Indian or Alaska Native100%
White97%
Economically disadvantaged88%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education93%
Limited English proficient (LEP)67%
Proficient in English98%
Non-migrant92%
Gifted/talented100%

Writing

All Students98%
Female99%
Male97%
Black or African American89%
Asian100%
Hispanic99%
White97%
Economically disadvantaged96%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education98%
Limited English proficient (LEP)90%
Proficient in English99%
Non-migrant98%
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 Students92%
Female91%
Male93%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian89%
Hispanic93%
American Indian or Alaska Native86%
White97%
Economically disadvantaged90%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Special education60%
Not special education95%
Limited English proficient (LEP)80%
Proficient in English93%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant92%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students96%
Female95%
Male97%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic98%
American Indian or Alaska Native89%
White100%
Economically disadvantaged95%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Special education90%
Not special education97%
Limited English proficient (LEP)60%
Proficient in English98%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant96%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students90%
Female84%
Male94%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian89%
Hispanic87%
American Indian or Alaska Native86%
White97%
Economically disadvantaged86%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Special education78%
Not special education91%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English92%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant90%
Gifted/talented100%

Social Studies

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Native100%
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 Students96%
Female94%
Male98%
Black or African American88%
Asian90%
Hispanic98%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White96%
Economically disadvantaged94%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education71%
Not special education98%
Limited English proficient (LEP)60%
Proficient in English98%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant96%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students97%
Female97%
Male97%
Black or African American100%
Asian90%
Hispanic97%
White100%
Economically disadvantaged96%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Special education86%
Not special education98%
Limited English proficient (LEP)40%
Proficient in English99%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant97%
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 Students98%
Female100%
Male95%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic98%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged99%
Not economically disadvantaged97%
Special educationn/a
Not special education98%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English98%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant98%
Gifted/talented100%

Math

All Students91%
Female90%
Male92%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic89%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White91%
Economically disadvantaged88%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Special educationn/a
Not special education91%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English92%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant91%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students90%
Female88%
Male93%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic86%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged85%
Not economically disadvantaged96%
Special educationn/a
Not special education90%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English92%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant90%
Gifted/talented100%

Social Studies

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African Americann/a
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%
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 Students98%
Female100%
Male97%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic99%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White98%
Economically disadvantaged98%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education100%
Not special education98%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English99%
Non-migrant98%
Gifted/talented100%

Math

All Students99%
Female100%
Male99%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic99%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education86%
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English100%
Non-migrant99%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students99%
Female98%
Male100%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic99%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged98%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education100%
Not special education99%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English99%
Non-migrant99%
Gifted/talented100%

Social Studies

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education100%
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English100%
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

  • In 2010-2011, this school was rated "Exemplary".
  • In 2009-2010, this school was rated "Exemplary".
  • 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 55% 48%
White 36% 34%
Asian/Pacific Islander 5% 4%
Black 3% 14%
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 14%N/A8%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 6%N/A17%
Economically disadvantaged 46%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 7%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 34%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 11%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 25%N/A23%
21 or more years 23%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

901 Yorkchester
Houston, TX 77079
Phone: (713) 251-1800

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