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GreatSchools Rating

Fossil Ridge High School

Public | 9-12 | 2181 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
Based on 5 ratings
2011:
Based on 3 ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

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38 reviews of this school


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Posted May 14, 2013

Fossil Ridge has an administration that fosters diversity among the students and supports their staff. I haven't taught here very long, but this school is chaulked full of diverse students and teachers who care about the education of each and every student.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted December 30, 2012

This is an amazing school, very organized and offers great academic opportunities. It is also a very diverse school, and shows no rascism. No matter what rumors you hear, you will not be disappointed with this schools performance.
—Submitted by a student


Posted November 5, 2012

Two female students at this school was given the same punishment, 45 days in DAEP, oone girl was caught with weed in her locker. The other was just accused of smoking it based on smell but was not caught with any evidence. Is this fair or a little overboard on the schools part?
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 14, 2012

My son is a senior this year, has been going there since his freshman year and has had no problems with bullying or fights. My daughter just started attending this year (freshman) and I now see some issues with bullying and fighting. I believe it s not the school but it s the neighborhood. More rental homes are in the area along with government aid apartments.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 12, 2012

This School has been outrageous. Ever since they started building apartment this school fell apart. Did you hear about the incident that there was a 10 year old that got beat up by a Fossil Ridge High school child over MONEY!! believe people you do not want your children going here.I am a mother of one and I would NOT have him going to this school because not only that every since there has been several fights the school does not do anything about it. They take money out of our taxes for that school to buy tv's! for their office but not better security, OUTRAGEOUS you serious got to be kidding me. All they do is suspend the same kids and have them in they same school with good kids.This school is a money eater!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 9, 2012

My daughter is a senior at FRHS. The AP English and AP Science are fantastic. Especially Hawkins,Salcido, Chipman, Isgitt(APEng) and Cotten (AP Bio) Smith(AP Physics) Can't say enough great things about it. The math dept. no so great. espec. Killam. (nightmare) The administration refuses to listen to any parent concerns. When students try to transfer out of a class where a teacher IS NOT teaching.....they won't allow it, because they know ALL the students want out and it will "look bad". Not willing to do what it takes to solve the problems. Between the out of control band& drill team directors and the LACK of teaching in the math dept. it's no wonder they've only received a 7 from Great Schools. Texas Schools are not that great anyway....too bad they're not helping the situation at FRHS.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 20, 2011

We have heard so many negative things about FRHS, but went in with an open mind and excited to have our son starts high school. It has been nothing but problems. Teachers that cannot explain work, teachers that were rude to me, and a complete lack of discipline. Their are fights almost every day and they are recorded by students, there are drugs, and there is bullying. We have transferred. Cannot say how much better things are now.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 7, 2011

Great school. My child has attended for 2 years and no problems so far with the Staff. Offer great extra curriculum activities. Curious to see what the impact will be since the budget cuts.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 17, 2011

I am very pleased with FRHS. The principle Mr. Hadley is Pro-Students 100% and as long as the student body is in line, Mr. Hadley will reward the entire school, not just individuals. My daughters attended all four years here and have heard other KISD schools bad mouth Fossil Ridge, but really it's a great school with caring staff.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 17, 2010

I love Fossil Ridge! This school is absolutely fantastic; I love my teachers, and I get a lot out of their classes. The Choir program is phenomanel to say the least. I love being a part of the choir here! There is a hunch of school pride, and I am proud to call myself a Panther. The Panther Regiment (Band) is excellent, and the Sun Dancers are fabulous. I'm in PreAP classes, next year AP classes, and I believe the Ap classes truly make you prepared for the AP exam. FRHS has had their Alumni go to Brown University, Notre Dame, TCU, Princeton and many more well known schools. All I can say is Fossil Ridge is the best!
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 1, 2009

Fossil Ridge has an amazing fine arts department. Especially theatre which, while I attended Fossil Ridge, went to state twice and was a runner up to state once. With the help of fine arts director David Stevens, and directors Vonya Eudy and David Kersh, the Fossil Ridge Theatre department has thrived to say the least. The english department truly has a lot to be proud of as well. Mrs. Isgitt and Mr. Chipman allowed me to significantly improve my writing. Their preparation toward the AP english tests allowed me to receive a five for each one. I do not have to take any English in college. As far as student population, there is a majority of undisciplined students. They get lost in the shuffle of other rowdy students and most go without punishment. It disrupts classes and drives many wonderful students and teachers away.
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 16, 2009

Teachers and counselors that really care.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 6, 2009

I am very happy with this school and my daughter has done extremely well here.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 6, 2009

The school and staff are great. Being an enrolled student at the school, I can tell you that some or most of the negative remarks made by the parents are either somewhat or completely false. Despite being classified as a 5A school, class sizes are at the most 20-25 students, school spirit is very, very high, and disciplinary actions are very severe, and to the fullest extent, no matter the situation. The teachers and administration are very nice to everyone. Granted that there may be a small amount of violence now and then, it's nothing worth noting. You'll never go to a high school that doesn't have fights. I'm giving my school the highest rating because of these reasons, and I look forward to completing the rest of school at Fossil Ridge. Go Panthers!
—Submitted by a student


Posted January 26, 2009

I transfered to this school district and let me say, I was shocked in good ways and bad ways. Let me start by mentioning the most important part; THe istructures are great when it somes to helpiing the students. The concern I have about this school is the amount of bad behavior. The majority of the student body receives no dicipline. I've sat in class a number of times and listened to students curse out substitutes and I've watched students in the hallway display inapropriate behavior with other student and the teachers do not even blink. The academic system is nice but the student body needs a little work.
—Submitted by a student


Posted November 27, 2008

I particularly love the English Department here at FRHS. My daughter had the opportunity to have one of the best English teachers I have ever encountered. His name is Mr. Manginell, not sure on the spelling, but he not only helped improve her reading abilities, but helped her to overcome her fear of writing, and to become the best writer that she can be without fear of rejection. Thanks to him, she has had an amazing school year this far.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 10, 2008

Faculty need to more closely supervise what goes on after practices and events. My dtr is a Freshman their this year. The VB selection has much to be desired and the softball and track coach was rude and insulting to her. Academically, she has encountered great instructors and is enthused about her classes. She works hard and is rewarded for that. The dance classes are wonderful and encouraging. Her cell phone was stolen as were another of her friends from their pockets! So be careful with your possesions. As everywhere, there is good and bad. Great academics, standard or substandard extracurricular activities and administration. The principal last year at every meeting alluded to all the rumors about his school and how they would overcome them, Im hoping they did. So we are eagerly awaiting the opening of the 4th high school in Keller ISD which is nearer our home.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 28, 2008

Hi. Im attending fossil ridge high school right now; as a freshman. And let me tell you; this year is going fabulous! :D im so glad im there. In the 8th grade I went to Fossil Hill and Mr.Hadley; the principal was there, and then he was hired to be the principal at FRHS! and Im soooo glad he did that! :D I love FRHS! :] Its a great school[: -DA[:
—Submitted by a student


Posted August 10, 2008

last year i attended fossil ridge as a freshman. i was scared going because of all the rumors you hear from other schools about what goes on at tehir schools, so i didnt know what to expect. once i got there, all those rumors were silenced. fossil ridge is a great school, with teachers and other staff members actually care about what goes on in our lives, they dont pretend. i love fossil ridge, and wouldnt go to any other school
—Submitted by a student


Posted August 9, 2008

It has an amazing choir program, as well as a phenomenal new principal.
—Submitted by a 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 70% in 2011.

578 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
76%

2008

 
 
71%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

582 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
93%

2008

 
 
92%
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.

512 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
96%

2008

 
 
91%
Math

The state average for Math was 74% in 2011.

507 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
75%

2008

 
 
68%
Science

The state average for Science was 76% in 2011.

506 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
76%

2008

 
 
79%
Social Studies

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

501 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
95%

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.

470 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
97%

2008

 
 
95%
Math

The state average for Math was 90% in 2011.

465 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
85%

2008

 
 
85%
Science

The state average for Science was 91% in 2011.

469 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
89%

2008

 
 
85%
Social Studies

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

466 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
99%

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

All Students74%
Female75%
Male74%
Black or African American61%
Asian82%
Hispanic66%
American Indian or Alaska Native75%
White82%
Economically disadvantaged68%
Not economically disadvantaged79%
Special education29%
Not special education76%
Limited English proficient (LEP)56%
Proficient in English75%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant74%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students94%
Female96%
Male92%
Black or African American88%
Asian94%
Hispanic93%
American Indian or Alaska Native100%
White95%
Economically disadvantaged91%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Special education73%
Not special education95%
Limited English proficient (LEP)70%
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

English Language Arts

All Students95%
Female98%
Male92%
Black or African American96%
Asian97%
Hispanic97%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White94%
Economically disadvantaged97%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Special education78%
Not special education96%
Limited English proficient (LEP)94%
Proficient in English95%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant95%
Gifted/talented100%

Math

All Students83%
Female82%
Male84%
Black or African American75%
Asian92%
Hispanic76%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White87%
Economically disadvantaged79%
Not economically disadvantaged85%
Special education44%
Not special education84%
Limited English proficient (LEP)82%
Proficient in English83%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant83%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students81%
Female77%
Male86%
Black or African American67%
Asian92%
Hispanic76%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White87%
Economically disadvantaged74%
Not economically disadvantaged86%
Special education39%
Not special education83%
Limited English proficient (LEP)76%
Proficient in English82%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant81%
Gifted/talented100%

Social Studies

All Students97%
Female98%
Male96%
Black or African American93%
Asian100%
Hispanic95%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White98%
Economically disadvantaged95%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Special education83%
Not special education98%
Limited English proficient (LEP)94%
Proficient in English97%
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%
Female99%
Male96%
Black or African American97%
Asian94%
Hispanic98%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White99%
Economically disadvantaged95%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education89%
Not special education98%
Limited English proficient (LEP)75%
Proficient in English99%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant98%
Gifted/talented100%

Math

All Students94%
Female94%
Male94%
Black or African American84%
Asian93%
Hispanic93%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged92%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Special education74%
Not special education95%
Limited English proficient (LEP)71%
Proficient in English95%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant94%
Gifted/talented97%

Science

All Students92%
Female92%
Male92%
Black or African American77%
Asian94%
Hispanic92%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White95%
Economically disadvantaged90%
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Special education54%
Not special education95%
Limited English proficient (LEP)70%
Proficient in English93%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant92%
Gifted/talented100%

Social Studies

All Students99%
Female100%
Male98%
Black or African American96%
Asian97%
Hispanic99%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged98%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education96%
Not special education99%
Limited English proficient (LEP)90%
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 "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
White 51% 34%
Hispanic 24% 48%
Black 14% 14%
Asian/Pacific Islander 10% 4%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 7%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 6%N/A8%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 4%N/A17%
Economically disadvantaged 21%N/A55%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 16N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Beginning teachers 8%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 29%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 24%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 30%N/A23%
21 or more years 9%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

4101 Thompson Rd
Keller, TX 76244
Website: Click here
Phone: (817) 744-1700

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