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GreatSchools Rating

Lancaster High School

Public | 9-12 | 1650 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
Based on 5 ratings
2011:
Based on 13 ratings
2010:
Based on 6 ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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62 reviews of this school


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Posted February 6, 2013

I like that this school keeps you updated to when there are events, report cards and weather emergencies. I really like that the have a variety of programs for the children. I think as for how the children sometimes behave less than stellar (some not all) can be attributed to the parent involvement as well. I wish that Texas did not have to focus on the test as much as allowing children to learn there is more to the world than just Texas. So far seems safe. The more you put in as a parent the more your child gets as a student.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 10, 2012

This school offers a lot of different opportunities for students. I am satisfied with the programs and level of teacher commitment at LHS.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 12, 2012

The teachers and administration deserve acknowledgment for a great school year and their hard work in making the school better than it was before. As a proud tiger parent, your efforts didn't go unnoticed by us and we are looking forward to an even more productive 2012-13 school year. To the previous parent commenter, I recognize that no school is a 100 percent match for every student and the transition from a smaller school to a large public high school can be difficult for some. While my son's LHS experience has been wonderful and we are pleased with the education he receives there, I wish your daughter all the best at her new school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 7, 2012

I have mixed reviews of this school. My daughter came from a smaller school and was introduced to the public school atmosphere. I was not and am not all that impressed. She did had an English teacher who I can say really cared so I do have to give props where they are due. I had the opportunity to walk my daughter to her first period class on an occasion or two and her teacher was virtually clueless. I understand that everyone will have their own experiences.....but ours was not one to be bragged on. She will not be returning to LHS, but instead to a private school where the classes are smaller and the environment alot more structured.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 26, 2012

I moved here from Tennessee and this was my son's first year in Lancaster. My assessment of the high school is a good one. He has a learning disability and the resources made available to him have been fantastic. He's a much better student now that he was on the first day. Through different activities and events at the school, it has been easy for him to come out of his shell and make new friends. At his old school, the teachers didn't encourage students to be productive and community support for the schools was weak at best. In Lancaster, it is the complete opposite. We love it.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 3, 2012

Lancaster High School has wonderful teachers and a variety of academic programs. My daughter is thriving there.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 10, 2011

The caring attitude of the teachers and staff is a big plus. I am pleased with the school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 25, 2011

I THINK THAT THE TEST SCORES FROM LAST YEAR SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES...OUR CURRENT SENIOR CLASS DID AN AWESOME JOB BRINGING THOSE SCORES WAY UP. NOW IF WE WOULD INSTILL IN THESE "PARENTS" THAT SOME CHILDREN HAVE THAT THE SCORES ARE VERY IMPORTANT THAT WOULD BE AWESOME. THE ONE PROBLEM THERE IS ON THIS CAMPUS IS THAT THE PARENTS, GUARDIANS, ADULTS IN OUR STUDENTS LIVES CALL THEM ON THEIR CELL PHONES DURING CLASSES AND ALSO TEXT THEM. THESE STUDENTS HAVE BEEN DIRECTED TO USE THE CELL PHONES IN THE CAFETERIA ONLY WITH PERMISSION OF THE NEW PRINCIPAL. PLEASE CALL THE SCHOOL AND GET THE MESSAGES TO YOUR CHILDREN THROUGH THE SWITCHBOARD. SIGN UP FOR HOME ACCESS TO CHECK GRADES AND ATTENDANCE SO THERE ARE NO MISTAKES OR SURPRISES WHEN PROGRESS REPORTS AND REPORT CARDS COME OUT. BE PROACTIVE, COME TO THE HIGH SCHOOL AND CHECK ON YOUR CHILDREN, COME EAT LUNCH WITH THEM, WALK THE HALLS AND SIT IN THE CLASSROOMS. CHECK OUT THE BACKPACKS THEY CARRY AND SEE HOW MUCH JUNK FOOD THEY CARRY INTO CLASSES NOT ONLY FOR PERSONAL USE, BUT TO SELLTO OTHER STUDENTS. THIS IS NOT PERMISSABLE AND WE AS TEACHERS HAVE TO TURN THEM IN FOR DOING SO. E MAIL US AND ASK QUESTIONS IF YOU NEED INFORMATION.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted July 6, 2011

MY SON ATTENDS LANCASTER HIGH SCHOOL HE IS A PART OF THE LPA AND IT IS THE BEST PROGRAM YET. MY SON IS VERY ENGAGED AND EAGER TO LEARN.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 5, 2011

Great school, my son is a graduate from Lancaster High. The teachers are good leaders and role models
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 28, 2011

I'm a member of the graduating class of 2011. I valued the educational opportunities that were offered to me at Lancaster and feel adequately prepared to continue my studies in college. I want to thank all of the teachers and administrators for four fulfilling years that will have a lifelong impact.
—Submitted by a student


Posted June 12, 2011

I cant understand why there are parents saying this school is good. I honestly believe there are students who are adding some reviews. I've sat in on three different occations while I was on vacation to find out what was going on at school. The teachers were not there in 5 out of 7 classes ALL THREE DAYS. I went back to do another visit two weeks later and 4 out of 7 classes the original teachers weren't there. Most of the time the sub and original teachers (the ones who were there) were spent yelling and screaming at the kids (Yes, even in the AP classes) telling the kids to sit down and be quiet. Im the same person who put the comment in on March 31, 2011 Half the time I think parents send these kids to school just to get them out the house. It seems as if these kids have very little home training!!!!!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 3, 2011

This school has some wonderful course offerings and programs. The principal is great. I'm glad to read comments from other parents who also recognize the many attributes of this school. In fact, the majority of comments posted over the last two school year's have been largely positive, evidence that Lancaster High School is headed for better things in the coming years.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 5, 2011

ATTN: PARENTS A SURPRISE VISIT MAY HELP YOU UNDERSTAND why things are the way the are, I was there a few time the teachers have to spend class time saying sit down be quite, students cursing and running around like there 7 and 8. VISIT VISIT VISIT................


Posted April 4, 2011

My child is doing great at LHS (please excuse the typo in my previous response) and her teachers are good. As others have said, the school has improved and continues to get better. I'm proud of the work being done there. Rumors that this school is closing are just that, rumors.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 4, 2011

We are happy with the school's leadership and the excellent teachers. Academics and academic offerings have improved. I commend those who have contributed to the school's phenomenal turnaround for the better!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 31, 2011

I can't believe some of the remarks being made about my school. A lot of great things are happening here and I want to make that clear to all of the people viewing this website. I'm proud to be a member of the Tiger family!
—Submitted by a student


Posted January 8, 2011

this school is great it has great teaching techniques its in a good environment and the staff is great so if you want your children in a good school where they will actually learn then send them here
—Submitted by a student


Posted January 6, 2011

Based on the experiences of my daughter during the first half of the 2010-2011 year, along with the encounters I've had as an involved parent with her teachers and the administration, I am impressed with L.H.S. She is excelling there! This is our first year in Lancaster schools. In doing my research, I read all of the comments on GreatSchools.com. I contacted district officials with any questions or concerns I had and always received a prompt response. I checked to see if the course offerings at the school were similar to those at her previous high school and they were. I even attended a few school and district events with my daughter during the latter half of the '09-'10 school year to get a better feel for things. After doing all of this and hearing the opinions of parents with kids attending L.H.S., we decided to give the school a chance and it was definitely the right decision.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 31, 2010

The delimma that I am facing is this..My daughter is going to be a sophmore for the '11-'12 school year and her education is above all THE most important thing to me..I understand LHS is a work in progress, but what does that do for the current students?? The one's who have the weather the storm..How are the extracurricular arts (Choir, Orchestra, etc.) advancing? The plan is to move to TX and she is to attend LHS, but sacrificing now is not what she needs to do to enhance her future..The negative comments are unfortunately outweighing the positive, which makes the decision a little difficult..Hopefully I get a better grasp when I speak with the administration, and can put my concerns at ease about the school..For now, LHS (students, staff, and admin) do what you have to do..Just KEEP MOVING FORWARD!!!


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.

465 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
49%

2010

 
 
43%

2009

 
 
43%

2008

 
 
35%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

461 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
80%

2008

 
 
68%
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.

368 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
77%

2009

 
 
71%

2008

 
 
72%
Math

The state average for Math was 74% in 2011.

361 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
57%

2010

 
 
51%

2009

 
 
35%

2008

 
 
34%
Science

The state average for Science was 76% in 2011.

360 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
59%

2010

 
 
48%

2009

 
 
40%

2008

 
 
35%
Social Studies

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

358 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
80%

2008

 
 
71%
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.

344 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
82%

2008

 
 
85%
Math

The state average for Math was 90% in 2011.

337 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
65%

2009

 
 
55%

2008

 
 
58%
Science

The state average for Science was 91% in 2011.

338 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
61%

2008

 
 
62%
Social Studies

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

339 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
95%

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

Math

All Students49%
Female51%
Male48%
Black or African American48%
Asiann/a
Hispanic52%
American Indian or Alaska Native57%
White80%
Economically disadvantaged51%
Not economically disadvantaged46%
Special educationn/a
Not special education50%
Limited English proficient (LEP)17%
Proficient in English50%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant49%
Gifted/talented79%

Reading

All Students84%
Female88%
Male80%
Black or African American84%
Asiann/a
Hispanic84%
American Indian or Alaska Native80%
White90%
Economically disadvantaged83%
Not economically disadvantaged87%
Special educationn/a
Not special education84%
Limited English proficient (LEP)67%
Proficient in English84%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant84%
Gifted/talented98%
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 Students87%
Female89%
Male85%
Black or African American87%
Asiann/a
Hispanic83%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White80%
Economically disadvantaged87%
Not economically disadvantaged87%
Special educationn/a
Not special education87%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English88%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant87%
Gifted/talented100%

Math

All Students57%
Female58%
Male55%
Black or African American54%
Asiann/a
Hispanic70%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White60%
Economically disadvantaged57%
Not economically disadvantaged56%
Special educationn/a
Not special education57%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English57%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant57%
Gifted/talented86%

Science

All Students59%
Female56%
Male62%
Black or African American57%
Asiann/a
Hispanic68%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White60%
Economically disadvantaged59%
Not economically disadvantaged59%
Special educationn/a
Not special education58%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English59%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant59%
Gifted/talented90%

Social Studies

All Students91%
Female91%
Male91%
Black or African American90%
Asiann/a
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged92%
Not economically disadvantaged89%
Special educationn/a
Not special education91%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English91%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant91%
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 Students92%
Female95%
Male89%
Black or African American92%
Asiann/a
Hispanic96%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged92%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Special education41%
Not special education96%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English93%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant92%
Gifted/talented100%

Math

All Students87%
Female88%
Male86%
Black or African American87%
Asiann/a
Hispanic89%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged87%
Not economically disadvantaged87%
Special education30%
Not special education91%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English87%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant87%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students89%
Female91%
Male87%
Black or African American90%
Asiann/a
Hispanic89%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White83%
Economically disadvantaged91%
Not economically disadvantaged85%
Special education35%
Not special education92%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English89%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant89%
Gifted/talented100%

Social Studies

All Students98%
Female99%
Male97%
Black or African American98%
Asiann/a
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged98%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Special education80%
Not special education99%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English98%
Migrantn/a
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

  • In 2010-2011, this school was rated "Academically Acceptable".
  • In 2009-2010, this school was rated "Academically Acceptable".
  • 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
Black 84% 14%
Hispanic 13% 48%
White 3% 34%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Asian/Pacific Islander 0% 4%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 10%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 4%N/A8%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 2%N/A17%
Economically disadvantaged 62%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 11%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 35%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 23%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 23%N/A23%
21 or more years 7%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

200 E Wintergreen Rd
Lancaster, TX 75134
Phone: (972) 218-1800

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