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GreatSchools Rating

Leander Middle School

Public | 6-8 | 808 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:
No new ratings

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12 reviews of this school


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Posted April 25, 2012

LMS was recently awarded the distinction as a School To Watch. They were selected because they are doing things right and are a model for other schools. The teachers and administration are top notch. I've had 1 daughter graduate & 1 presently enrolled. They are bright girls who still are/were challenged. The dedicated teachers volunteer their time for tutorials and extra curricular activities. The diverse population is a hidden bonus. My girls are educated in a safe, challenging, and happy school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 25, 2012

LMS is a fantastic school! The teachers are dedicated to the success of every child and dedicated to making sure every child has a passion for learning. Both LMS and the principal are award winning. I find this humorous considering the fact (yes fact) that other parent's and students at the other schools in the district still choose to cling to the negative stereotypes they have for LMS. It's not the shiny new school or the school in someone's idea of the "best" neighborhood, but LMS has it where it counts and that's the best middle school for academics in LISD bar none.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 23, 2010

I am a former student.I love this schools environment but I really didn't get all the help I needed to succeed.


Posted February 15, 2010

This school is one of the oldest in Leander but remains one of the finest! The teachers do incredible work with these kids and know each one by name. Sure, the population is diverse but so is the world and this middle school faces the same concerns that all middle schools in Texas face. The principal has the best in mind for each of her students and this filters down through the entire faculty. Kids receive a great education at LMS and, because of a lower enrollment, get lots of opportunities to participate in extra-curricular activities, as well as receive one on one attetion. I think you'll be very pleased with LMS.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 11, 2009

This diverse school is amazing. Although it isn't as new as the other middle schools in the district, it has character beyond the the brick facade. The principal and teachers are passionate and dedicated. My daughter is bright, but is challenged daily. She is happy and proud to be at this school. Her friends are wonderful children who I are respectful. Although LMS has the challenges of negativity, it shines regardless. Go Tigers!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 25, 2008

I love and miss this school honestly the best i've ever been to
—Submitted by a student


Posted December 13, 2007

Leander Middle School is the best school I have ever taught at in my 20 years of teaching. The culture of the school empowers students and teachers to grow. At LMS, the bottom line is always what is best for kids! You will see the nurturing environment when you walk in the door. The mutual respect between students and teachers is incredible. LMS is truly a great place to teach and learn.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted August 1, 2007

I've been teaching 23 years, and I've never seen such a committed teaching staff as the one at LMS. The teachers care about every student. Even though the school is the oldest middle school in the district, the students, teachers, and administrators think it's the best.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted March 14, 2006

I have a disabled child who attends this school. His disabilities are invisible and often confused with lack of effort and behavioral issues. This school has tried hard to work with me and my child to ensure that his needs are met. They need regular reminders about some of his challenges but this is not surprising considering the nature of his disabilities.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 20, 2005

Have to agree entirely with the post on LISD and disabilities. We have lived in the district for 21 yrs and one of my children still attend at LHS. I had the same experience with my oldest child and trying to get the district/school to test my child for dyslexia. When they finally did test I was told my child was borderline (results were below or right at the dividing line)and there was nothing the shool district could offer or do for this child. I don't know if they now have programs for disabilities like this but if planning to live here and need this type of program please look into it. Horrible experience for us.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 5, 2005

The academics at Leander Middle School are excellent. The teachers are dedicated, caring and very professional. The principal and assistant principals are very involved and know the students by name. There are many extracurricular activities that stress participation over winning and all students are encouraged to perform to the best of their abilities. The school offers advanced placement classes as well as a gifted program in language arts so that students can be challenged in all subjects. I truly feel my child is being prepared for high school and that the programs at LMS are helping her develop the study skills necessary to be successful throughout her academic career.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 3, 2005

My child has gone to LMS for one yr. He has been in the LISD for 5 yrs. This school is adequate if your child does not have any learning disabilites. If they do I do NOT recommend this district or this school. It took LISD 5 yrs to diagnose my son with dyslexia . After yrs and yrs of fighting the district to test and test my son , finally in the 6th grade after obtaining an advocate did I make any progress. The educators left it up to myself to make suggestions on what would help my son And they are suppose to be the ' Professionals' . So bottom line if your child has Learning difficulties now, DONT send them to LISD or LMS. If they have problems once they are in LISD LEAVE. If possibly bring an advocate to EVERY ARD meeting you have.
—Submitted by 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 83% in 2011.

258 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
85%

2008

 
 
75%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2011.

255 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
94%

2008

 
 
91%
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.

219 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
89%

2009

 
 
76%

2008

 
 
86%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 86% in 2011.

217 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
83%

2008

 
 
85%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 94% in 2011.

209 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
91%

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

The state average for Math was 73% in 2011.

255 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
95%

2008

 
 
93%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2011.

256 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
98%
Science

The state average for Science was 79% in 2011.

255 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
83%

2008

 
 
78%
Social Studies

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

253 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
97%

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

Math

All Students86%
Female82%
Male90%
Black or African American79%
Asian100%
Hispanic83%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White90%
Economically disadvantaged84%
Not economically disadvantaged88%
Special education65%
Not special education89%
Limited English proficient (LEP)61%
Proficient in English89%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant86%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students83%
Female85%
Male82%
Black or African American86%
Asian60%
Hispanic82%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White85%
Economically disadvantaged75%
Not economically disadvantaged90%
Special education57%
Not special education86%
Limited English proficient (LEP)47%
Proficient in English86%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant83%
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 Students90%
Female90%
Male91%
Black or African American81%
Asiann/a
Hispanic96%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White87%
Economically disadvantaged91%
Not economically disadvantaged90%
Special education82%
Not special education91%
Limited English proficient (LEP)90%
Proficient in English90%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant90%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students94%
Female96%
Male91%
Black or African American81%
Asiann/a
Hispanic97%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White93%
Economically disadvantaged94%
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Special education100%
Not special education93%
Limited English proficient (LEP)78%
Proficient in English94%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant94%
Gifted/talented100%

Writing

All Students95%
Female99%
Male92%
Black or African American85%
Asiann/a
Hispanic97%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White95%
Economically disadvantaged96%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Special education88%
Not special education96%
Limited English proficient (LEP)89%
Proficient in English95%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant95%
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 Students93%
Female93%
Male93%
Black or African American92%
Asian83%
Hispanic91%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White96%
Economically disadvantaged91%
Not economically disadvantaged96%
Special education93%
Not special education93%
Limited English proficient (LEP)75%
Proficient in English95%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant93%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students98%
Female99%
Male97%
Black or African American100%
Asian100%
Hispanic96%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged98%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education100%
Not special education98%
Limited English proficient (LEP)81%
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant98%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students88%
Female86%
Male91%
Black or African American69%
Asian83%
Hispanic87%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White91%
Economically disadvantaged85%
Not economically disadvantaged92%
Special education92%
Not special education88%
Limited English proficient (LEP)80%
Proficient in English89%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant88%
Gifted/talented98%

Social Studies

All Students99%
Female99%
Male99%
Black or African American100%
Asian100%
Hispanic97%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged98%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education100%
Not special education99%
Limited English proficient (LEP)93%
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 "Recognized".
  • 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
White 59% 34%
Hispanic 32% 48%
Black 6% 14%
Asian/Pacific Islander 2% 4%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 17%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 13%N/A8%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 6%N/A17%
Economically disadvantaged 36%N/A55%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 13N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Beginning teachers 3%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 36%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 21%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 15%N/A23%
21 or more years 25%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

410 S W St
Leander, TX 78641
Phone: (512) 570-3200

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