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GreatSchools Rating

Dean and Mildred Bennett Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 599 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

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

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11 reviews of this school


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Posted February 22, 2013

Great school community. The teachers are very involved with the kids. The Friday LIVE program is second to none!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 29, 2012

We love Bennett! The staff, the atmosphere, the families! It's amazing. I have been please with all of my kids' teachers. My oldest son has progressed beyond my expectations since starting at Bennett 3 years ago (We lived in Plano prior to now). I also love the new assistant principal. She always goes out of her way to make sure everyone feels welcome and even called to double check on my child after he had a tough day. We love Bennett!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 1, 2012

Ultimately, I have our experience at Bennett to thank for our new and happy homeschooling life. But I wouldn't want to repeat it for love or money. If you have no other choices for your children's education, if you are indifferent to education in general, but need a safe place to stow your kids while you work, this is your school. But if you want a dynamic elementary education that will not only enrich your child, but teach them how to enrich *themselves* for a life time, run, don't walk away from Bennett Elementary. Though, in the past, there were a few extraordinary people working here, as is so often the case with public education, they moved on to better positions. What remains is a very conventional and medicore public school. It might not hurt your child's chances of success, but if they do succeed, it will be in spite of their time here, certainly not because of it.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 11, 2010

I agree with the post that the Principal and assistant principal are cold and distant, thus causing the overall environment to be sterile. The leadership seems to be young, inexperienced. The office staff is quite nice. The teachers appear to work hard and care. Other appearances upon observation, are the teachers are stifled by all the "theory" rules of the leadership rather than practical application. Almost like children should be seen and not heard. Dissappointed from what I have heard about past years at Bennett.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 26, 2010

Both of my children attend Bennett. I am very involved in the school and have been so impressed at not only the quality of Bennett's staff but also the level of education provided. My children are excited about going, and I am confident in their quality learning experience. We love Bennett!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 2, 2009

My foster children attend this school. We were originally introduced because of the special needs unit that was housed on their campus. My children were accepted, loved, and welcomed with open arms by every member of the campus from the front office staff, the principal, and the nurse, right down to the cafeteria workers. When the boys were moved on to other placements the faculty cried along with them. They had wonderful teachers that celebrated their every success. I saw my first grader's reading ability rise three levels from non-existent in 3 short months. The schools is bright and welcoming and they have obviously instilled this caring attitude among their students as well. There is plenty of parent involvement and communication from the school is top notch. I drove 20 minutes out of my way for this school and I would do it again in a heart beat.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 24, 2008

We moved here last summer and are experiencing our first year at Bennett. We have 3 daughters who attend and all are extremely happy. We could not ask for better teachers or administration. I was a teacher myself before our move and can say from my own experiences that Bennett is a great school. Mrs. Reinhard, Mrs. Scott, Mrs. Hill, Mr. Weiss, Mrs. Dusek, and Ms. Hales are awesome. The specials team at this school are top notch as well.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 15, 2007

I think Bennett is an awesome school. We left a private school shortly into the school year and my daughter has blossomed at Bennett. Paige Hanks, the principal is great and runs a a terrific school. There is a lot of parental involvement and the teachers are the best!! It is the Best School in McKinney!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 2, 2007

My son attended Bennett and we really had a mixed feeling. In so many ways they are a terrific school. Page Hanks, the principal, is always visible and avaible to parents. My son't teacher his first year was sick most of the year, for which I sympathsize, but wasn't a great expereinc for my child. Ms. Moody, his teacher the next year was awesome. My only real complaint is that it is very large and there are many students in each classroom ....seemed overwhelming...and they tend to send home soooo much information it's difficult to know what is important.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 10, 2004

My daughter moved from the DISD school system where she experienced segregation problems. Although her grade average was a low A overall, after her first year with Bennett, she is now averaging a 98.64 for 2 years straight. Parent involvement is fantastic and welcomed there. Environment is VERY safe and clean. Staff and students are friendly and energetic, you can feel the excitement daily.
—Submitted by Maj. Peter Malik, a parent


Posted January 25, 2004

Have really enjoyed the time we have had here. Kids are in Alpha program which I feel is pushing them. Good School!
—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 87% in 2011.

104 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
94%

2008

 
 
96%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

100 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
99%

2008

 
 
99%
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 88% in 2011.

117 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
90%

2008

 
 
94%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2011.

117 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
91%

2008

 
 
97%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 90% in 2011.

119 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
98%

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

The state average for Math was 81% in 2011.

130 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
99%

2008

 
 
100%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 82% in 2011.

130 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
Science

The state average for Science was 87% in 2011.

129 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
97%

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

All Students95%
Female95%
Male96%
Black or African American100%
Asian88%
Hispanic92%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White96%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Special education67%
Not special education97%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English96%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant95%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Reading

All Students98%
Female98%
Male98%
Black or African American100%
Asian86%
Hispanic92%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Special educationn/a
Not special education99%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English99%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant98%
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 Students97%
Female98%
Male97%
Black or African American92%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White98%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged97%
Special education88%
Not special education98%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English97%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant97%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Reading

All Students97%
Female98%
Male97%
Black or African American92%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White98%
Economically disadvantaged88%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Special education88%
Not special education98%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English97%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant97%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Writing

All Students97%
Female98%
Male97%
Black or African American100%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged97%
Special education100%
Not special education97%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English97%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant97%
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 Students99%
Female98%
Male100%
Black or African American100%
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White99%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education92%
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English99%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant99%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African American100%
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%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students96%
Female92%
Male100%
Black or African American100%
Asian91%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White96%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged96%
Special education92%
Not special education97%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English97%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant96%
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 "Exemplary".

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 75% 34%
Black 11% 14%
Hispanic 8% 48%
Asian/Pacific Islander 6% 4%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 10%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 3%N/A8%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 1%N/A17%
Economically disadvantaged 7%N/A55%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 17N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Beginning teachers 2%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 42%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 29%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 18%N/A23%
21 or more years 8%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

7760 Coronado Dr
McKinney, TX 75070
Phone: (469) 302-5400

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