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GreatSchools Rating

Hightower Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 482 students
 

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  • Getting ready for my youngest to follow her older sister's footsteps and...

  • My daughter just finished kindergarten at hightower. I would highly recommend...

  • I too felt the teachers does not want to help the kids who needs more...

  • I have two children at Hightower, and I am especially impressed with the...

  • My daughter went to the 1st grade at Hightower. The previous parent was spot...

 

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Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Based on 15 ratings
Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 3 ratings
2011:
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2010:
Based on 1 rating

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11 reviews of this school

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Posted August 17, 2012
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Getting ready for my youngest to follow her older sister's footsteps and start kindergarten at Hightower. Great group of educators, given some are young and lack years of experience, however they are knowledgeable and genuinely care for the young boys and girls they teach. My oldest is sad to leave Hightower since she had 6 great years there.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted June 19, 2012
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My daughter just finished kindergarten at hightower. I would highly recommend this school. Small school. Excellent education curriculum. Focus on Math and Reading. Amazed at my daughters progress from when she started. She loves it here.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted April 6, 2012
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I too felt the teachers does not want to help the kids who needs more attention including avoiding their parents. Just pointing out the shortcomings of kids who need help would not do teachers as well special ed need to get more involved. Trying to avoid involvement due to reasons liks budget cuts does not help the kid or the parent.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted September 9, 2008
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I have two children at Hightower, and I am especially impressed with the active PTA and the many programs they provide. Since the parents are very involved, the teachers are appreciative and caring. I have found the current principal to be rather aloof, but have seen much improvement in her performance in the last year. I find most of the staff and other families to be very welcoming and involved.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted April 3, 2008
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My daughter went to the 1st grade at Hightower. The previous parent was spot on when they wrote that Hightower is not a welcoming environment. I definately got the feeling that we were not welcome, and that parents are to stay out of the classroom. When my child had issues, I wanted to observe in the classroom to see what was going on and the teacher refused! I pulled my daughter out of the school because of that environment.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted February 22, 2008
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I have a KG student and a 2nd grader and I couldn't be more pleased with the quality of the work and the atmosphere of the school. I have had interaction with the principal and found her to be quite enthusiastic and pleasant and welcoming. We moved from another Plano ISD school district and I believe that the level of the curriculum at this school is superior to the previous one (and that one had an exemplary rating as well).
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted April 30, 2007
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We selected our new home based on the PISD reputation and Hightower's exemplary rating. The rating has since lowered and we are disappointed in the quality of instruction. The teachers are young and have few years exp. at best. This school is so committed to its rating and stats that the students suffer. My 1st and 2nd grade children bring home work sheets requiring mutliplication to complete - math concepts the teachers do not cover in grades 1 or 2. They simply rely on the parents to teach this math. Sure we play an important role - but the teachers have to do their part as well. They are not covering material - rather they focus almost entirely on the state TAKS test.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted April 9, 2007
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I think that this school could be better. I don't feel the warmth and welcoming atmosphere I was expecting. The first day I introduced my son to the principal, she said, 'hello'. Not 'welcome to Hightower.' that would have been more appropriate in my opinion. Teachers - the ones we have had do not have the experience I would like. If you are a working mom - forget about PTA, they cater to stay at home moms.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted May 20, 2006
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Teachers definitely not what they used to be. Note that the ESOL teacher Ms. Teng is superior.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted April 3, 2006
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Excellent school. Personal attention to kids.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted February 14, 2005
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My daughter went to Hightower for k-5. She loved it! So did I, the teachers are nice and have a good reputation. The best thing about this school is that everyone is welcoming and inviting! Her little brother has a learning disability, and he needs special tutoring. So, my daudher thought that Hightower would be the perfect school for him. We are now moving close to the school in a few weeks.
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review

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.

75 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
97%

2008

 
 
97%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

75 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
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.

72 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
99%

2008

 
 
96%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2011.

73 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
99%

2008

 
 
99%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 90% in 2011.

67 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
97%

2008

 
 
100%
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.

87 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
97%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 82% in 2011.

86 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
Science

The state average for Science was 87% in 2011.

84 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 Students96%
Female100%
Male94%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanicn/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White98%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged96%
Special education80%
Not special education97%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English95%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant96%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanicn/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
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 Students99%
Female100%
Male97%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic92%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged86%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education91%
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English99%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant99%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students97%
Female100%
Male94%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White95%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged97%
Special education83%
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English97%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant97%
Gifted/talented100%

Writing

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%
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 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%

Reading

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%

Science

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

  • 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 54% 31%
Asian 22% 3%
Hispanic 12% 50%
Black 6% 13%
Two or more races 5% 2%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 10%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 18%N/A8%
Economically disadvantaged 8%N/A55%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 8%N/A17%
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 8%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 33%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 35%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 13%N/A23%
21 or more years 12%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

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2601 Decatur Dr
Plano, TX 75093
Website: Click here
Phone: (469) 752-1800

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