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Ponder High School

Public | 9-12 | 369 students

 
 
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars


Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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7 reviews of this school


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Posted August 25, 2006

Majority of time, money and energy spent on Athletics and Agriculture programs. Academics takes a back seat. Teachers try hard but don't have all the resources they need. Due to school size and re-districting, athletes are required to travel long distances and have many very late nights.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 7, 2006

Ponder High School has been beneficial to our child. He has a close group of friends who spur each other on academically. I notice that the teachers seem interested in the proper development of each child. We also have a lot of confidence in the counselor, who seems to be bending over backward to carefully advise my child in course selection etc., as he aims for college in the future. Sports are highly valued at this school, but academic competition is also available and supported by the teachers. Negatively, a few of his teachers have seemed lack enthusiasm for their subjects. There are not a lot of opportunities for parents to be involved in this school, aside from attendance at athletic events and fund-raising.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 7, 2004

I have always been pleased with the teaching staff and class sizes of Ponder High, I do however feel that there are not enough extra carricular activities but I attribute that to the size of the school. On the down side, if you are not one of the more active parents or your child does not excel in basketball you are not treated the same by the staff and other parents of those students.
—Submitted by April Sims, a parent


Posted March 28, 2004

PHS is the greatest school on the planet, what it lacks in size it makes up for in character and tradition. It has an excellent sports program and its acedimic insturctors are superb. I will state again that it is the number one school in the state, country, and planet.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 23, 2004

As the parent of three past students and one current student at Ponder High School, I have been very pleased with the overall experience. There is personal involvement with the principal and teachers. If I have a problem, and I call or write in to complain, I know I will receive a personal reply and swift response to the situation. Your child's school experience is determined by you and your child. Be visible and involved in your community, and in your child's schoolwork. Brains and drive come from within.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 14, 2004

As a parent with a student at Ponder High and educator for 15 years (in a couple of other districts), I have been pleased with teachers' knowledge of subject area,the use of different approaches and techniques used to enable all students to learn and enjoy learning, and rapport with students and parents.For a small 2AA school there are several sports and academic teams available. Problems such as dress code, drugs, tardiness, etc. are handled quickly and without disturbing the learning environment for those not involved.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 8, 2004

Most of the rules are unfair to the students. Parents get no says so in anything. The student dress code is not updated. There are not many choices for extra curricular activities like there aren't many different sports they can play or languages they can learn. In 7th, 8th, and 9th grade there is no study hall which would be useful to the students. The only thing I really like are the teachers and the class sizes.
—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.

69 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
76%

2009

 
 
65%

2008

 
 
73%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

70 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
93%

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

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 91% in 2011.

93 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
93%

2008

 
 
89%
Math

The state average for Math was 74% in 2011.

94 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
75%

2009

 
 
81%

2008

 
 
65%
Science

The state average for Science was 76% in 2011.

94 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
74%

2009

 
 
76%

2008

 
 
71%
Social Studies

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

97 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
95%

2008

 
 
89%
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.

82 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
95%

2008

 
 
94%
Math

The state average for Math was 90% in 2011.

77 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
86%

2008

 
 
90%
Science

The state average for Science was 91% in 2011.

77 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
91%

2008

 
 
85%
Social Studies

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

78 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

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

All Students81%
Female87%
Male77%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic64%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White84%
Economically disadvantaged80%
Not economically disadvantaged81%
Special educationn/a
Not special education81%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English82%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant81%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students97%
Female97%
Male97%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic91%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White98%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged96%
Special educationn/a
Not special education97%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
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 Students91%
Female93%
Male90%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic91%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White91%
Economically disadvantaged86%
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Special education56%
Not special education95%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English91%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant91%
Gifted/talented89%

Math

All Students89%
Female93%
Male86%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic83%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White90%
Economically disadvantaged86%
Not economically disadvantaged90%
Special education67%
Not special education92%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English89%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant89%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students79%
Female73%
Male84%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic58%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White82%
Economically disadvantaged50%
Not economically disadvantaged88%
Special education100%
Not special education76%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English79%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant79%
Gifted/talented100%

Social Studies

All Students94%
Female98%
Male91%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic92%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White94%
Economically disadvantaged81%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education85%
Not special education95%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
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 Students94%
Female95%
Male92%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic89%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White96%
Economically disadvantaged93%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Special educationn/a
Not special education95%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English94%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant94%
Gifted/talented100%

Math

All Students97%
Female95%
Male100%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic89%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White98%
Economically disadvantaged83%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education97%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English97%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant97%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students97%
Female95%
Male100%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic89%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White98%
Economically disadvantaged83%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education97%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English97%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant97%
Gifted/talented100%

Social Studies

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African Americann/a
Asiann/a
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 "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 82% 31%
Hispanic 14% 50%
Two or more races 2% 2%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 0%
Asian 1% 3%
Black 1% 13%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 13%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 8%N/A8%
Economically disadvantaged 20%N/A55%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 0%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 6%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 17%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 11%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 46%N/A23%
21 or more years 20%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

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300 W Bailey
Ponder, TX 76259
Website: Click here
Phone: (940) 479-8312

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