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GreatSchools Rating

Arapaho Classical Magnet

Public | K-6 | 570 students
 

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  • My son began kindergarten this year.The strengths of the school are its...

  • We love ACM! I have a 2nd grader and 4th grader and could not be more pleased...

  • Wow! When I started here, this school was Arapaho Elementary School! My...

  • Wonderful school with some amazing benefits. Our son has some extraordinary...

  • My daughter came to this school in fifth grade and was welcomed by the...

 

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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 2 ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
Based on 2 ratings

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12 reviews of this school

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Posted October 29, 2012
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My son began kindergarten this year.The strengths of the school are its instructors, the district and the parental involvement. My son's kindergarten teacher communicates regularly through email, a portal website, and folders with information and activities. The workload is age appropriate and diverse, the student population is a true reflection of the community, and the staff is nurturing and caring. There is room for improvement, but most importantly the school welcomes parental input and supports their efforts/outside projects. The school has a real sense of community and it reflects in the older students assisting younger students before and after school, with reading and learning activities, and in other areas where they gain responsibility and caring.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted September 4, 2012
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We love ACM! I have a 2nd grader and 4th grader and could not be more pleased with my experience with both girls. The teachers and staff are all great and very caring. We have even had a few of them come to my girls' soccer games on the weekends! That's commitment! The students are happy and the parental involvement is phenomenal. We are "magneted" in and could not be happier with our choice! The school is diverse and a good place to learn about tolerance and understanding of others that are different from you. The school was just awarded the Healthy Zone School award - the only school in Richardson to receive this honor.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted April 1, 2011
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Wow! When I started here, this school was Arapaho Elementary School! My family moved here when I was in 1st grade. I had Mrs. Holmes for 1st grade & Ms. Neil (Now Mrs. Zimmerman) for 2nd grade. When I was in 3rd grade, we merged with Classical Magnet. I had had Mrs. Duffy, who came from CMS, for 3rd grade, and Mrs. Walley, who also came from CMS, for 4th grade. My family moved again after I finished 4th grade! There are only 5 teachers left at ACM that worked at the original Arapaho Elementary School: Mrs. Holmes, Mrs. Andrews, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Dean, and Coach Jackson. I knew each and every one of them! I hope they still renember me. GREAT SCHOOL, GREAT STAFF! GO FALCONS!

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Posted September 25, 2010
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Wonderful school with some amazing benefits. Our son has some extraordinary teachers but my son has also had some less than qualified teachers here.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted June 15, 2010
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My daughter came to this school in fifth grade and was welcomed by the teachers and community in the school. She was able to be involved in many activities and felt right at home even though she transfered in. Her teachers were super: available when needed, good to her and challenging, and helped her get acquainted with her classmates. There were numerous programs to attend and open for the students and family. We especially enjoyed the Pumpkin carving with story characters and then the reading night that followed. It was fun and my daughter really enjoyed it. They also had a fitness night, school carnival, family reading night, I think this is an awesome school! I made the right choice sending my daughter here.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted June 26, 2009
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Well,im quiet upset at this school because they only give rewards at six grade .I do believe students deserve a recognition at the end of the year no matter what grade are you in...My daughter is a transfer student from other state and she well both commendend at both taks test.Math is perfect score and not even a simple congratulation from the principal nothing i heard nothing.....I heard its because its magnet school but still at the end of the year children still need to be recognize at their effort after all year long.......
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted June 26, 2009
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How sad that Mrs. H is leaving ACM. She was an outstanding, caring individual that always put the well being of the students first. The teachers are very strong and always have special events at the school. I hope the special family nights and events don't stop now that ACM has a new administrator.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted July 23, 2008
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We're heading into our third year at ACM, and we love it. Every teacher we've had has been wonderful, there's a strong PTA and there are a variety of extracurricular programs available.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted May 29, 2008
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This school has hit rock bottom. No leadership in Mrs H., and teachers has burn out.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted August 22, 2007
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My nephew transferred to 6th grade at ACM from Houston in October 2006 and we were so lucky to have this amazing school in our neighborhood. The office staff, administrators, PTA and most especially the teachers were friendly, helpful and caring. They took a child who had struggled academically for years and helped him become a 'B' honor roll student. All of the 6th grade teachers met with us regularly and personally kept an eye on our nephew, helping him to fit in and offering him emotional support when needed. Mrs. Le Fevre, Mr. Chapa and Mr. Chapman are all dedicated professionals and truly care about their students. We found ACM to be a vibrant, modern school with a small town feel where everyone knows everyone else. I feel so hopeful for this community after learning that such quality educators are caring for the children in my city.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted May 31, 2007
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Academic programs are exceptional. Parent involvement is very good. The principal is the best I have experienced in 15 years of being involved in Richardson schools!
—Submitted by Nancy Brown, a parent

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Posted November 12, 2006
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So far this year I have been very impressed with ACM. I am always able to conference with the teachers. They seem willing to help make MY child feel welcome in the new school, and they try to put my mind at ease. Although My child is one with Learning difference, I find it comforting to know that the Administrator seems to be concerned with how my child fits in, and seems to have an open door for the parents. The office staff is outstanding always pleasant, And the Extended day service is one of the best I have ever come across. I am very optimistic and appreciative for the attention my student receives.
—Submitted by Mrs. Johnson, a teacher

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.

73 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
91%

2008

 
 
87%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

73 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
96%

2008

 
 
96%
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.

76 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
95%

2008

 
 
75%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2011.

77 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
87%

2008

 
 
85%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 90% in 2011.

75 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
92%

2008

 
 
93%
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.

75 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
90%

2008

 
 
90%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 82% in 2011.

75 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
89%

2008

 
 
91%
Science

The state average for Science was 87% in 2011.

74 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
90%

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 83% in 2011.

68 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
87%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2011.

70 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
94%

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%
Female97%
Male93%
Black or African American92%
Asian86%
Hispanic92%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged86%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education80%
Not special education96%
Limited English proficient (LEP)90%
Proficient in English96%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant95%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students93%
Female94%
Male93%
Black or African American92%
Asian100%
Hispanic88%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White96%
Economically disadvantaged86%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Special education60%
Not special education96%
Limited English proficient (LEP)90%
Proficient in English94%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant93%
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%
Female98%
Male100%
Black or African American89%
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged96%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education89%
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English98%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant99%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students90%
Female88%
Male91%
Black or African American89%
Asian100%
Hispanic73%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged74%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Special education80%
Not special education91%
Limited English proficient (LEP)58%
Proficient in English95%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant90%
Gifted/talented100%

Writing

All Students95%
Female98%
Male91%
Black or African American100%
Asian100%
Hispanic81%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged88%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Special education100%
Not special education94%
Limited English proficient (LEP)75%
Proficient in English98%
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 Students99%
Female100%
Male96%
Black or African American95%
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged98%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English98%
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 educationn/a
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students93%
Female94%
Male92%
Black or African American86%
Asian100%
Hispanic92%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged87%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education94%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English94%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant93%
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 Students97%
Female97%
Male97%
Black or African American91%
Asian100%
Hispanic96%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged95%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education97%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English98%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant97%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students96%
Female100%
Male92%
Black or African American83%
Asian100%
Hispanic96%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged93%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education83%
Not special education97%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English96%
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 "Recognized".
  • 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 41% 34%
Hispanic 30% 48%
Black 20% 14%
Asian/Pacific Islander 9% 4%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 14%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 10%N/A8%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 20%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 14N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Beginning teachers 7%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 37%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 20%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 19%N/A23%
21 or more years 17%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

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1300 Cypress Dr
Richardson, TX 75080
Website: Click here
Phone: (469) 593-6400

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