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GreatSchools Rating

Jess Harben Elementary School

Public | PK-6 | 398 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

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

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12 reviews of this school


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Posted Wednesday, May 22, 2013

We love Jess Harben! This is a wonderful, small school serving the beautiful College Park, College Park North, Glenville Park and Town North neighborhoods. The students are truly cared for and their successes are celebrated. There are only 200 students in K-6 so it feels like my kids go to a private school! Many children walk or ride their bikes to school which gives the neighborhood a fun energy in the mornings and afternoons. The principal is hands-on, proactive and creative. My kids' classes use differentiated teaching meaning they learn at their level and aren't held back for struggling students or pushed ahead if they are not understanding the concepts. The PTA is active, drama-free and it's easy to get involved in. My kids have loved enrichment clusters where they worked hands-on, several hours a week in a subject they were interested in. One learned a host of magic tricks and even put on a show. The other learned how to write a script and make a movie. We have really loved our experience at our neighborhood school. The intimate learning environment provided by Jess Harben is rare in the public school setting and we couldn't be more pleased.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 22, 2011

My daughter began her second year here and we are very pleased. She received an excellent education her first year. There is a different principal than the one previously mentioned in other reviews. I can not speak for the past but the current one is very approachable, professional and caring. I feel confident she is leading the school in a positive, engaging manner and is focused on giving the students a quality education. The school is small and most staff know the names of the students. My daughter feels welcomed, cared for and safe. I would recommend it to anyone!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 30, 2011

Even though we love Jess Harben, we had always hoped to send our children to private school. So with our youngest in his last year of preschool, it seemed like a good time to make the switch. Although our older children were not happy about the possibility of leaving they are big Harben fans- we decided to go through with the entrance testing required by the private school. Not only did they pass the test with flying colors, but the testing teacher was amazed at the way one of our sons showed his strategies throughout the test. As I left the school, it was clear to me that our children are where they need to be they are happy and well-established members of the Jess Harben community and as parents we are thrilled to have outside confirmation that they are getting an excellent education. We are grateful for the wonderful leadership at Jess Harben and the quality education our children are getting. Thanks to all who make it possible.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 3, 2011

I do not like this school. My friend who went to Jess Harben got abused by the principal. She got badly injured and was taken to the hospital, and she tried to take the student's father into court when he DID NOT do anything. And yes this was all true.


Posted March 31, 2010

Jess Harben Rocks! The teachers really take their time with the children and the classes are smaller than most school which is what make the learning experience so much more enjoyable.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 29, 2007

I read the review dated February 1, 2007. Mr. Forte has not been the principal of Jess Harben for the last three years, Mr. Goodson has. I personally have not been that impressed with this school like I thought I would. Although I think that this school scores high when it comes to acedemic performance and expectations I give them a failing mark when it comes to the treatment of students and parents. I have dealt with some of the most arrogant and rude attitudes from teachers at this school. I am very dissapointed with Mr. Goodson because I believe everything starts at the top. I think that this school needs to not only set high expectations on test scores but also act in a positive manner which effects our childrens mental health. There is no excuse for verbal abuse!
—Submitted by RISD Parent, a parent


Posted February 1, 2007

My son has gone to Jess Harben for the last 3 years and I have been impressed with the level of professionalism of the staff as well as the dedication of the teachers. We've had a range of teachers that have been there forever to one that was a first year. I was a little nervous about both, but they all ended being amazing. He has two teachers this year and I can't even begin to convey how unbelievable they have been. Very invested, caring, and available. Mr. Forte, the new principal is fabulous as well. He truly cares for/about the children and it shows. I am grateful we chose Jess Harben to be the foundation of our son s education.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 2, 2005

Vary good staff and vary clean Building.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 31, 2005

Someone noted there were teachers that were fired from Jess Harben. That is incorrect. Many of the teachers who left were at retirement age and had to retire to meet a deadline for benefits.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 23, 2005

Jess Harben is located in a very family oriented neighborhood. The park and public swimming pool next to it is convenient as well. I didn't know the principal before Mr. Forte so I can't compare the two but he seems to be doing a fine job. There are a few first year teachers in the younger grades which I'm not sure is negative or positive.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 29, 2004

Hmmm...as far as I know, no one was fired...contrary to the other review, I have found there to be a good mix of new and older teachers all of whom are consistently caring and well able to teach my children. I have nothing but the best to say about Jess Harben. I have to wonder about the reasons for the negative review.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 10, 2003

Most of the experienced teachers from 2002 were either fired or quit for 2003. This may be due to budget cuts. I plan on placing my child in private school due to inexperience of two many first-year teachers.
—Submitted by Frank Hill, 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.

38 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
93%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

40 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
100%

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

The state average for Math was 88% in 2011.

37 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
97%

2008

 
 
90%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2011.

38 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
93%

2008

 
 
93%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 90% in 2011.

36 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
97%

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.

41 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
93%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 82% in 2011.

41 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
95%
Science

The state average for Science was 87% in 2011.

39 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
98%

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

The state average for Math was 83% in 2011.

48 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
92%

2008

 
 
92%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2011.

50 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
100%

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

All Students95%
Female100%
Male89%
Black or African American90%
Asian100%
Hispanic88%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged90%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education95%
Limited English proficient (LEP)92%
Proficient in English96%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant95%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students93%
Female95%
Male90%
Black or African American91%
Asian100%
Hispanic88%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White94%
Economically disadvantaged90%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Special educationn/a
Not special education97%
Limited English proficient (LEP)92%
Proficient in English93%
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 Students92%
Female86%
Male100%
Black or African American80%
Asian100%
Hispanic92%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged88%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education92%
Limited English proficient (LEP)89%
Proficient in English91%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant92%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Reading

All Students82%
Female82%
Male80%
Black or African American82%
Asian60%
Hispanic75%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged72%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education81%
Limited English proficient (LEP)60%
Proficient in English91%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant82%
Gifted/talentedn/a

Writing

All Students86%
Female90%
Male80%
Black or African American100%
Asian80%
Hispanic67%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged78%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education86%
Limited English proficient (LEP)67%
Proficient in English95%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant86%
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 Students98%
Female95%
Male100%
Black or African American90%
Asiann/a
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged94%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education97%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English97%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant98%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students95%
Female95%
Male95%
Black or African American80%
Asiann/a
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged88%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education95%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English94%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant95%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students95%
Female95%
Male95%
Black or African American89%
Asiann/a
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged88%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education94%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English97%
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 Students96%
Female100%
Male92%
Black or African American87%
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged93%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education86%
Not special education98%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English95%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant96%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students90%
Female92%
Male88%
Black or African American82%
Asian100%
Hispanic71%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged84%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education67%
Not special education95%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English93%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant90%
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 36% 34%
Asian/Pacific Islander 24% 4%
Black 23% 14%
Hispanic 16% 48%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 14%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 8%N/A8%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 36%N/A17%
Economically disadvantaged 46%N/A55%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 16N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Beginning teachers 9%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 45%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 4%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 25%N/A23%
21 or more years 17%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

600 S Glenville Dr
Richardson, TX 75081
Website: Click here
Phone: (469) 593-8800

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