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GreatSchools Rating

Rita Smith Elementary School

Public | K-4 | 611 students
 

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  • I have been a part of Smith Elementary's school for all 3 years it has been...

  • So far, it has been great, teachers, facilities, etc

  • We feel extremely fortunate that our children attend this school. The...

  • Although the school has great TAKs scores, it is because the school focuses...

  • Smith Elementary is by far the best public elementary in Wylie, TX. We...

 

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Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Based on 8 ratings
Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
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2010:
Based on 1 rating

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7 reviews of this school

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Posted May 12, 2010
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I have been a part of Smith Elementary's school for all 3 years it has been opened, and I really believe that the kids and their success are central to the school. The teachers are of exemplary quality, and the leadership style of Mr. Winn and Mrs. Saldivar is beyond compare. I am so proud that my children can attend this school, and look forward to the excellence this campus will prepare them for in their academic successes!
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted September 15, 2009
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So far, it has been great, teachers, facilities, etc
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted April 17, 2009
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We feel extremely fortunate that our children attend this school. The principals and staff are VERY caring individuals, and work hard to make all the students successful. For us, this has carried over into all areas. The school makes an effort to recognize children for behaviours and events inside and outside the school walls. Just this week someone outside of Wylie asked where we lived and what school our children attend. When told, she said, 'I know that school. That's a good school.' Kudos.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted April 14, 2009
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Although the school has great TAKs scores, it is because the school focuses on bubble kids (kids who are close to passing or failing the TAKs). There are many good teachers at Smith, but when there is an inadequate teacher, the principal will stand behind him or her to the detriment of the students. The school also falls short when it comes to serving students with special needs.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted November 11, 2008
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Smith Elementary is by far the best public elementary in Wylie, TX. We received a TEA 'Exemplary' rating after only being open one year! The parents are so involved! My daughter has been a 'Bulldog' since the schools opening in August 2007 and we are so excited for our other 2 children to attend there in the future. Mr. Winn (the principal) and all of his staff are the best!
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted May 15, 2008
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This is a brand new school. It is very nice and has all the latest technology! The Principals are fabulous and so are all of the teachers. Every Friday they have 'Bulldog Boogie' which is basically an academic pep rally. They recognize the children for different accomplishments complete with certificates and dog tags lol The children can be recognized for academics, AR points, behavior and character traits. They promote a very positive attitude and have cute cheers that the kids just love! I am very impressed!
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted May 1, 2008
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This is a Great school, the staff are friendly, my child's teacher stays in communication with us regarding my child's progress. The kids love the watchdog dad program, and they urge the parents to be involved in their child's education.
—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.

106 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
92%

2008

 
 
92%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

107 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
99%

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 88% in 2011.

97 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
91%

2008

 
 
100%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2011.

95 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
95%

2008

 
 
98%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 90% in 2011.

99 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
95%

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%
Female93%
Male98%
Black or African American100%
Asian100%
Hispanic95%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White94%
Economically disadvantaged88%
Not economically disadvantaged97%
Special education89%
Not special education96%
Limited English proficient (LEP)83%
Proficient in English96%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant95%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students96%
Female97%
Male96%
Black or African American100%
Asian86%
Hispanic95%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged96%
Special education78%
Not special education98%
Limited English proficient (LEP)86%
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

Math

All Students95%
Female93%
Male98%
Black or African American80%
Asiann/a
Hispanic91%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White98%
Economically disadvantaged82%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education75%
Not special education97%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English94%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant95%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students98%
Female98%
Male98%
Black or African American100%
Asiann/a
Hispanic95%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White98%
Economically disadvantaged95%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education88%
Not special education99%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English98%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant98%
Gifted/talented100%

Writing

All Students97%
Female96%
Male98%
Black or African American100%
Asiann/a
Hispanic96%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged92%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education88%
Not special education98%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English96%
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

  • 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 67% 34%
Hispanic 16% 48%
Black 10% 14%
Asian/Pacific Islander 5% 4%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 9%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 5%N/A8%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 13%N/A17%
Economically disadvantaged 24%N/A55%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 15N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Beginning teachers 13%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 31%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 17%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 29%N/A23%
21 or more years 10%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

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2221 Fm 1378
Wylie, TX 75098
Phone: (972) 429-2540

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