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Gunston Middle School

Public | 6-8 | 781 students

 
 
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars


Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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12 reviews of this school


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Posted September 17, 2009

Great teachers, diverse student body and fascinating learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 5, 2009

Great School only down fall needs more things for the Art and Music Departments
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 6, 2008

this school is great!!!!!!!
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 28, 2007

After thoroughly researching all the possible APS middle school options and attending all their orientations/tours, I decided that Gunston was the best choice for my child. I love the small classroom sizes(ranging from 15-18 students.) I think the 'family atmosphere' enhances the learning experience. I can't say enough positive things about Ms. Gill's (the principal) dedication and awesome leadership. My son was placed in intensified math and reading and is held to high standards and is academically challenged. (in case there is fear about 'teaching down'.) The school provides so many different resources for ensuring that the new 6th graders succeed in their transitions from elementary school. The communication between the teachers and parents is excellent. The Gunston website is awesome and a great and useful resource. Ms. Gill runs a 'tight ship' and the students are very clear on the rules. The majority of parents are quite loyal.
—Submitted by C.A. Weiser, a parent


Posted September 28, 2007

We chose Gunston for my two children because it offered a continuation of the partial-Spanish immersion program they began in kindergarten. Since it is not our neighborhood school, it was a deliberate choice for our family. I have found the school to have a warm and welcoming atmosphere, from the front office to the classrooms. Parents are invited and encouraged to be involved. Many dedicated parents are involved in PTA, which supports a wide variety of events, academic programs and other activities that support every child at Gunston. My children and I have benefited from the cultural and racial diversity of the school. The teachers work hard to help every child achieve, spending many extra hours in the classroom, mentoring students and sponsoring clubs and activities. I encourage anyone in Arlington County to visit Gunston and see for themselves what a great place it is.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 7, 2007

Gunston is a very good school that has shown good flexibility for students at different ability levels. My son went there and was able to complete Algebra and Geometry before the end of 8th grade. The teachers were wonderful. I think the Principal runs a tight ship and clamps down on students who mouth off or misbehave, which is very important in middle school as children are developing so fast and dealing with hormones. Gunston has a truly awesome TV studio and the students' work has been recognized nationally thanks to the teacher, Mr. Costner, and the support of the principal. The PTA is pretty active and has gotten more so in the past three years. Many students from outside of Gunston's neighborhood attendance zone go to Gunston for the Spanish Immersion program. Overall, a strong school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 30, 2006

Gunston is a awsome school. the teachers and staff are great. it is very different from most schools i have seen this school seems to act as a family. they have many classes for students and many activities for students the whole school is wonderful. the best of the best.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 24, 2006

This is a really great school... All 3 years of my life @ gunston has been a great expierience for me...
—Submitted by celena m., a student


Posted May 2, 2006

I loved the extracurricular activities. There are so many things to join. This school has hard subjects but it's a good experience. In fact, I loved it. The friends here are fantastic and teachers are very helpful. I see nothing bad about it.
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 25, 2005

I really did well at this school. Though it had rules and regulations, and some things seemed absolutely ridiculous, you get that in any school. The music program was awesome and there were plenty of different levels of classes. Most of the teachers were helpful and they were just plain good teachers. There were tons of after school activities for people with different interests. All in all it was a good experience.
—Submitted by a student


Posted July 30, 2005

My son attended this school. He began failing and it was a terrible experience. There are cultural problems and drug use is high. Things improved immediately after my son left. If you can avoid sending your child here you would be better off. I give the {rincipal an F for turning a blind eye to the problems.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 17, 2004

My daughter was a former student at this school and I thought that it wasn't a very good experience. Before she came to Gunston she was getting A's & B's and her grades went down to E's and D's. I was not satisfied with the involvement of the teachers and I do not recommend this experience and I'm not allowing my younger daughter to attend this school. They took my daughters shirt because it was 'inapropriate' and they never gave it back. I hope this review has helped. Thank You
—Submitted by Shawntia, 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.
English: Reading

The state average for English: Reading was 89% in 2012.

261 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
80%

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
85%

2008

 
 
81%
History and Social Science

The state average for History and Social Science was 86% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Math

The state average for Math was 74% in 2012.

238 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
59%

2010

 
 
58%

2009

 
 
61%

2008

 
 
46%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Virginia used the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests to assess students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, writing in grades 5 and 8, science in grades in 3, 5 and 8, and history in grades 3 through 8. The SOL tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Virginia. The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

English: Reading

The state average for English: Reading was 88% in 2012.

252 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
89%

2008

 
 
85%
History and Social Science

The state average for History and Social Science was 88% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Math

The state average for Math was 58% in 2012.

182 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
41%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
67%

2009

 
 
69%

2008

 
 
61%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Virginia used the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests to assess students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, writing in grades 5 and 8, science in grades in 3, 5 and 8, and history in grades 3 through 8. The SOL tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Virginia. The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

English: Reading

The state average for English: Reading was 89% in 2012.

224 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
82%

2008

 
 
75%
English: Writing

The state average for English: Writing was 88% in 2012.

217 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
92%

2008

 
 
83%
History and Social Science

The state average for History and Social Science was 88% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a

2008

 
 
82%
Math

The state average for Math was 60% in 2012.

207 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
59%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
78%

2009

 
 
78%

2008

 
 
77%
Science

The state average for Science was 92% in 2012.

229 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
82%

2008

 
 
82%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Virginia used the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests to assess students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, writing in grades 5 and 8, science in grades in 3, 5 and 8, and history in grades 3 through 8. The SOL tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Virginia. The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

English: Reading

All Students83%
Female students85%
Male students81%
Black students77%
Asian students89%
Hispanic71%
White students95%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged71%
Not economically disadvantaged89%
Students with disabilities57%
Students without disabilities87%
Limited English proficient students69%
Proficient in English91%
Not migrant83%

History and Social Science

All Studentsn/a
Male studentsn/a
Black studentsn/a
Students identified as economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Not migrantn/a

Math

All Students79%
Female students81%
Male students76%
Black students77%
Asian students88%
Hispanic72%
White students83%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged69%
Not economically disadvantaged84%
Students with disabilities56%
Students without disabilities83%
Limited English proficient students72%
Proficient in English83%
Not migrant79%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Virginia used the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests to assess students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, writing in grades 5 and 8, science in grades in 3, 5 and 8, and history in grades 3 through 8. The SOL tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Virginia. The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the Virginia Department of Education. Data is not reported when there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

English: Reading

All Students85%
Female students88%
Male students82%
Black students67%
Asian students90%
Hispanic82%
White students94%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged77%
Not economically disadvantaged90%
Students with disabilities55%
Students without disabilities90%
Limited English proficient students74%
Proficient in English90%
Not migrant85%

History and Social Science

All Studentsn/a
Male studentsn/a
Black studentsn/a
Students identified as economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Not migrantn/a

Math

All Students41%
Female students48%
Male students34%
Black students26%
Asian students46%
Hispanic28%
White students75%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged29%
Not economically disadvantaged53%
Students with disabilities27%
Students without disabilities45%
Limited English proficient students26%
Proficient in English51%
Not migrant41%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Virginia used the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests to assess students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, writing in grades 5 and 8, science in grades in 3, 5 and 8, and history in grades 3 through 8. The SOL tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Virginia. The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the Virginia Department of Education. Data is not reported when there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

English: Reading

All Students87%
Female students92%
Male students83%
Black students85%
Asian students100%
Hispanic81%
White students93%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged80%
Not economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disabilities52%
Students without disabilities93%
Limited English proficient students78%
Proficient in English92%
Not migrant87%

English: Writing

All Students90%
Female students96%
Male students85%
Black students83%
Asian students100%
Hispanic88%
White students98%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged85%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilities64%
Students without disabilities94%
Limited English proficient students84%
Proficient in English94%
Not migrant90%

History and Social Science

All Studentsn/a
Male studentsn/a
Black studentsn/a
Students identified as economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Not migrantn/a

Math

All Students59%
Female students63%
Male students56%
Black students31%
Asian students92%
Hispanic54%
White students86%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged47%
Not economically disadvantaged68%
Students with disabilities25%
Students without disabilities65%
Limited English proficient students53%
Proficient in English63%
Not migrant59%

Science

All Students91%
Female students92%
Male students90%
Black students82%
Asian students100%
Hispanic92%
White students97%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged82%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Students with disabilities77%
Students without disabilities93%
Limited English proficient students86%
Proficient in English94%
Not migrant91%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Virginia used the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests to assess students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, writing in grades 5 and 8, science in grades in 3, 5 and 8, and history in grades 3 through 8. The SOL tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Virginia. The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the Virginia Department of Education. Data is not reported when there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

  • In 2009-2010, this school was rated "Fully Accredited".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was rated "Fully Accredited".
  • In 2007-2008, this school was rated "Accredited with Warning".

About the tests


Virginia school accreditation ratings reflect student achievement on Standards of Learning (SOL) tests and other assessments in English, history/social science, math and science. The 2009-2010 ratings are based on passing rates on tests taken during the 2008-2009 school year or on overall achievement during the three most recent years. Schools are identified as either Fully Accredited, Accredited with Warning, Conditionally Accredited or Accreditation Denied.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 75% in 2012.

99 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
96%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
n/a

2008

 
 
100%
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 88% in 2010.

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
n/a

2008

 
 
100%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Virginia used the Standards of Learning (SOL) End-of-Course tests to assess students in reading, writing, math, science and history/social science subjects at the end of each course, regardless of the student's grade level. The SOL End-of-Course tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Virginia. High school students must pass at least six SOL End-of-Course tests to graduate. The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

Algebra I

All Students96%
Female students98%
Male students94%
Black studentsn/a
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanic88%
White students100%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged88%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities96%
Limited English proficient students85%
Proficient in English98%
Not migrant96%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Virginia used the Standards of Learning (SOL) End-of-Course tests to assess students in reading, writing, math, science and history/social science subjects at the end of each course, regardless of the student's grade level. The SOL End-of-Course tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Virginia. High school students must pass at least six SOL End-of-Course tests to graduate. The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the Virginia Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

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
Hispanic 42% 9%
White 34% 57%
Black 16% 26%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 42%N/A33%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 15N/A17
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

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2700 S Lang St
Arlington, VA 22206
Phone: (703) 228-6900

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