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GreatSchools Rating

Virginia L. Murray Elementary School

Public | PK-5 | 263 students

Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

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

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8 reviews of this school


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Posted March 24, 2012

Murray is a gem in the Albemarle County School system. It has excellent, caring teachers and principal, involved parents and and works hard to craft solutions to the inevitable issues that arise from the underfunded and somewhat problematic Albemarle County School system (SOL-driven curriculum, lack of foreign languages until late middle school, overcrowded classrooms, overworked teachers). Parents coming from high-achieving districts should be aware that it is very easy to get an "A" at Murray because the standards in the County schools are fairly low because of some under-performing schools and you may want to supplement your child's education outside of school. That being said, Murray does everything within its power to meet the needs of all the kids, sometimes within the context of very crowded classrooms (26-27 in a class). However, Murray is a wonderful small-school community where every staff member knows your children and does everything possible to make it the best experience within the constraints of the larger Albemarle County School system.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 12, 2011

Murray is amazing. We moved to C'ville when our daughter was going into second grade. Naturally, she was trepidatious about the move, but by the middle of the year she was saying, "It's too bad I wasn't born in Virginia, because I had to miss Kindergarten and first grade at Murray!" The school is a perfect size for an elementary school--about 45 students per grade--and every member of the staff knows every student by face and name within the first weeks of the year. The teachers operate as grade-level "teams" of two and coordinate all of the academics seamlessly. Students seem to be well met at all levels of preparation and ability, even though the county keeps support staff down to pretty bare bones. Front office staff are warm and loving and the children clearly feel trusting and well taken-care-of. Parent involvement is also impressive. There is a lot of "teaching to testing," but that is life for kids these days unless you're going to opt out of mainstream education--they need to be prepared to focus on and succeed at standardized testing, and Murray definitely helps them to do that. I cannot imagine a better elementary experience for my children.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 16, 2009

You can't beat Murray Elementary! We love having our kids here and think the teachers and the staff are wonderful! The principal is super! He is committed to making sure all kids learn and he is actively involved in every aspect of the school! What a wonderful place to have your kids start school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 13, 2009

I am a new parent to the Murray community and have to say that I have been extremely impressed with the quality and expertise of both the teaching staff and administration. We have had wonderful teachers for our kids and the principal has been very supportive of our needs. He seems to have good interactions with the kids and makes everyone feel welcome! We love Murray!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 23, 2009

We were ready to send out kids to a private school in the area but once going to Murray, you realize this is as close to a private school you will EVER find in a public school. EVERY teacher knows your childs' name, the bus driver knows your child and it is a wonderful school. Can not say enough. We have been there for 3 years and couldn't be happier.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 21, 2007

I'm in my last year of middle school now but looking back on after talking to other kids who went to area middle schools, Murray was the best. The school is small so you know everyone. The teachers are great and many times we slipped up and called them Mom or Dad. The afterschool programs are great too and the whole school enviroment makes it actually fun, relaxed and enjoyable.


Posted May 14, 2007

As a long time parent, I can say that this small community school has a lot to offer. However, the school is often focused on being the top in testing.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 9, 2006

This is an excellent small school in Albemarle County with caring teachers.
—Submitted by 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 86% in 2012.

47 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
96%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
97%
History and Social Science

The state average for History and Social Science was 87% in 2012.

47 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

46 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
Science

The state average for Science was 90% in 2012.

47 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
97%
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.

50 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
History and Social Science

The state average for History and Social Science was 84% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Math

The state average for Math was 70% in 2012.

50 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
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.

34 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
97%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
92%
English: Writing

The state average for English: Writing was 87% in 2012.

34 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
100%
History and Social Science

The state average for History and Social Science was 89% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Math

The state average for Math was 67% in 2012.

34 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
Science

The state average for Science was 88% in 2012.

34 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
89%
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 Students96%
Female students95%
Male students96%
Black studentsn/a
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students100%
Students identified as economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities96%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English96%
Not migrant96%

History and Social Science

All Students91%
Female students95%
Male students89%
Black studentsn/a
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students100%
Students identified as economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities91%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English93%
Not migrant91%

Math

All Students74%
Female students65%
Male students81%
Black studentsn/a
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students78%
Students identified as economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged77%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities76%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English73%
Not migrant74%

Science

All Students94%
Female students95%
Male students93%
Black studentsn/a
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students100%
Students identified as economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities93%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English93%
Not migrant94%
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 Students100%
Female students100%
Male students100%
Black studentsn/a
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students100%
Students identified as economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities100%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English100%
Not migrant100%

History and Social Science

All Studentsn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Not migrantn/a

Math

All Students90%
Female students84%
Male students96%
Black studentsn/a
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students93%
Students identified as economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities91%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English89%
Not migrant90%
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 Students97%
Female students94%
Male students100%
Black studentsn/a
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students100%
Students identified as economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities100%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English97%
Not migrant97%

English: Writing

All Students100%
Female students100%
Male students100%
Black studentsn/a
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian studentsn/a
White students100%
Students identified as economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities100%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English100%
Not migrant100%

History and Social Science

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

Math

All Students94%
Female students94%
Male students94%
Black studentsn/a
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students96%
Students identified as economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged97%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities100%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English94%
Not migrant94%

Science

All Students91%
Female students88%
Male students94%
Black studentsn/a
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students96%
Students identified as economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged97%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities100%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English91%
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 "Fully Accredited".

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

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 89% 57%
Asian/Pacific Islander 5% 6%
Hispanic 4% 9%
Black 2% 26%
American Indian/Alaska Native N/A 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 4%N/A33%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 16N/A17
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

3251 Morgantown Road
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Phone: (434) 977-4599

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