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Simonsdale Elementary School

Public | K-6 | 757 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
Based on 2 ratings

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8 reviews of this school


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Posted January 26, 2012

My son goes to Olive Branch for preschool and we absolutely love it! His teacher is fantastic and the Principal is readily available to take phone calls, etc. My son is taking off at Olive Branch both academically and socially. I just wish they had Kindergarten too!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 17, 2011

My daughter attended Olive Branch for kindergarten and first grade. I thought the school was terrible. It was extremely disorganized, the PTA had no idea how to properly use their funds. My daughter ended up with two teachers that were both very focused on the negatives of each child. They were not very encouraging either. The teachers would constantly point out my daughter's flaws to her in front of the classroom, making her feel ashamed of who she was. They tried "diagnosing" my child with ADHD whent they were the problem. Her first teacher punished her for "showing enthusiasm towards a topic they were about to discuss, in the form of a gasp" ( teacher's quote). I just really think the teacher didn't seem to enjoy children. Teaching was nothing but a job to her. I can go on forever about how horrible this school is. When I moved out of state and my daughter started a new school, I saw an immediate change in her. Her self esteem improved greatly and her academics had also improved even though her new school was much more advanced academically.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 27, 2010

Olive Branch is a public school that is a small high quality education similar to that of an elite private school. The teachers are wonderful and love to teach while the principal does everything she can to make the school run efficiently and be successful. The parents and PTA are 100% supportive and do what they can to ensure the success of the children. OBES works hard to reach all of the needs of all of the students. Our daughter attended private schools for pre-school and we have been delighted with OBES. We are extremely pleased after getting her SOL scores today and she pass/advanced all of them with two perfect scores in Reading and History. We have no complaints!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 24, 2010

The teachers are great and always available, if there is a problem. They are very supportive of their students. Mrs Bright, the principal , knows what is going on in the school at all times and is very approachable. My grandchild loves going to school there.


Posted June 3, 2007

Teachers at OBES truly love teaching. They accomodate different learning styles and frequently offer extra support to struggling students. The kindergarten and first grade special ed team there is among the best anywhere.They work dilligently to reinforce skills as well as instill confidence in all students to help them perform. 95 percent of the children leave kindergarten as readers and thats phenomenal. There is only one thing bad about OBES and thats the current leadership. Asside from the leadership, OBES is a quality, neighborhood school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 6, 2007

Schools teaching is outdated. Enrichment activities are extremely limited. PE, Art, and Music are all only once a week. If a student is not learning at the pace of the others by way of the teachers method, there is no effort for a different approach to teach that child. It seems they feel it is not their problem. I do not see love of teaching here.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 20, 2006

I wento to Olive Branch from kindergarten to fifth grade. I loved it! It doesn't have a lot of students, so you could move around easily. The teachers rock. They just got a new principal though. I'm not sure if I like her much. But other wise, it's great, awesome there! The food is really good there. The etachers are also very nice and the cirriculum is good. I got straight A's.
—Submitted by a former student


Posted January 7, 2006

This school tends to use outdated methods of teaching. Current research-based methods aren't utilized. Rather the teachers tend to neglect the fact that all children do not learn concepts the same way. Some are visual, audial, kinesthetic, etc. However, these teachers tend to deliver instruction through lecture approach. MAny times if students have questions they are told to 'look it up in the book.' There doesn't seem to be any emphasis on discoreyor active learning taking place. As for extracuricular activities, they are very limited. Students are also restricted from recess if they havn't finished classwork. Recess consists of walking and running laps around the playground. On days when students have art, P.E. Library, or music they do not even get recesss. The current principal, Mrs. Bright, and school advisor feel that since the scvhool has full accredidation none of these previously mentioned actions should be changed.
—Submitted by Meliisa Hagar, 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.

106 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
91%

2008

 
 
82%
History and Social Science

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

107 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
94%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

99 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
62%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
96%

2008

 
 
77%
Science

The state average for Science was 90% in 2012.

105 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
93%

2008

 
 
92%
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.

105 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
89%

2008

 
 
91%
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.

100 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
64%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
91%

2008

 
 
91%
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.

88 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
90%

2008

 
 
82%
English: Writing

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

87 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
80%

2008

 
 
82%
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.

83 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
63%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
95%

2008

 
 
91%
Science

The state average for Science was 88% in 2012.

87 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
93%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
95%

2008

 
 
93%
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.

95 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
90%

2008

 
 
88%
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.

94 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
64%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
77%

2009

 
 
80%

2008

 
 
78%
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 Students89%
Female students85%
Male students95%
Black students83%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students93%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged88%
Not economically disadvantaged89%
Students with disabilities85%
Students without disabilities89%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English89%
Not migrant89%

History and Social Science

All Students88%
Female students88%
Male students87%
Black students69%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students97%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged84%
Not economically disadvantaged91%
Students with disabilities83%
Students without disabilities88%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English88%
Not migrant88%

Math

All Students62%
Female students61%
Male students63%
Black students56%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students66%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged60%
Not economically disadvantaged63%
Students with disabilities50%
Students without disabilities63%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English62%
Not migrant62%

Science

All Students91%
Female students92%
Male students90%
Black students82%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students97%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged90%
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilities83%
Students without disabilities92%
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

English: Reading

All Students78%
Female students83%
Male students74%
Black students70%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students80%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged70%
Not economically disadvantaged85%
Students with disabilities35%
Students without disabilities86%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English78%
Not migrant78%

History and Social Science

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

Math

All Students64%
Female students63%
Male students65%
Black students58%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students64%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged60%
Not economically disadvantaged67%
Students with disabilities35%
Students without disabilities70%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English64%
Not migrant64%
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 Students90%
Female students89%
Male students91%
Black students91%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students88%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged90%
Not economically disadvantaged90%
Students with disabilities57%
Students without disabilities96%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English90%
Not migrant90%

English: Writing

All Students92%
Female students86%
Male students98%
Black students90%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian studentsn/a
White students90%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged90%
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilities69%
Students without disabilities97%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English92%
Not migrant92%

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 Students63%
Female students63%
Male students63%
Black students65%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students57%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged59%
Not economically disadvantaged64%
Students with disabilities29%
Students without disabilities70%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English63%
Not migrant63%

Science

All Students93%
Female students89%
Male students98%
Black students95%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students92%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged93%
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilities57%
Students without disabilities100%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English93%
Not migrant93%
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 Students94%
Female students94%
Male students94%
Black students89%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students95%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged91%
Not economically disadvantaged96%
Students with disabilities72%
Students without disabilities99%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English94%
Not migrant94%

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 Students64%
Female students65%
Male students63%
Black students63%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students65%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged56%
Not economically disadvantaged71%
Students with disabilities44%
Students without disabilities68%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English64%
Not migrant64%
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 84% 57%
Black 12% 26%
Hispanic 2% 9%
Asian/Pacific Islander 1% 6%
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 29%N/A33%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 18N/A17
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

4841 Clifford Street
Portsmouth, VA 23701
Phone: (757) 465-2917

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