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GreatSchools Rating

Open High School

Public | 9-12 | 173 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

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

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10 reviews of this school


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Posted March 19, 2013

Fantastic school: rigorous curriculum, demanding and well-trained teachers, brilliant engaged students headed for top-notch universities. I could not have chosen more competent and caring faculty or more accomplished and ambitious peers for my son. Anyone considering a high school in the Richmond area for any other reasons than snob appeal (in which case, all options are private) should very seriously consider Open.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 3, 2010

Great school, a community of scholars. The students and faculty care about one another. Lots of learning can happen here. My daughter felt accepted and excelled here. Kids get a taste of independence. Teachers really care and love a challenge. We have also sent our child to Appomattox Regional Governor's School--Open was a much better fit. The teachers at ARGS outside the specialities were not nearly as well prepared as at Open.--It is not worth the travel time with Open in town.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 10, 2007

Been here one year and loved everyday i've also learned a lot and made some friends along the way its a great school
—Submitted by a student


Posted April 26, 2007

This school is very well organized. My child had a very good time here. He enjoyed all of the different types of classes that were offered. He also enjoyed all of the college classes he had the opportunity to attend. All in all this is a very good school that I would recommend to anyone who values independence.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 16, 2006

I am a 2002 graduate of Open High and I have to say that attending this school was the best decision I ever made. The teachers and students alike made me a stronger person. You have the feeling of being independent, yet the teachers made sure you are always on the right track. Your child will not get the same experience of OHS at any other high school. I full recommend this school and you and your child will not regreat it.
—Submitted by a former student


Posted July 28, 2005

As a student at Open High, I am very pleased to with my experience so far. I have made many open-minded and unique friends at Open. The teachers are great and the principle is like a second mother to the students. I couldn't imagine going anywhere else!
—Submitted by A satisfied student, a student


Posted July 4, 2005

I feel that Open High school has been a great place for my child to attend. Everyone on the staff has been very cooperative with me when I need any information. The principal is a wonderful person she keeps me very informed on my childs grades and his participation in his classes. I am so pleased with my son going to this school opposed to him going to the zone school in my area. My husband and I are pleased to say that we now have our son graduating and our second child attending open high in the fall. We will continue to support this school and the staff.Keep up the great work.
—Submitted by Tanya Thomas, a parent


Posted September 29, 2004

This high shcool tries to camo itself by saying it's an alternative school, it's really just like any other bad public school in Richmond. The principal is rude and plays favorites with students, the facilities are a joke, and the whole system makes a joke of the idea of an 'alternative school' by making it just as bad as TJ or Armstrong. Private schools are the way to go for Richmond high schools.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 1, 2004

This school has truly lived up to my expectations in delivering quality education to my child. Once I purchased a home in the City of Richmond, I found out that my children would have to attend zoned schools that in my opinion were horrible. I was pleased when my child was accepted into Open. She continues to make great grades and the whole experience has been a positive one. I would recommend Open to those who are looking for a unique approach to learning, exposure to the college experience, and caring staff interested in the development of your child. Thank you Open High!
—Submitted by Holli Young, a parent


Posted August 19, 2003

Open High School is a refreshing change from the inner city norm of schools in the Richmond area. It allows the students to exercise taking responsibility for their lives ahead and also to be a part of the decision making process of their educational careers. The teachers are very dedicated and the principal is committed to making Open High a successfull endeavor.
—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.
  • 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

Algebra I

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

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
Algebra II

The state average for Algebra II was 69% in 2012.

48 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
Biology

The state average for Biology was 92% in 2012.

42 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
Chemistry

The state average for Chemistry was 93% in 2012.

58 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
96%
Earth Science

The state average for Earth Science was 90% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a

2008

 
 
n/a
English: Reading

The state average for English: Reading was 94% in 2012.

46 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
English: Writing

The state average for English: Writing was 93% in 2012.

45 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 74% in 2012.

52 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
Virginia and United States History

The state average for Virginia and United States History was 85% in 2012.

39 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
97%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
World Geography

The state average for World Geography was 85% in 2012.

40 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
96%
World History I

The state average for World History I was 84% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a

2008

 
 
n/a
World History II

The state average for World History II was 85% in 2012.

58 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
95%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

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 Studentsn/a
Female studentsn/a
Male studentsn/a
Black studentsn/a
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White studentsn/a
Students identified as economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilitiesn/a
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Not migrantn/a

Algebra II

All Students90%
Female students93%
Male students84%
Black students81%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students100%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged95%
Not economically disadvantaged86%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities88%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English90%
Not migrant90%

Biology

All Students100%
Female students100%
Male students100%
Black students100%
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%

Chemistry

All Students90%
Female students92%
Male students86%
Black students84%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students100%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged88%
Not economically disadvantaged91%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities88%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English90%
Not migrant90%

Earth Science

All Studentsn/a
Female studentsn/a
Male studentsn/a
Black studentsn/a
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White studentsn/a
Students identified as economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilitiesn/a
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Not migrantn/a

English: Reading

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

English: Writing

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

Geometry

All Students92%
Female students93%
Male students91%
Black students89%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian studentsn/a
White students96%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged94%
Not economically disadvantaged91%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities91%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English92%
Not migrant92%

Virginia and United States History

All Students97%
Female students96%
Male students100%
Black students97%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White studentsn/a
Students identified as economically disadvantaged95%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities97%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English97%
Not migrant97%

World Geography

All Students100%
Female students100%
Male students100%
Black students100%
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%

World History I

All Studentsn/a
Female studentsn/a
Male studentsn/a
Black studentsn/a
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White studentsn/a
Students identified as economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilitiesn/a
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Not migrantn/a

World History II

All Students95%
Female students94%
Male students95%
Black students95%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students94%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged96%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities94%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English95%
Not migrant95%
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
Black 82% 26%
White 17% 57%
Asian/Pacific Islander 1% 6%
Hispanic 1% 9%
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 30%N/A33%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 12N/A12
Source: NCES, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

600 South Pine St
Richmond, VA 23220
Website: Click here
Phone: (804) 780-4661

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