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GreatSchools Rating

MacFarland Middle School

Public | 6-8 | 155 students

We are best known for blending technology into every day instruction.
 
 
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 12 ratings
2011:
Based on 14 ratings
2010:
No new ratings

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Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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29 reviews of this school


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Posted August 21, 2012

Macfarland Middle School has all the structures and components to be an excellent school this year. The Principal is organized, excited, and has high expectations for both his staff and the students there. He has assembled a high quality team of teachers and instructional personnel that has been likened to the Avengers. MacFarland will be a school of high quality instruction that nourishes the whole child.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted August 21, 2012

This school has what it takes- a dedicated staff, an inspirational principal, and a vision of success for it's students!
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted March 22, 2012

this school is very good.Have a good education for every student and all staff help all the student's the principal is interesting in all the student education.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 22, 2012

I like this school because of the communication here of the teachers and principals. They also notify me with information, behavior and how my son is doing in school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 22, 2012

i like the school,and the teachers, tandien porque a mi me informan del conportamiento de mis hijas lo unico k no me justa cuando tienen k pagar un 1 dolar por no traer el uniforme porque siento k eyas cuando tienen k yevar el uniforme ya no quieren de ay todo me parese exelente ok grasias
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 22, 2012

Teachers are very good at keeping parents up to date on everything. I love the dedication that they have! This school has a great open door policy and loves for parents to pop in and see how things are going. Parents are encouraged to interact with teachers and staff on a regular basis and children are taught to love learning (something previously lost within dcps).
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 22, 2012

I enjoy working with the teachers and support staff here at MacFarland. I have witnessed the improvement over the past three (3) years, and appreciate the time and patience that the staff offer to all of the students and parents.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 9, 2012

MacFarland Middle School is a great place to send your children to school!!! The principal is very invovled. The office staff is the great! The teachers are of high quality. It is a great partnership between parents and teachers.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 18, 2012

Well, well, well...Macfarland is on the brink of returning to its essence in being the district's first and premier middle school. From the change in the building climate to aesthetics to the innovation and investment of the staff, we are rising. We are steadily working to increase our commitment to academics and community. Come join us and "be the change you wish to see" in our school and in our neighborhood. We dare you!
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted January 18, 2012

The performance of teachers, and the behavior of students is the product of a good administration. The principal is a person with human qualities, and above all a fair person. I feel welcomed, and appreciated working at MacFarland. The motto of the school is that children come first.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted January 17, 2012

Macfarland boasts strong and energetic teachers as well as curious and involved students. There are SMARTBoards in every classroom, 2 mobile laptop labs, and multiple computer labs for literacy work and general use. Principal Samuels is a strong leader, and the entire staff is invested in communicating with parents and helping students succeed. A partnership with the Latin American Youth Center brings a great variety of after-school extracurricular and tutoring opportunities to Macfarland as well.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted January 15, 2012

As a first year teacher at MacFarland, I had heard plenty of stories of the old MacFarland. At first I was wary of the supposed changes, but after six months of working for an incredibly dedicated administration, I can say that the changes are genuine. While the achievement gap statistics remain a reality at MacFarland, everyone is invested in seeing the tide change for our students and community. On a daily basis I see parents, teachers, administrators and community members in the building asking the same question: How can we do more? This type of energy and constant push to improve is contagious, right down to the classroom level. It is a true joy to have students beg to stay after school for math tutoring because negative numbers are hard, but not impossible. Others ask to forego their computer time so that they can read their independent reading books because they only have six months left to reach their reading goals. This type of excitement and passion can only happen in an environment in which students feel safe, confident and happy to learn. This is the new MacFarland, and I m proud to be a part of the change.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted April 14, 2011

MacFarland's new administration ad staff are doing an amazing job of turning around a school that had a horrible reputation in past years. Respect and self discipline encouraged by both strength and love make a winning combination for the students of MacFarland. Having a strong male influence has been of great value to this community. In an area where two out of three students don't have a positive male figure in their lives, it is a blessing to have these excellent male mentors!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 5, 2011

Macfarland is a different place than it was two years ago. The administration is one of the strongest I have ever seen, and the teachers are consistently going above and beyond what they are asked to do in order to create a challenging academic environment for each of their students. Teachers know most students by name, and there are wonderful relationships between students and staff. The school culture is positive and focused on the students who are achieving and trying their best; not on the students who are disruptive.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted February 28, 2011

MacFarland has come a long way in the past 2 school years. Student behavior and academic achievements have greatly improved. All staff members are invested in student learning and go above and beyond to ensure student success. Throughout the school year MacFarland offers interesting and challenging programs to meet the needs of the students, including Chess Club, Colin Powell Leadership Club, Holiday Musical and Theater performances, Science Fair, and after-school tutoring. If the current school leadership and staff remain in place, I'm sure we will see more great things coming from MacFarland in the coming years!
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted February 28, 2011

The school's administration is working very hard on school-wide improvement and their efforts are paying off.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted February 28, 2011

Our school is on the upper boundjourney.Since the new adminstration has been commanding, Macfarland is making great stride. The new approch by the admin of zero toerance of negative behavior,but carrot behavior approch is working.This model with strong learnig to excel one to one system, with the student body is lesding the school to future acdamic excellence.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted February 28, 2011

As a three year veteran, this year has by far been an amazing year at MacFarland! The new leadership has greatly improved safety and student behavior, have been a great resource to teachers old and new, are diligent in working with parents to see that student's needs are met, and have every student in the building wearing a uniform! Students have personal connections with the leadership staff, respond to their positive re-directive efforts, and appear to be learning and retaining information at a great rate. Teachers are utilizing multiple strategies to meet every student's needs. The leadership team is dynamite and really encourages teamwork to the fullest! I am very impressed with their diligence, flexibility, steadfastness, creativity, and appreciation for all aspects of the school. I am so proud to be a part of an environment where we finally see our daily issues as manageable and recognize the strengths of this historic neighborhood school, expanding on what it has to offer, rather than giving up in the face of a challenge. Thank you for transforming MacFarland!
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted February 28, 2011

MacFarland Middle School is an innovative middle school. The school environment is extremely supportive. Students are expected to help their classmates without giving away answers. The students are motivated and eager to learn. Overall, MacFarland is a great school.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted February 28, 2011

Macfarland is place where great learning takes place. There are high expectations of both the staffs and students. This schoool has changed for the better in the past couple of years.


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 49% in 2012.

45 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
11%

2011

 
 
37%

2010

 
 
41%

2009

 
 
38%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 41% in 2012.

45 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
9%

2011

 
 
25%

2010

 
 
30%

2009

 
 
44%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington, D.C. used the District of Columbia Comprehensive Assessment System (DC-CAS) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8 and 10, and science in grades 5, 8, and High School. The DC-CAS is a standards-based testing program, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the District of Columbia. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Washington DC's state standards

Source: Office of the State Superintendent of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 59% in 2012.

46 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
50%

2011

 
 
44%

2010

 
 
31%

2009

 
 
44%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 50% in 2012.

45 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
40%

2011

 
 
26%

2010

 
 
25%

2009

 
 
23%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington, D.C. used the District of Columbia Comprehensive Assessment System (DC-CAS) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8 and 10, and science in grades 5, 8, and High School. The DC-CAS is a standards-based testing program, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the District of Columbia. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Washington DC's state standards

Source: Office of the State Superintendent of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 58% in 2012.

47 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
38%

2011

 
 
32%

2010

 
 
30%

2009

 
 
27%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 49% in 2012.

47 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
26%

2011

 
 
19%

2010

 
 
24%

2009

 
 
23%
Science

The state average for Science was 39% in 2011.

42 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
21%

2010

 
 
9%

2009

 
 
n/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington, D.C. used the District of Columbia Comprehensive Assessment System (DC-CAS) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8 and 10, and science in grades 5, 8, and High School. The DC-CAS is a standards-based testing program, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the District of Columbia. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Washington DC's state standards

Source: Office of the State Superintendent of Education

GreatSchools Rating

What makes up this rating?

Academic rating
4 / 10
Climate rating
Coming 2013

This GreatSchools Rating is based on academics, including students' test scores, academic growth and college readiness. Soon, the rating will also measure school climate, which includes safety, cleanliness, parent involvement and more.

Learn more about our methodology

What is the new GreatSchools Rating?

Rating legend
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average
Average
Above
average

Our rating (from 1 to 10) reflects a school's overall performance. The higher the rating, the more likely the school will prepare your child for the future, so choose an above-average school (8-10) if possible. For average schools (4-7), do careful research and look for evidence that the school has high-quality programs. For below-average schools (1-3), take caution; a low-performing school may not provide the instruction or environment your child needs to learn, and you may need to supplement classroom lessons at home.

Academic rating

The academic rating is made up of equally-weighted parts: students' test scores, their academic growth and their readiness for college (for high schools). If a school is designated low performing (Tier 3) by the DC Public Charter School Board, the school receives a "Below average" GreatSchools Rating. The graphs below compare this school's results to other schools in the city.
Overall academic rating

4

Average

Test score rating 2012*
This school
City
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Learn more about this school's test scores »

Student growth rating 2012**
This school
City
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

*Test scores are based on 2012 DC-CAS results from the District of Columbia.

**The academic growth rating measures how schools affect student test score improvement over time in reading and math. The data is for the 2012 school year and is provided by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education.

Climate ratings

Starting in fall 2013, we plan to release a climate rating as part of this school's overall GreatSchools Rating. The climate rating will be based on survey data about various aspects of this school's climate, such as safety, cleanliness, expectations for students, parent involvement, and more.

Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
Black 51% 80%
Hispanic 49% 12%
American Indian/Alaskan Native 0% 0%
Asian/Pacific Islander 0% 2%
White 0% 7%
Source: NCES, 2009-2010

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 191%N/A70%
Special education 232%N/A13%
English learners 235%N/A7%
Source: 1 NCES, 2009-2010
Source: 2 Office of the State Superintendent of Education, 2011-2012

Attendance

  This school District averageState average
All Students 89%N/AN/A
Asian/Pacific Islander 97%N/AN/A
Black, not Hispanic 84%N/AN/A
Hispanic 93%N/AN/A
Economically disadvantaged 88%N/AN/A
Students with disabilities 84%N/AN/A
Limited English proficient 94%N/AN/A
Source: DCPS, 2009-2010

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 7N/A14
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Assistant principal(s)
Art teacher(s)
College counselor(s)
Computer specialist(s)
ELL/ESL Coordinator
Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
Librarian/media specialist(s)
Math specialist(s)
PE instructor(s)
Nurse(s)
Reading specialist(s)
Security personnel
School psychologist
School social worker/counselors(s)
Special education coordinator
Speech and language therapist(s)
Teacher aid/assistant teacher
Tutor(s)
Foreign languages spoken by school staff French
Spanish
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • DC Scores Poetry Slam (2010)
  • White House Easter Egg Roll Art Contest (2012)
  • DCPS Proving What's Possible Grant $1000 (2012)

Special education / special needs

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Special education
Level of special education programming offered
  • Intensive - the school offers a full program for many needs and/or offers at least one very comprehensive program for very challenging needs such as autism or complete visual impairment
Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Autism
  • Multiple disabilities
  • Other health impairments
  • Specific learning disabilities
  • Speech and language impairments
Extra learning resources offered
  • Differentiated learning programs
Staff resources available to students
  • Special education coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Mathematics
  • Science
Staff resources available to students
  • Computer specialist(s)
  • Math specialist(s)
School facilities
  • Computer lab
  • Outdoor learning lab
  • Science lab
Clubs
  • Technology club

Arts & music

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Arts (all)
Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
School facilities
  • Art room
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
Visual arts
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Photography
Clubs
  • Art club

Language learning

Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Intensive - the school offers a full program for many languages and/or offers at least one very comprehensive program school-wide for at least 25% of our population
Languages supported by ESL/ELL programs
  • Spanish
Staff resources available to students
  • ELL/ESL Coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • French
  • Spanish

Health & athletics

Instructional and/or curriculum models used
  • Therapeutic
Staff resources available to students
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Nurse(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • School psychologist
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Gym
  • Kitchen
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 8:00am
School end time
  • 3:15pm
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • After school: ends at 6:00 p.m.
School Leader's name
  • Andre Samuels
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Phone
Gender
  • Coed
Special schedule
  • Block scheduling
Is there an application process?
  • Yes
Fax number
  • (202) 576-6212

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • College prep
  • Core knowledge
  • Direct instruction
  • Hybrid
  • Individually guided instruction
  • Multi-aged
  • Project-based
  • Standards-based
  • Therapeutic
  • small group differentiated
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Arts (all)
  • Global
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Special education
  • Writing
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • No
Level of special education programming offered
  • Intensive - the school offers a full program for many needs and/or offers at least one very comprehensive program for very challenging needs such as autism or complete visual impairment
Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Autism
  • Multiple disabilities
  • Other health impairments
  • Specific learning disabilities
  • Speech and language impairments
Foreign languages taught
  • None
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Intensive - the school offers a full program for many languages and/or offers at least one very comprehensive program school-wide for at least 25% of our population
Languages supported by ESL/ELL programs
  • Spanish

Resources

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Assistant principal(s)
  • College counselor(s)
  • Computer specialist(s)
  • ELL/ESL Coordinator
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Librarian/media specialist(s)
  • Math specialist(s)
  • Nurse(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • Reading specialist(s)
  • School psychologist
  • School social worker/counselors(s)
  • Security personnel
  • Special education coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
  • Teacher aid/assistant teacher
  • Tutor(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • French
  • Spanish
Extra learning resources offered
  • Career/college counseling
  • Counseling
  • Differentiated learning programs
  • Mentoring
  • Remediation
  • Tutoring
  • self paced online curriculum
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • 60, 64 (Fort Totten-Petworth Line), 63 (Takoma-Petworth Line), 70 (Georgia Avenue-7th Street Line)
  • Transportation provided for special education students only
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Art room
  • Auditorium
  • Cafeteria
  • Computer lab
  • Gym
  • Kitchen
  • Library
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
  • Music room
  • Outdoor learning lab
  • Parent center
  • Performance stage
  • Playground
  • Science lab
Partnerships with local resources and organizations
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Football
  • Soccer
  • Tennis
Girls sports
  • Cheerleading
  • Soccer
  • Tennis

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Photography
Music
  • None
Performing arts
  • None
Media arts
  • None

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Art club
  • Student council/government
  • Technology club
School leaders can update this information here.

Photos

School culture

Dress Code
  • Uniforms
Bullying policy
  • This school has a bullying and/or cyber bullying policy in place.
Parent involvement
  • Attend parent nights
  • Chaperone school trips
  • Join PTO/PTA
  • Organize cultural events
  • Organize fundraising events (school auction, bake sales, etc.)
  • Serve on school improvement team or governance council
  • Volunteer in the classroom
School colors
  • Burgundy and White
School mascot
  • Crusader
More from this school
  • Academic Enrichment • Flagship Autism Program (Self-contained & Inclusion) • READ 180 – Rated #1 in DCPS for fidelity • Scholastic System 44 Reading program • Imagine Learning • Adaptive Curriculum Science & Math • Wellness & Fitness • Students Forward - pilot program brings together leading practices from the fields of education and mental health, with the goal of fully serving the entire student population. • Support Staff in Full Service School- Dean of Students Student Resource Coor
School leaders can update this information here.

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What are your chances?


10 out of 10students were accepted for the 2012-2013 school year.


Students accepted for the 2012-2013 school year
146
Applications received for the 2012-2013 school year
146
Students typically come from these schools
Barnard
Powell
Bruce Monroe

Planning ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
Roosevelt
Coolidge
Dunbar
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

4400 Iowa Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20011
Website: Click here
Phone: (202) 576-6207

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