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GreatSchools Rating

Totem Middle School

Public | 6-8 | 612 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

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

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23 reviews of this school


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Posted November 5, 2009

The staff and students are very spirited! Everyone works together efficiently which makes for a wonderful learing experience. I am proud to be a Totem Thunderbird !!


Posted November 5, 2009

The teachers and principal genuinely care about the students and are friendly and helpful.


Posted November 5, 2009

Totem Middle School is a very diverse school with fantastic staff and administration. I am proud to work here!!!
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted November 5, 2009

My daughter goes here! Ive seen her grwo and learn more things. since shes stepped into this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 5, 2009

I think that totem middle school is a great school because the teachers are great and know how to explain things to you right
—Submitted by a student


Posted November 5, 2009

I love Totem because even though we aren't the richest school in the District we still make the best of everything. We try our best at stuff and never seem to give up even though we never win anything. We really need the money so it would be very amazing if we won.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 4, 2009

Totem staff and students care about each other. They have created a learning community where communication is key.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 4, 2009

Totem Middle School provides a safe learning opportunity for all individuals in 6-8 grades. Last year we were picked to become an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) demonstration school. This is a great honor for all the teachers and students. We are all proud to be a part of this wonderful school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 4, 2009

Totem has a wonderful staff and is a great place to be. The students are working hard and show great school spirit!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 4, 2009

The school climate is saturated with learning. Everyone from students to staff are geared for one thing - Learning. The Districts motto of 'Every Child a Reader' is exemplified here at Totem.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted November 4, 2009

This school is a family! students feel cared and safe. Our principal has created a schedule so all students have the opportunity to experience different electives and we have close to 3/4's of the school in our music programs! Students are succeeding in their academics, treating each other with respect, parents are supportive and teachers work very hard to ensure a great learning community.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 4, 2009

Totem is a diverse, energetic, accepting learning environment committed to it's students. The staff care for the students and trys to provide to the best of their ability opportunities that otherwise our kids would never get based on their situation and socio-economic status. I am proud to work in a school that is really trying to make a difference in our community.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 4, 2009

Totem is a uniform school where lots of learning is taking place. There is an excellent ASB program where students help with food drives, announcements, and other school functions. There's an active after school art club whose art murals are amazing. Students are recognized monthly with a student of the month program that serves the selected students a special lunch and gives them recognition. A math club and a math Eistein club, and a homework club are some of the after school clubs offered to the students.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 3, 2009

Totem has the hardest working staff and the kindest students! The entire community has pulled together to make Totem the place to be. Go Thunderbirds!
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted January 9, 2009

ok i go to totem so i know what i'm talking about. overall i don't think the school is very good. there are a lot of kids that goof off. so kids like me who always do the work are put behind. the teachers are ok but they don't really make sure you understand what your learning they just do it. some teachers have no control over there classroom while others have way to much. inthe end they fail. well thats what i think. my parents have no problem but thats because they don't really care
—Submitted by a student


Posted May 10, 2008

The teachers and administration spend most of their time focused on petty disciplinary issues rather than motivating the kids. The band program is good, though.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 19, 2008

Well it lives up to the standards of fwps district-- My daughter is a very smart girl who needs to be challenged and inspired not subjected to riducule, shame , and violence. This school just makes ends meet- my child improves their wasl scores and they destroy her spirit. How sad.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 16, 2005

My son attended Tomtem with mixed results. Great Science and English. The principle and VP have been approachable and strive to help the students learn in a good atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 26, 2004

Totem Middle is a great school in transition. Totem became a Middle School this year and have made many changes. Transition for the students went smoothly and my child felt supported, safe and ready for the change. Totem supports all students regardless of their ecomonical or cultural background. The staff at Totem is excellent. Parents need to be involved, stay involved and respect the hardwork and dedication that is put forth. Many things have been changed to make room for the necessities such as reading, writing, math. Some of the changes are not popular. Parents need to remember what Totems goals are and support the needs that are important.
—Submitted by Lisa Hinkle, a parent


Posted February 24, 2004

Totem Middle School is a wonderfully diverse school with excellent leadership. The Principal and Assistant Principal exceed my expectations everyday. It infuriates me when others speak about the low socioeconomic status. Regardless of race or income level every student at Totem receives great academic instruction and leadership. Totem has recently changed from a Jr. High to a Middle School. Cheerleading is great in a high school setting. Our educational dollars need to be spent on reading,writing and math skills and getting our kids up to grade level not the old ra ra ra! I am amazed at how high the level of parent involvement is at this school. Those with opinions should really step forward to help not berate. I challenge all the parents that have both positive and negative opinions to come forward to discuss them with our leadership.
—Submitted by Tish Miller, 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.
Math

The state average for Math was 62% in 2012.

176 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
51%

2011

 
 
38%

2010

 
 
38%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 71% in 2012.

175 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
49%

2010

 
 
51%
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

The state average for Math was 59% in 2012.

193 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
33%

2011

 
 
34%

2010

 
 
37%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 71% in 2012.

193 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
48%

2011

 
 
39%

2010

 
 
58%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 71% in 2012.

191 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
49%

2011

 
 
64%

2010

 
 
66%
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

The state average for Math was 56% in 2012.

226 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
35%

2011

 
 
29%

2010

 
 
42%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 67% in 2012.

225 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
49%

2011

 
 
54%

2010

 
 
62%
Science

The state average for Science was 66% in 2012.

225 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
34%

2011

 
 
31%

2010

 
 
39%
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

All Students51%
Female56%
Male45%
Black37%
Asian63%
Asian/Pacific Islander63%
Hispanic40%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White71%
Low income43%
Not low income67%
Special education16%
Not special education55%
Limited English20%
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students60%
Female75%
Male44%
Black62%
Asian74%
Asian/Pacific Islander75%
Hispanic45%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White73%
Low income56%
Not low income69%
Special education11%
Not special education66%
Limited English24%
Migrantn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

All Students33%
Female38%
Male28%
Black16%
Asian50%
Asian/Pacific Islander44%
Hispanic23%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White48%
Low income29%
Not low income41%
Special education0%
Not special education37%
Limited English11%
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students48%
Female58%
Male38%
Black32%
Asian56%
Asian/Pacific Islander48%
Hispanic43%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White69%
Low income43%
Not low income61%
Special education13%
Not special education53%
Limited English21%
Migrantn/a

Writing

All Students49%
Female67%
Male32%
Black58%
Asian56%
Asian/Pacific Islander48%
Hispanic44%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White56%
Low income43%
Not low income64%
Special education14%
Not special education54%
Limited English11%
Migrantn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

All Students35%
Female26%
Male44%
Black27%
Asian67%
Asian/Pacific Islander54%
Hispanic19%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White50%
Low income29%
Not low income50%
Special education10%
Not special education39%
Limited English0%
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students49%
Female50%
Male48%
Black44%
Asian67%
Asian/Pacific Islander60%
Hispanic37%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White63%
Low income43%
Not low income65%
Special education7%
Not special education55%
Limited English0%
Migrantn/a

Science

All Students34%
Female29%
Male38%
Black18%
Asian52%
Asian/Pacific Islander43%
Hispanic22%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White50%
Low income28%
Not low income47%
Special education7%
Not special education38%
Limited English0%
Migrantn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 94% in 2011.

2011

 
 
n/a
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 99% in 2011.

2011

 
 
n/a
Integrated Math 1

The state average for Integrated Math 1 was 97% in 2011.

2011

 
 
n/a
Integrated Math 2

The state average for Integrated Math 2 was 100% in 2011.

2011

 
 
n/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used End-of-Course (EOC) examinations to assess students in Algebra I, Geometry, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, and Biology. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 85% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
50%
Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 96% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 99% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
100%
Integrated Math 1

The state average for Integrated Math 1 was 97% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Integrated Math 2

The state average for Integrated Math 2 was 99% in 2011.

2011

 
 
n/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used End-of-Course (EOC) examinations to assess students in Algebra I, Geometry, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, and Biology. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Algebra I

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic46%
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Special educationn/a
Not special educationn/a
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Biology I

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Not special educationn/a

Geometry

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Not special educationn/a

Integrated Math 1

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Not special educationn/a

Integrated Math 2

Femalen/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used End-of-Course (EOC) examinations to assess students in Algebra I, Geometry, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, and Biology. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

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 30% 64%
Hispanic 29% 16%
Asian/Pacific Islander 19% 9%
Black 16% 6%
Native American 1% 3%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 59%N/A42%
Special education 12%N/A13%
Transitional bilingual 10%N/A8%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per classroom teacher 15N/A17
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years educational experience 9N/A12
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Teacher education levels

  This school District averageState average
Master's degree or higher 55%N/A66%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

26630 40th Ave South
Kent, WA 98031
Phone: (253) 945-5100

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