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GreatSchools Rating

North Thurston High School

Public | 9-12 | 1428 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

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

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10 reviews of this school


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Posted October 28, 2012

Second Year at the school. 4th and 6th year with some of the teachers. Best music department around. Band, Choir, and Orchestra first class. Teachers are easy to talk to and are concerned with the students. New set of couselors this year are great and attentive. Wish more parents got themselves involved....but those that do really do.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 30, 2012

North Thurston I school is the best school I have ever been too. The people I super nice, the teachers are great, and there is a lot of positive energy.
—Submitted by a student


Posted January 9, 2011

Possibly the worst school in Thurston county, I would HIGHLY encourage all potential students to rethink or transfer. The teachers are undereducated, rude, and generally uncaring. They spend 3/4 of the time whining about their paychecks, and the rest of the time assigning cross-word puzzles. With very very few exception, the teachers show little regard for their students. The principal is a joke, never doing anything about bullying. I had several instances of harassment and even violence yet because, "kids are like that," nothing was done, and I was even punished for speaking out. Classes are simply busywork. It is incredibly easy to become lost, as very few staff could point out names of students, even those they had in class. If you are looking for a high school where you are a number, you found it.
—Submitted by a student


Posted February 7, 2009

I have a senior and a freshman at NTHS. I believe NT to be a very good school. There is only 1 teacher in the last 4 years that my daughter and I didn't like. I feel my daugthers are getting a good education. It's a very safe school with small town issues. The size is nice, with about 1400 enrolled. The kids aren't getting lost in an over crowded school. The staff is frienndly and helpful. The Sports, Music and Arts are fantastic!! The drop out rate is very low compared to other schools :) Looking at the test scores, it seems the math department could use a boost. On a scale of 1-10, I would give NT an 8 ! Thanks NT, for all you do :)
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 16, 2006

My son is a sophomore this year at North Thurston. We homeschooled until 8th grade, when he entered Chinook. I was pleased with Chinook and am very happy with North Thurston. The teachers are of a very high caliber, there is a focused but relaxed feeling at the school on the few occasions I have to go there. [My son] is a thinker and a talker. He is also very funny and knows it. There is no doubt in my mind that, at times, he tries all of his teachers' patience. But he is also appreciated and encouraged for who he is. I know he is getting a good foundation for college, and have a good feeling when he goes off in the morning to shcool. Kathryn Jones
—Submitted by Kathryn Jones, a parent


Posted December 1, 2005

a great school for the hard of hearing and deaf
—Submitted by a student


Posted November 28, 2005

River Ridge High School has many valuable programs that meet the diversity of all students. Their learning resouce room is a great place for students and parents alike to get helpful information as they prepare for college. I have heard many people praise their special needs program as well. One of the areas that may need more funding is the Enrichment Programs. At one time, they had the BEST broadcast/journalism program in the district.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 30, 2005

Academic programs are sub-par. Music, arts, and sports are avaliable, but not the best. Level of parent involvement tends to be minimal.
—Submitted by Laura, a former student


Posted May 26, 2005

While NTHS has a lot of good teachers and programs to offer, my family and I have not been very happy with my time spent here. I have gone through three out of four years of high school at this school, and have had only one or two exceptional teachers. The vocational programs are great, but there are almost no academic electives for college-bound students. The focus seems to be more on standardized testing than on actual learning and academic achievement. In general, the staff do not tend to be very helpful, and I have seen on many occasions parental involvement in the school be discouraged.
—Submitted by a student


Posted May 30, 2004

This is a good school in that it excels in academics, extracurriculars, and diversity.
—Submitted by shawna howe, a former student


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.
Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 56% in 2012.

186 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
71%

2011

 
 
54%
Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 81% in 2012.

13 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 91% in 2012.

82 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
98%

2011

 
 
98%
Integrated Math 1

The state average for Integrated Math 1 was 45% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Integrated Math 2

The state average for Integrated Math 2 was 94% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

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 27% in 2012.

94 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
31%

2011

 
 
21%
Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 61% in 2012.

342 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
71%
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 59% in 2012.

94 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
74%
Integrated Math 1

The state average for Integrated Math 1 was 23% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Integrated Math 2

The state average for Integrated Math 2 was 36% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

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 27% in 2012.

18 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
11%

2011

 
 
n/a
Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 44% in 2012.

23 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
48%
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 37% in 2012.

34 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
32%

2011

 
 
67%
Integrated Math 1

The state average for Integrated Math 1 was 15% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Integrated Math 2

The state average for Integrated Math 2 was 21% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

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 20% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 36% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 27% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Integrated Math 1

The state average for Integrated Math 1 was 29% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

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 Students71%
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic57%
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low income77%
Special education70%
Not special education71%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Biology I

All Students92%
Female91%
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Special educationn/a
Not special education100%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Geometry

All Students98%
Female100%
Male95%
Blackn/a
Asian92%
Asian/Pacific Islander92%
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White98%
Low income90%
Not low income99%
Not special education98%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Integrated Math 1

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

Integrated Math 2

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
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

Algebra I

All Students31%
Female29%
Male33%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic31%
White36%
Low income34%
Not low income29%
Special education27%
Not special education32%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Biology I

All Students71%
Female69%
Male72%
Black47%
Asian65%
Asian/Pacific Islander64%
Hispanic55%
Multiracial71%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White78%
Low income55%
Not low income77%
Special education60%
Not special education72%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Geometry

All Students86%
Female83%
Male89%
Blackn/a
Asian94%
Asian/Pacific Islander94%
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White87%
Low income83%
Not low income87%
Special educationn/a
Not special education87%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Integrated Math 1

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Not special educationn/a

Integrated Math 2

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

Algebra I

All Students11%
Femalen/a
Male8%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/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 Students48%
Femalen/a
Male44%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Low income40%
Not low income54%
Special educationn/a
Not special education45%
Limited Englishn/a

Geometry

All Students32%
Female18%
Male39%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White33%
Low income9%
Not low income43%
Special educationn/a
Not special education31%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Integrated Math 1

All Studentsn/a

Integrated Math 2

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Special educationn/a
Not special educationn/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

Algebra I

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Special educationn/a
Not special educationn/a
Limited Englishn/a

Biology I

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Not special educationn/a

Geometry

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

Integrated Math 1

All Studentsn/a
Whiten/a
Not special educationn/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

Math

The state average for Math was 42% in 2010.

323 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
43%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 81% in 2012.

367 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
81%
Science

The state average for Science was 50% in 2011.

337 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
50%

2010

 
 
46%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 85% in 2012.

356 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
87%
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE) to test students in reading and writing in grade 10. Math skills are tested by the End-of-Course (EOC) exams. The HSPE 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

Reading

All Students84%
Female86%
Male82%
Black71%
Asian78%
Asian/Pacific Islander77%
Hispanic68%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White88%
Low income72%
Not low income89%
Special education50%
Not special education87%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Writing

All Students89%
Female95%
Male84%
Black79%
Asian78%
Asian/Pacific Islander79%
Hispanic76%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White94%
Low income82%
Not low income92%
Special education67%
Not special education91%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE) to test students in reading and writing in grade 10. Math skills are tested by the End-of-Course (EOC) exams. The HSPE 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

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 62% 64%
Asian/Pacific Islander 16% 9%
Hispanic 11% 16%
Black 7% 6%
Native American 3% 3%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 29%N/A42%
Special education 9%N/A13%
Transitional bilingual 5%N/A8%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per classroom teacher 17N/A17
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years educational experience 14N/A12
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Teacher education levels

  This school District averageState average
Master's degree or higher 67%N/A66%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

600 Sleater Kinney Rd NE
Lacey, WA 98506
Website: Click here
Phone: (360) 412-4800

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