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GreatSchools Rating

Firgrove Elementary School

Public | K-6 | 617 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

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

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12 reviews of this school


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Posted April 6, 2012

We have had 6 of our children go through this school during the last 8 years. the teachers are great. the office staff and vice-principal are amazing and very personable. my only complaint is that we have had 4 different principals [each of the previous moved along to promotions]; the current one is doing an outstanding job.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 8, 2008

I moved here Feb. of last year 2007 my son was enrolled in Firgrove from Memphis. I thought the office staff was wonderful. I don't understand all the negativity I just saw from the last few review I just read! They treated both me and my son with courtisy and respect. He completed his 5th grade there and is now into his 6th grade this year. I think it is a wonderful school. The teachers and staff keep me posted on daily and weekly things I need to know about my child. Via email or phone which is mainly email because it is more easier for me. But if I ever have a problem I can pick up the phone and there is someone always there to help me out! I give the school 5 stars! Believe me my sons has gone through some bad schools and this is not one.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 2, 2007

I love this school! The staff, and parent involvement is unbelievable. I never hear a complaint from my child about her school. She loves it here. We got a new principal last year and I have seen great changes, including the front office staff! No complaints about the faculty, we can only hope that eventually the bond will pass and we will get a new school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 29, 2007

We are new to Firgrove this year and we've been pleased with our experience at this school. Communication from the teachers has been frequent and helpful. Discipline issues have been dealt with quickly and resolved to my satisfaction. The PTA is outstanding! We've found everyone to be caring and friendly, from the secretaries to the principals to the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 10, 2007

I am not pleased with my family's experience with this school. The office staff make me feel uncomfortable and angry whenever I need to talk with them. I have no complaints about the teachers at Firgrove, however feel that their means of communicating could be better. Puyallup school district is a great place for our children. Too bad this school is giving it a bad reputation.
—Submitted by Not, a parent


Posted March 25, 2007

This school has amazing teachers who are very devoted to the kids! I do wish the school would put in the long promised new playground. The one we have is awful! The kids also need to be allowed to run at recess!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 22, 2006

The registration process and front office staff at this school are horrendous. They are dismissive, rude and out of control. I had family pick up the paperwork for me (single mom who has to work!) and they were treated very disrespectfully and walked away wondering if I could enroll her in a better school. I have read several bad reviews about the front office staff at this school, but wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt. I was wrong. I was hung up on and dismissed yet again on the phone. The one good out come was I was able to speak with the principle who is working with me to get everything straightened out so my daughter can have a smooth transition into the new school. I can only pray that her teacher will be a good one.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 10, 2006

Let's see what a new principal can do. We were not happy at all about last years principal. He seemed like a good ol' boy who couldn't take advice from anyone especially women. Great teachers have left so we will see if he ruined the school. The office staff is rude but they have the largest number of students in the state and with that comes a large number of parents so maybe that is just because of stress. I love most of the teachers though so I have to say the people who deal closely with the kids are great!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 13, 2006

I am not pleased at all with the overall safety of my children at this school. i have had numerous safety issues with Firgrove several that i could have taken legal action on. the office staff is unprofessional and not of moral standards.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 10, 2005

Great location, good teachers, no complaints!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 4, 2005

this is a great school.there is a lot of parental involvement here. very safe enviroment.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 12, 2004

this school is note a good school at all. My son hates it and it is very old. He crys to go back to Zeiger so i think i will remove him and take him back. Please don't send your child there.
—Submitted by Lily Wood, 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 65% in 2012.

64 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
64%

2011

 
 
63%

2010

 
 
57%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 69% in 2012.

64 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
56%

2011

 
 
67%

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 59% in 2012.

72 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
38%

2011

 
 
58%

2010

 
 
48%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 71% in 2012.

72 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
58%

2011

 
 
59%

2010

 
 
65%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 61% in 2012.

70 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
26%

2011

 
 
51%

2010

 
 
41%
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 64% in 2012.

77 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
59%

2011

 
 
69%

2010

 
 
60%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 71% in 2012.

77 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
57%

2011

 
 
60%

2010

 
 
76%
Science

The state average for Science was 66% in 2012.

77 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
56%

2011

 
 
51%

2010

 
 
24%
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 62% in 2012.

70 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
64%

2011

 
 
56%

2010

 
 
52%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 71% in 2012.

70 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
64%

2011

 
 
66%

2010

 
 
65%
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 Students64%
Female62%
Male66%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic56%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White78%
Low income65%
Not low income61%
Special educationn/a
Not special education66%
Limited English36%
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students56%
Female62%
Male51%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic31%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White74%
Low income54%
Not low income61%
Special educationn/a
Not special education61%
Limited English9%
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 Students38%
Female32%
Male44%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic24%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White45%
Low income23%
Not low income59%
Special educationn/a
Not special education43%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students58%
Female55%
Male62%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic33%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White72%
Low income44%
Not low income79%
Special educationn/a
Not special education65%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Writing

All Students26%
Female34%
Male18%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic14%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White36%
Low income16%
Not low income41%
Special educationn/a
Not special education30%
Limited Englishn/a
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 Students59%
Female60%
Male57%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic42%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White68%
Low income52%
Not low income74%
Special education9%
Not special education67%
Limited English27%
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students57%
Female70%
Male43%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic21%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White64%
Low income44%
Not low income87%
Special education0%
Not special education67%
Limited English27%
Migrantn/a

Science

All Students56%
Female58%
Male54%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic42%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White61%
Low income46%
Not low income78%
Special education9%
Not special education64%
Limited English46%
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 Students64%
Female60%
Male69%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic39%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White83%
Low income57%
Not low income75%
Special educationn/a
Not special education67%
Limited English10%
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students64%
Female71%
Male57%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic44%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White73%
Low income55%
Not low income79%
Special educationn/a
Not special education67%
Limited English20%
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

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 57% 64%
Hispanic 17% 16%
Black 15% 6%
Asian/Pacific Islander 10% 9%
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 48%N/A42%
Special education 13%N/A13%
Transitional bilingual 12%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 10N/A12
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Teacher education levels

  This school District averageState average
Master's degree or higher 70%N/A66%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

13918 Meridian South
Puyallup, WA 98373
Phone: (253) 841-8733

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