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GreatSchools Rating

Denny Middle School

Public | 6-8 | 782 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 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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15 reviews of this school


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Posted September 28, 2012

I am raising my granddaughter and I was actually afraid to send this child to this school because of experiences I had with my own 2 children back many yrs ago, BUT I have been very impressed by the teachers and the principle, everyone is doing everything in their power to help my child succeed and I could not be happier with her achievements, we had problems with the orchestra program but she has since moved to the jazz band area and couldnt be happier,, thank you staff for caring
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 27, 2012

Our daugher is in 6th grade at Denny, it was a surprise to learn that all students are graded each and every day and some techers are good about posting the grades on The Source in a timely manner and some teachers ar very slack about posting online at all. We expected our daughter to come home with tons of homework and she never has homework. My husband and I wish the teachers gave out actual homework and on a regular basis. . Denny Int'l Middle Schools has many after school activities, and also mandarin chinese and spanish languages. The counselors are very supportive. The new building located at 2600 SW Kenyon street is fantasic and huge! The sudents also have the support of City Year.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 25, 2011

our entire district has a problem with science but Denny International Middle School just moved into a beautiful new building and for the first time has ACTUAL SCIENCE CLASSROOMS!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 4, 2009

im in eighth grade and i recently started this school.I have been here about a month. at first it was ok and i thought i would adjust to it well, but as i went on i found a lot of things confusing. it wasnt horrible, and the international acceptance was great but sometimes the students were just not listened to by the teachers. if they did something wrong, they were just yelled at and sent down to the office. no questions asked. it got so bad that one student got sent down for humming! there are also constant fights. and then the teachers make it worse by handling it the wrong way! i used to attend mcknight middle school before and this sort of thing was unheard of! we had some bad kids but it wasnt nearly this bad! the teachers and administration need to learn to be firm but fair!
—Submitted by a student


Posted March 20, 2009

i am a student at Denny and so far i think that denny is a pretty good school. i have learned a lot and i am still learning more. the teachers are fun. for example mr. lai is my favorite teachers. hes funny nice and always tries to make math fun. at first when i was a 5th grader i thought denny was a very bad school. now that im in that school in spectrum i really like it. some of my other friends at Madison Middle School wish they went to denny.
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 23, 2008

I'm a student at Denny and overall I'm very satisfied with this school. The teachers here are fun and easy to relate to, and they still teach us what we need to learn and more. The music program at Denny is excellent, and the advanced learning program is good, too. I think that Mr. Clark is trying really hard to make Denny a good school, he cares about the students and checks up on us individually from time to time. I'm very happy at Denny :)
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 3, 2008

Principal Clark loves his job and it shows. The schools moto - 'We all belong' says it all. I was nervous about my daughter entering middle school but I have been delighted with the welcoming attitude, focus on learning and commitment to students shown by teachers and staff.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 18, 2008

What a great staff lead by an inspired principal. The parents are involved and the kids are learning and having a great time. We are so glad we chose Denny
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 4, 2008

I go to Denny, and really do not like it. Some of the teachers are really nice at stuff, and teach well. But the curriculum isn't that good, and the administration is really frankly... Horrible. I just started 7th grade her, and already I don't like. In fact they got my schedule wrong, I was supposed to be in Spectrum (passed the test and stuff, even got the letter that said I WAS in Spectrum) and know I have to go to school early just so they can check that I got into it. I hope to transfer schools soon, the only reason I went here for 7th grade (or rather started it) is because I thought maybe this year would be better then 6th grade. Did I mention that the kids aren't very nice, and there are fights just about every month or so.
—Submitted by a student


Posted June 9, 2008

My child is just finishing up her 6th grade year in the Spectrum Program at Denny, and it has been a fabulous one. The block schedule classes and electives, the gifted and caring teachers, and the academic and musical opportunities she has had this year have been amazing. The school's leaders are outstanding, and there is a real community feel to Denny, whose motto is 'We all belong.' The staff make an effort to include all students and families, and they really care about the kids.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 29, 2007

My daughter entered Denny in her 8th grade. She is an extremely bright person but required some special educations services. I feel that she had an encouraging and challenging experience overall at Denny Middle School. Mrs. Chin, especially, was a very impacting advocate on behalf of my daughter's abilities. Mrs Chin recognized my daughter's natural knack for science and enrolled her in honors science. She expected her students and helped to give them the tools required to achieve. I feel Mrs Chin did so in a way that compelled the students who desired to do better to actually do better.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 10, 2007

My teachers were lacking.. There were exceptions though like Ms. Tomlin and Mr. Pimpleton. Most of the teachers were busy screaming at kids rather then teaching, and everyone suffered. They are so unorganized along with the administration. I can't even count how many fights I saw at this school; there were at least 5 every year. I find it funny that they have a 'bully free zone', but people were constantly bullying and nothing was really done at all. It's definately a relief to be out of this school. Now I'm at Chief Sealth HS and I'm actually learning things, people are friendly, and there are actually teachers who know how to teach.
—Submitted by a student


Posted July 10, 2007

The atmosphere is downright oppressive and uninspired. Bullies run rampant, groups segregate themselves and solutions shortcoming.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 16, 2006

Denny was a fantastic school with Mrs. Torklep as principal. The change that happened under her direction and leadership was amazing. Students excelled and teachers were able to hit their stride and teach effectively. When entering the school, you could sense the positive atmosphere and the caring that was in the school. Unfortunately, things have changed drastically in the year since Mrs. Torklep retired. The school is now struggling. Many of the achievements that the staff worked so hard to make, have since been lost. And now the atmosphere has changed dramatically. The laughter and happiness that used to permeate the school is now gone. It s no longer a place where both students and teachers want to be, but rather one they have to be. I am happy that my child was able to attend Denny through some of its great years, but glad she will be attending a different school next year.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 1, 2004

Denny is a great schcool it has a bully free zone and the teachers are AWESOME my child switched to denny for her 7th grade year because at her past school she was failing but at Denny so far she has a 4.0 she went from a 2.3 to a 4.0 I was shocked
—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.
Math

The state average for Math was 62% in 2012.

301 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
59%

2010

 
 
52%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 71% in 2012.

300 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
64%

2011

 
 
68%

2010

 
 
56%
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.

290 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
59%

2011

 
 
59%

2010

 
 
52%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 71% in 2012.

289 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
59%

2011

 
 
47%

2010

 
 
56%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 71% in 2012.

284 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
72%

2011

 
 
65%

2010

 
 
62%
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.

246 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
67%

2010

 
 
57%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 67% in 2012.

246 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
62%

2011

 
 
67%

2010

 
 
69%
Science

The state average for Science was 66% in 2012.

247 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
62%

2011

 
 
53%

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

All Students60%
Female58%
Male62%
Black38%
Asian84%
Asian/Pacific Islander76%
Hispanic54%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White68%
Low income49%
Not low income81%
Special education27%
Not special education68%
Limited English31%
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students64%
Female70%
Male57%
Black44%
Asian77%
Asian/Pacific Islander77%
Hispanic56%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White74%
Low income52%
Not low income86%
Special education32%
Not special education71%
Limited English33%
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%
Female65%
Male54%
Black37%
Asian72%
Asian/Pacific Islander68%
Hispanic51%
Native American40%
Pacific Islandern/a
White86%
Low income46%
Not low income90%
Special education26%
Not special education69%
Limited English23%
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students59%
Female62%
Male56%
Black41%
Asian67%
Asian/Pacific Islander63%
Hispanic47%
Native American50%
Pacific Islandern/a
White87%
Low income49%
Not low income83%
Special education40%
Not special education64%
Limited English12%
Migrantn/a

Writing

All Students72%
Female78%
Male66%
Black59%
Asian82%
Asian/Pacific Islander81%
Hispanic66%
Native American60%
Pacific Islandern/a
White87%
Low income65%
Not low income90%
Special education49%
Not special education79%
Limited English30%
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 Students70%
Female71%
Male69%
Black51%
Asian66%
Asian/Pacific Islander71%
Hispanic63%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White91%
Low income59%
Not low income91%
Special education24%
Not special education79%
Limited English42%
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students62%
Female67%
Male57%
Black40%
Asian71%
Asian/Pacific Islander68%
Hispanic51%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White87%
Low income51%
Not low income83%
Special education28%
Not special education69%
Limited English20%
Migrantn/a

Science

All Students62%
Female60%
Male64%
Black38%
Asian71%
Asian/Pacific Islander71%
Hispanic48%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White88%
Low income50%
Not low income84%
Special education37%
Not special education67%
Limited English30%
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.

84 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
97%

2011

 
 
98%
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

 
 
n/a
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 Students97%
Female100%
Male93%
Blackn/a
Asian100%
Asian/Pacific Islander100%
Hispanic91%
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White100%
Low income90%
Not low income100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education96%
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%
Black 27% 6%
Hispanic 23% 16%
Asian/Pacific Islander 16% 9%
Native American 4% 3%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 65%N/A42%
Special education 18%N/A13%
Transitional bilingual 16%N/A8%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per classroom teacher 20N/A17
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years educational experience 11N/A12
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Teacher education levels

  This school District averageState average
Master's degree or higher 64%N/A66%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

2601 SW Kenyon St
Seattle, WA 98126
Website: Click here
Phone: (206) 252-9000

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