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GreatSchools Rating

Garland School

Public | PK-5 | 297 students

Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
Based on 3 ratings
2010:
No new ratings

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Parent involvement

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14 reviews of this school


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Posted November 5, 2011

My husband and I couldn't be happier with this school! Garland has a community feel to it where everyone respects each other. Very much a family feel! I feel this is the best school MPS has! The older kids interact very well with the younger kids and almost treat them as their younger siblings. Everyone knows each other; teachers, students and parents alike. I would and do reccomend this school to everyone!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 18, 2011

When you walk into Garland Elementary you belong to a family. My children WANT to go to school. The teachers and staff are always positive, friendly and continually looking for more ways to better our school. The principal works closely with parents; encouraging involvement in school activities. Parents find time in their day to volunteer on a normal basis. Teachers not only know the students strengths and weakness, but take the time to get to know them as an individual. Kids grow attached to the teachers because they treat them as real people, show that they care and always go the extra mile to make learning fun. Garland test scores reflect the dedication and enthusiasm that radiate from each classroom. The hallways showcase the kids achievements and the after-school rec program allows children to learn skills outside of the classroom. Tucked away in a small corner of Milwaukee, this six time winner of the WI School of Promise Award, shines brighter than any other school in the district. Each student takes pride in their school and education. Send your kids here...you will not be sorry!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 4, 2011

We have been more than happy with Garland School; our son has is presently in the 5th grade and has attended since K5. Garland staff members are truly committed to providing a wonderful learning environment for their students; so many go above and beyond what is expected and parental involvement in the school has always been high. We are thoroughly pleased with the education our son has received and only wish the school didn't have to suffer through so many budget cuts over the years. Garland is a fantastic elementary school and we highly recommend it. Our only complaint is that it only goes to 5th grade--we would LOVE for it to go up to 8th!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 11, 2009

This school is simply the best! And all I can really echo is the 'above and beyond' care the staff puts in to make sure they excel in everything they do. My son has been there since k4 and he's finishing this year which does make me want my 2 yr old to hurry up and get in there for k3!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 21, 2008

I have to disagree with the posting on May 10 by another parent. Some new safety restrictions have been put into effect -locked doors, parents need to sign in and wear a visitor's badge, but if you read/watch the news, you'll know these are wise decisions to keep our children safe. Garland School continues to shine and provides my kids with the type of excellent education that I thought only wealthy suburban areas could provide. I feel welcomed and informed by all the staff from the secretaries to the teachers to the cleaners and my children are truly happy here. I feel the school goes above and beyond their call of duty to help me and my family. I couldn't be happier with my choice of schools. I only wish there were more schools just like this one so every child could have a positive experience.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 10, 2008

Rhis school is not what is use to be. Starting with the new principal. She is rude and unfriendly to both students and parents. The staff was a caring staff and some still are but many have started to slip. Most of the core staff is nice but have problems with the way the school has started to spiddle down. It is a true shame that this once very wonderful school is starting to be just another MPS disaster.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 5, 2008

My daughters simply love it here! The staff is supportive and greatly understanding! I only complain that they only go up to 5th grade, so we'll have to find another school soon!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 4, 2007

Excellent school, one of Milwaukee's best kept little secret. This school is tucked away in a small community and it's perfect. The staff is great the teachers are committed to the students overall well being. My son has excelled beyond all my expectations!!! Love the school!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 17, 2006

Since enrolling our daughter in first grade at Garland, we have been pleasantly suprised to find that this small school, buried in a quiet neighborhood, is quite an outstanding educational facility. The staff is always pleasant and seems to really enjoy working at this school. If we drop in for a visit in the morning or afternoon, we find the principal, Ms. Maegli, out in the halls, smiling and enthusiastically involved with the student body. Our daughter truly enjoys going to school each day and is terribly disappointed if for some reason (e.g. illness) she can't be present. There is a tremendous aqmount of parental involvement here as well. The very diverse student body learns about a great many cultures and all seem to interact quite well. The teaching staff just seems to have such a positive outlook toward all of the students from all grade levels. This is a far cry from the MPS schools we remember from 40 years ago. It would be difficult to find a private school that provides this kind of environment; to find it in a public school is truly wonderful indeed. For anyone looking for an elementary school in this area of Milwaukee, we would definitely recommend Garland as being one of the finest schools available, public or private. If we had to describe a drawback to this school, it would be the fact that students beyond the fifth grade level have to move on to a different school.
—Submitted by Todd & Cathie Herka, a parent


Posted January 30, 2006

My daughter has special needs and has been in the mps system for 4 years. This past year at Garland has been a marked improvment from last several years within the MPS system. This school have a very committed PTA, which is evident in all the groups after school programming. Garlands principal is visible, accesible, and involved with all my childs 'special' considerations. The small little school is truly a leader in the mps system. I would definetely recommend this school for anyone considering Garland Elementary School.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 8, 2005

I am a UWM student training to be a teacher and spend one day a week at Garland for a semester. The staff and students where unbelievable. It was such as nice environment to be in. The teacher was an amazing influence in several aspects, especially observing her classroom management strategies, child-centered learning techniques, as well as conducting oneself as a professional. The students and parent involvement where priceless to my learning. Both my partner and I can't wait to go back.
—Submitted by a former student


Posted February 22, 2005

I had two kids in k3 & k5, both kids love school and the teachers, they learn a lot of words, how to counts, read and a lot more ,keep going school and the staff, I will recommend this school for my brothers and friends.
—Submitted by nabil shelleh, a parent


Posted January 5, 2005

I have two children who attend Garland, both love going to school each day. The staff has always been friendly and supportive.
—Submitted by Kelly, a parent


Posted May 6, 2004

As a parent of three Garland graduates, and having been involved at Garland for over 12 years, I would highly recommend Garland. The Teachers & Staff go above and beyond the call of duty not only for their students but for parents and community members. I never thought my children would want to spend more time in school than the normal school day, but Garland has proved me wrong. Testing scores show that the positive, caring atmosphere at Garland make learning easy.
—Submitted by Sandy Oleson, 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 78% in 2012.

28 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
71%

2011

 
 
68%

2010

 
 
97%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 81% in 2012.

28 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
83%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Wisconsin used the Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS), which includes the WKCE and WAA, to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in math and reading, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in language arts, science and social studies. The WSAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Wisconsin. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level. In private schools, only voucher program participants are tested.

See Wisconsin's state standards

Source: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Language Arts

The state average for Language Arts was 78% in 2012.

29 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
81%
Math

The state average for Math was 81% in 2012.

30 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
88%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 83% in 2012.

30 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
94%
Science

The state average for Science was 79% in 2012.

30 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
81%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 93% in 2012.

29 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
93%

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
100%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Wisconsin used the Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS), which includes the WKCE and WAA, to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in math and reading, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in language arts, science and social studies. The WSAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Wisconsin. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level. In private schools, only voucher program participants are tested.

See Wisconsin's state standards

Source: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Math

The state average for Math was 81% in 2012.

25 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
81%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 81% in 2012.

25 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
78%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Wisconsin used the Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS), which includes the WKCE and WAA, to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in math and reading, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in language arts, science and social studies. The WSAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Wisconsin. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level. In private schools, only voucher program participants are tested.

See Wisconsin's state standards

Source: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Math

All Students71%
Female58%
Male86%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin82%
Economically disadvantaged63%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Students with disabilities17%
Non-disabled86%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant71%

Reading

All Students75%
Female57%
Male93%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin82%
Economically disadvantaged72%
Not economically disadvantaged84%
Students with disabilities0%
Non-disabled96%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant75%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Wisconsin used the Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS), which includes the WKCE and WAA, to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in math and reading, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in language arts, science and social studies. The WSAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Wisconsin. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level. In private schools, only voucher program participants are tested.

The different student groups are identified by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 5 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group. Subgroup scores for each school are only reported for students who were enrolled as of the fall enrollment count. The All students score includes results for all students who took the test, regardless of when they first enrolled in the school.

See Wisconsin's state standards

Source: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Language Arts

All Students80%
Female80%
Male80%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic75%
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin94%
Economically disadvantaged72%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Students with disabilities50%
Non-disabled88%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant80%

Math

All Students83%
Female80%
Male85%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic88%
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin88%
Economically disadvantaged81%
Not economically disadvantaged89%
Students with disabilities50%
Non-disabled92%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant83%

Reading

All Students77%
Female80%
Male75%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic76%
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin88%
Economically disadvantaged71%
Not economically disadvantaged89%
Students with disabilities50%
Non-disabled83%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant77%

Science

All Students77%
Female80%
Male75%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic88%
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin81%
Economically disadvantaged76%
Not economically disadvantaged77%
Students with disabilities50%
Non-disabled83%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant77%

Social Studies

All Students93%
Female100%
Male90%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic100%
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin100%
Economically disadvantaged91%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Students with disabilities100%
Non-disabled91%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant93%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Wisconsin used the Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS), which includes the WKCE and WAA, to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in math and reading, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in language arts, science and social studies. The WSAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Wisconsin. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level. In private schools, only voucher program participants are tested.

The different student groups are identified by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 5 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group. Subgroup scores for each school are only reported for students who were enrolled as of the fall enrollment count. The All students score includes results for all students who took the test, regardless of when they first enrolled in the school.

See Wisconsin's state standards

Source: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Math

All Students80%
Female100%
Male67%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin73%
Economically disadvantaged86%
Not economically disadvantaged73%
Students with disabilities29%
Non-disabled100%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English80%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant80%

Reading

All Students80%
Female90%
Male74%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin83%
Economically disadvantaged79%
Not economically disadvantaged82%
Students with disabilities29%
Non-disabled100%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English80%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant80%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Wisconsin used the Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS), which includes the WKCE and WAA, to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in math and reading, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in language arts, science and social studies. The WSAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Wisconsin. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level. In private schools, only voucher program participants are tested.

The different student groups are identified by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 5 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group. Subgroup scores for each school are only reported for students who were enrolled as of the fall enrollment count. The All students score includes results for all students who took the test, regardless of when they first enrolled in the school.

See Wisconsin's state standards

Source: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

GreatSchools Rating

What makes up this rating?

Academic rating
6 / 10
Climate rating
9 / 10

This school's GreatSchools Rating is based on academics (90%) and climate (10%). The academic rating measures students' test scores, academic growth and college readiness. The climate rating measures safety, cleanliness, parent involvement and more.

Learn more about our methodology

What is the new GreatSchools Rating?

Rating legend
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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 (for elementary and middle schools) and their readiness for college (for high schools). The graphs below compare this school's results in each area to other schools in the city and state.
Overall academic rating

6

Average

Test score rating 2012*
This school
City
State
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
State
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This school
Reading growth
Average
Math growth
Average

*Test scores are based on the 2012 WSAS results from the state of Wisconsin.

**The academic growth rating measures how schools affect student test score improvement over time in reading and math. This data is from 2012 and is provided by the Value-Added Research Center and Milwaukee Public Schools. Private school growth data is not included in the rating because it is not comparable with public school results.

Climate ratings

This rating encompasses five elements of school climate: safety and cleanliness, respect and relationships, expectations for students, teacher collaboration and support, and parent involvement. This school's climate ratings are the result of GreatSchools' analysis of teacher survey data from the Spring 2012 School Climate Survey developed by Milwaukee Public Schools.

Overall climate rating

9

Above average
Based on 15 teacher
responses

We rated schools on …



Keeping things safe, clean, and orderly.

This rating evaluates a school's environment, based on its safety, order, cleanliness and more. More highly rated schools have well-kept facilities and a safe environment conducive to learning. Schools rated poorly may have a chaotic environment, conflicts among students or even theft or violence.


Creating healthy, respectful relationships.

This rating measures whether the school has a positive learning environment and cultivates an atmosphere of respect. At a school with a higher rating, it's more likely that the school's culture celebrates hard work and learning, students treat their peers and teachers with respect and class lessons reinforce character strengths such as kindness and tolerance. A school with a lower rating may have a weaker learning environment or allow disrespectful behavior.


Promoting high academic expectations for all students.

This rating sheds light on the academic expectations that teachers have for students. At a school with a higher rating, educators are more likely to stress academic success, ask kids to work hard and expect kids to be college-bound. At schools with lower ratings, it may be more acceptable for students to put in average or minimal effort, perform poorly on tests and lack strong academic goals.


Supporting its teachers.

This rating indicates how teachers feel about their school's professional environment. At a highly rated school, teachers are more likely to work well together, learn from one another, have opportunities for professional development and feel supported by the administration. At a school with lower ratings, teachers may not interact much, feel appreciated or have much input in school decisions and policies.


Informing and including families.

This rating reflects how much communication parents can expect from this school. A highly rated school is more likely to have regular communication (e.g. newsletters, emails, and meetings) between administrators, teachers and parents. This may include information about student progress, homework help and volunteer opportunities. At lower-rated schools, parents may not get regular updates and may feel less welcome at school.

Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White, not Hispanic 63% 74%
Hispanic 22% 10%
Black, not Hispanic 7% 10%
Asian 6% 4%
American Indian/Alaskan Native 1% 1%
Multiracial 0% 2%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander N/A 0%
Source: WI Dept. of Public Instruction, 2011-2012

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Limited English proficient 10%N/A6%
Disabled students 17%N/A14%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 59%N/A39%
Source: WI Dept. of Public Instruction, 2010-2011

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 17N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher resources

School leader's name Manuela Soto
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School (2006)
  • New Wisconsin Promise Award (2007)
  • New Wisconsin Promise Award (2006)

Special education / special needs

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Special education
Level of special education programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular special education needs

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Clubs
  • Gardening

Arts & music

Music
  • Instrumental music lessons

Language learning

Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular ESL/ELL needs
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Arabic

Health & athletics

Clubs
  • Gardening
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 7:45
School end time
  • 2:25
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • Before school
  • After school
School Leader's name
  • Taimi Parey
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Email
  • Phone
Age at which early childhood or Pre-K program begins
  • 4 years old

Programs

Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Special education
Level of special education programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular special education needs
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular ESL/ELL needs

Resources

Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Arabic
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
School facilities
  • Parent center
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Soccer
  • Volleyball
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Volleyball

Arts & music

Music
  • Instrumental music lessons

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Gardening
  • Girl scouts
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

 

TIP: Don't forget to ask about documents required for enrollment, such as your child's birth certificate, proof of address, or a record of immunizations.

 
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1420 W Goldcrest Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53221
Website: Click here
Phone: (414) 304-6500

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