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GreatSchools Rating

Atwater Elementary School

Public | PK-6 | 523 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

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

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12 reviews of this school


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Posted June 16, 2011

We love Atwater school because of its excellent principal (former and current) and very good teachers.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 26, 2011

We love Atwater School! Atwater has great teachers, principal, PTO, specials, cultural diversity, parents, and community environment.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 25, 2010

Great teachers, strong and caring leadership, challenging curriculum, lots of enrichment opportunities, warm and friendly school atmosphere with great receptivity to parent involvement!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 28, 2010

This is the best school my kids have attended. I would not change it. They have helped all my kids, without discrimination. This is an admirable school. I feel safe leaving my kids there because there is good oversight and the teachers are the best. Shorewood Village is very nice and I am very happy with the school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 20, 2009

Reading previous reviews,note that this year Atwater will have a new principal and new guidance counselor as well as a new OT, all of which are involved in discipline/learning differences. It's hard to predict what it will be like in 2009/2010 as those are major players. Currently: Top notch music and art programs. Imaginative gym classes. New character education program. Chicago Math (fuzzy math) through 5th grade. Class size 22-25.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 5, 2009

teacher and school quality is above average.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 27, 2007

My child attended this school for three years. We moved from out of state so we had a great school to compare it to. My child was bullied by children on the playground from day one and the staff and principal did nothing to help. There is no gifted program, the teachers are skittish because of an arrogant, principal and the playground is like Lord of the Flies. Parents (depending on who you are in the community) are generally treated like trouble making problems.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 5, 2007

One of the many reason our family enjoys Atwater school is because they do not have a gifted and talented program. We have lived in several school districts across the country and feel the unnecessary tracking a gifted and talented program entails is an inefficient educational process on many levels. Atwater takes every child to a level that is above and beyond what the child ever thought possible. The classroom teachers creatively teach the necessary curriculum. An absolute plus is that with through music, art, orchestra, band, PE, Spanish, computer lab, science lab, etc., any and every child is given the opportunity to excel and grow academically, socially and physically. If all schools would follow the Atwater model, no child would ever be left behind.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 22, 2006

I just want to clarify that this school does NOT have gifted program. It has a 'challenge' program, which essentially comes down to more work. Having a gifted program is something which is very specific and was actually what I was looking for and why I am now looking elsewhere. They definitely operate from a strong mold which works best for your child if they can fit into that. It can be, and is, a very difficult road at Atwater for many. They are what they are: a traditional 'back to the basics' school, and they run very efficiently on that model. There's only so much you can do to change 'the system', and I certainly understand that. If you are looking for a setting which attempts to achieve the curriculum goals and govt. standards from a perspective of the strengths of each individual student, try the multi-age here.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 24, 2006

My daughter has attended this school for the past four years (K5-3rd grade, 2002 - 2006). Her initial experience was excellent but the overall quality of the school has declined under the new principal. The regular classroom and special subject teachers have been great - the PE teacher is especially good with getting even 'average' kids excited about gym. On the negative side, the class sizes are very large - my daughter's class has 25 students, 1 teacher, no aide. The principal has been there about two years and is very unpopular with many parents and teachers. She make parents feel very unwelcome, actively creates obstacles to direct parent-teacher communication, and has created a climiate where teachers who disagree with her policies and procedures are clearly marginalized and 'steamrolled'. I would recommend this school to others only with reservations.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 22, 2005

Great school in a great community. The teachers and the principal are first class. The art and music programs are excellent. I have had five boys attending this school and all are excelling in their school work. From Kindergarten to 6th grade the education is similar to that of a private school, with small class sizes and a great program for advancement if your child is gifted. But also extra help if your child is having difficulties. Just a good all round school with great social events and concerts throughout the year, and a wonderful kids club program during the summer.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 5, 2003

My son was in Atwater Elementary for 3 years from K4 to 1st grade. It was a wonderful experience altogether. The community is wonderful at Shorewood, and the school does an exemplary job at teaching high level Math and redaing in a very fun way. We are very, very happy with our son's progress. Great school!
—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 78% in 2012.

64 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
92%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 81% in 2012.

63 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
95%
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.

61 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
85%
Math

The state average for Math was 81% in 2012.

61 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
83%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 83% in 2012.

61 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
83%
Science

The state average for Science was 79% in 2012.

61 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
79%
Social Studies

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

61 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
94%
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.

75 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
95%

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
85%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 81% in 2012.

75 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
89%
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 79% in 2012.

58 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
89%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2012.

58 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
91%
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 Students84%
Female83%
Male85%
Black, not of Hispanic origin64%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin96%
Economically disadvantaged61%
Not economically disadvantaged90%
Students with disabilities77%
Non-disabled86%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant84%

Reading

All Students89%
Female93%
Male85%
Black, not of Hispanic origin64%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin96%
Economically disadvantaged69%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilities66%
Non-disabled92%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant89%
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 Students87%
Female97%
Male80%
Black, not of Hispanic origin62%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin95%
Economically disadvantaged71%
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilities63%
Non-disabled91%
English learners71%
Proficient in English89%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant87%

Math

All Students83%
Female92%
Male78%
Black, not of Hispanic origin54%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin92%
Economically disadvantaged83%
Not economically disadvantaged84%
Students with disabilities75%
Non-disabled85%
English learners85%
Proficient in English83%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant83%

Reading

All Students90%
Female100%
Male82%
Black, not of Hispanic origin69%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin100%
Economically disadvantaged76%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Students with disabilities63%
Non-disabled95%
English learners57%
Proficient in English95%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant90%

Science

All Students84%
Female89%
Male80%
Black, not of Hispanic origin54%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin93%
Economically disadvantaged71%
Not economically disadvantaged88%
Students with disabilities76%
Non-disabled85%
English learners57%
Proficient in English87%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant84%

Social Studies

All Students92%
Female100%
Male86%
Black, not of Hispanic origin69%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin100%
Economically disadvantaged82%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Students with disabilities76%
Non-disabled95%
English learners71%
Proficient in English94%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant92%
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 Students95%
Female97%
Male91%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islander100%
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin98%
Economically disadvantaged90%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Students with disabilities66%
Non-disabled98%
English learners100%
Proficient in English94%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant95%

Reading

All Students92%
Female95%
Male89%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islander90%
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin97%
Economically disadvantaged91%
Not economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disabilities67%
Non-disabled95%
English learners89%
Proficient in English92%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant92%
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 Students88%
Female85%
Male90%
Black, not of Hispanic origin88%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin90%
Economically disadvantaged79%
Not economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disabilities70%
Non-disabled92%
English learners71%
Proficient in English90%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant88%

Reading

All Students90%
Female89%
Male91%
Black, not of Hispanic origin89%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin90%
Economically disadvantaged84%
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilities70%
Non-disabled94%
English learners86%
Proficient in English91%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant90%
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

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, not Hispanic 65% 74%
Black, not Hispanic 13% 10%
Asian 10% 4%
Hispanic 6% 10%
Multiracial 6% 2%
American Indian/Alaskan Native 0% 1%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 0% 0%
Source: WI Dept. of Public Instruction, 2011-2012

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Limited English proficient 14%N/A6%
Disabled students 13%N/A14%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 22%N/A39%
Source: WI Dept. of Public Instruction, 2010-2011

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 15N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

2100 E Capitol Dr
Shorewood, WI 53211
Website: Click here
Phone: (414) 963-6962

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