Elementary Schools in Calumet Public School District 132

The Calumet Public School District 132 in Illinois is home to two elementary schools: Burr Oak Academy and Burr Oak Elementary School. Both schools are struggling, with low performance metrics and high rates of chronic absenteeism that are significantly above the state average.

Chronic absenteeism rates at Burr Oak Academy and Burr Oak Elementary School are 43.7% and 39.1%, respectively, indicating a concerning level of student disengagement. Both schools also perform well below the state averages in English Language Arts and Mathematics proficiency across all grade levels. For example, in 2023-2024, only 13.3% of students at Burr Oak Elementary School were proficient or better in ELA, compared to the state average of 41.2%. In Mathematics, the proficiency rate was just 4.7%, far below the state average of 28.4%.

The district serves a population with significant economic disadvantages, as evidenced by the high rates of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 14.47% at Burr Oak Academy to 61.11% at Burr Oak Elementary School. Despite the district spending more per student than the state average, the academic performance remains poor, suggesting that the district may need to re-evaluate how resources are being allocated and utilized to support student success. Addressing the root causes of student disengagement and implementing targeted interventions to support the unique needs of the district's students will be crucial in driving meaningful progress for the Calumet Public School District 132.