Summary:
Vassar Public Schools has only one elementary school, Central School, serving students in the area. While the school has a relatively small class size, it faces significant challenges, including declining academic performance, high chronic absenteeism, and a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students.
Central School's statewide ranking has dropped over the past three years, and its academic performance, as measured by M-Step test scores, is generally below the state averages across grade levels and subject areas. For example, the school's 3rd grade ELA proficiency rate was 32.4% in 2023-2024, compared to the state average of 39.6%. The high rate of chronic absenteeism, at 19.1% for the 2022-2023 school year, may be contributing to these academic struggles.
Despite the district's investment in Central School, with per-student spending higher than the state average, the school's challenges persist. The high percentage of economically disadvantaged students, as indicated by the free and reduced-price lunch eligibility rate of 73.43%, may present additional obstacles in providing the necessary resources and support for student success. While the small class size could be a positive factor, the school's overall performance suggests that more comprehensive, data-driven efforts may be needed to improve educational outcomes for the students of Vassar Public Schools.
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