United South Central Schools

The United South Central Schools district in Minnesota consists of two schools - United South Central Elementary and United South Central High School. While the elementary school is a standout performer, ranking 253 out of 881 Minnesota elementary schools and earning a 4-out-of-5 star rating, the high school lags behind, ranking 137 out of 480 Minnesota high schools.

United South Central Elementary consistently outperforms district and state averages on math and reading assessments, with 58.57% of students proficient or better in math and 60% in reading, compared to district averages of 46.3% and 52.79% respectively. The school's 4th grade math and reading proficiency rates are particularly impressive at 79.07% and 76.74%. In contrast, the high school struggles with math proficiency, with only 28.85% of 11th graders meeting or exceeding standards, compared to the state average of 34.99%.

Both schools serve a student population that is predominantly White, with around 15-17% Hispanic students and 3-4% identifying as two or more races. The high free/reduced lunch rates, over 50% at both schools, suggest potential socioeconomic challenges that may be impacting student outcomes. While the elementary school is a standout, the high school has room for improvement, with lower graduation rates and higher dropout rates compared to state averages. Identifying and addressing the root causes of these disparities will be crucial for ensuring all students in the United South Central Schools district have access to a quality education.