WCA Middle School

Q: Is WCA Middle School a good school?

WCA Middle School ranks 212 th of 545 Minnesota middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Summary:

WCA Middle School is a public middle school located in Barrett, Minnesota, serving grades 5-8 with a total enrollment of 220 students. The school is part of the West Central Area District, which is ranked 153 out of 463 districts in Minnesota and is rated 3 stars out of 5 by SchoolDigger.

While WCA Middle School has a significantly higher percentage of white students (89.55%) compared to the state average, its academic performance is mixed. The school's math and science proficiency rates lag behind state and district averages, but its reading proficiency is closer to the norm. Interestingly, female students at WCA Middle School consistently outperform their male counterparts, and the school performs well for special education and low socioeconomic status students. However, the school has seen a decline in its statewide ranking, dropping from 59 out of 520 Minnesota middle schools in 2021-2022 to 212 out of 545 in 2023-2024.

Compared to the nearby Brandon-Evansville Middle School, which is part of a higher-performing district, WCA Middle School lags behind in academic performance, particularly in math and science proficiency rates. The increasing percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch at WCA Middle School, from 32.16% in 2020-2021 to 49.09% in 2022-2023, may indicate growing economic challenges within the school's community, which could impact academic performance and resource allocation.

Detail:

Public 5-8

301 County Rd 2
Barrett, MN 56311-4500

(320) 528-7400

District: West Central Area

SchoolDigger Rank:
212^th of 545 Minnesota Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $5,552

Students who attend WCA Middle School usually attend:

High:

West Central Area Secondary

Feeder schools for WCA Middle School:

Elementary:	West Central Area N. Elementary
	West Central Area S. Elementary

Student/teacher ratio: 15.7

Number of students: 220

Racial breakdown:

White:

89.5%

Hispanic:

5.0%

Two or more races:

4.1%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 49.1%

See top rated Minnesota middle schools

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Performance Trends

Compare Details WCA Middle School ranks better than 61.1% of middle schools in Minnesota. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 58. (See more...)

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (89.5%), Hispanic (5%), two or more races (4.1%). (See more...)

Compare Details 49.1% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at WCA Middle School is 15.7. (See more...)

Compare WCA Middle School employs 13.9 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at WCA Middle School is $5,552.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

WCA Middle School:

SchoolDigger ranks WCA Middle School 212^th of 545 Minnesota public middle schools. (See WCA Middle School in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Special Education students:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

Female students:

Male students:

White students:

West Central Area:

SchoolDigger ranks West Central Area 153^rd of 463 Minnesota school districts. (See district ranking list.)

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Rank History for WCA Middle School

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Rank History for all students at WCA Middle School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MN State Percentile
2017	77.80	86^th	523	83.6%
2018	76.19	90^th	518	82.6%
2019	77.52	87^th	533	83.7%
2021	78.34	86^th	521	83.5%
2022	81.25	59^th	520	88.7%
2023	65.19	164^th	529	69.0%
2024	58.00	212^th	545	61.1%

See the entire list of Minnesota Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for Special Education students at WCA Middle School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MN State Percentile
2019	65.28	77^th	282	72.7%
2022	66.84	61^st	288	78.8%
2024	59.85	97^th	307	68.4%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota Middle Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at WCA Middle School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	86.77	14^th	401	96.5%
2019	93.43	9^th	415	97.8%
2021	79.37	30^th	399	92.5%
2022	84.44	21^st	404	94.8%
2023	72.02	85^th	459	81.5%
2024	66.84	119^th	473	74.8%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota Middle Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at WCA Middle School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	72.48	103^rd	436	76.4%
2019	74.08	91^st	439	79.3%
2021	77.87	62^nd	443	86.0%
2022	84.09	37^th	467	92.1%
2023	70.46	102^nd	455	77.6%
2024	63.39	143^rd	474	69.8%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at WCA Middle School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	75.50	81^st	438	81.5%
2019	76.20	93^rd	454	79.5%
2021	71.69	101^st	437	76.9%
2022	70.95	110^th	476	76.9%
2023	53.13	208^th	464	55.2%
2024	47.14	250^th	479	47.8%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at WCA Middle School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	67.82	115^th	428	73.1%
2019	67.16	118^th	428	72.4%
2021	71.51	87^th	422	79.4%
2022	72.53	81^st	438	81.5%
2023	51.12	212^th	436	51.4%
2024	40.26	283^rd	440	35.7%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota Middle Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Minnesota Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: Minnesota Department of Education

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Enrollment information for WCA Middle School

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Year	White	African American	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
2010	94	1	0	0	n/a	n/a	95
2011	93	0	0	0	0	0	93
2012	99	1	0	0	0	0	100
2013	96	2	1	3	0	1	103
2014	114	1	1	1	0	3	120
2015	102	2	1	0	0	3	108
2016	96	2	5	0	0	3	106
2017	213	2	5	0	0	8	228
2018	222	3	9	0	0	12	246
2019	241	3	12	0	0	6	262
2020	235	4	10	1	0	8	258
2021	199	2	13	1	0	12	227
2022	209	3	10	1	0	10	233
2023	197	2	11	1	0	9	220

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at WCA Middle School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2010	95	5.4	17.4	41.1
2011	93	5.8	15.9	41.9
2012	100	5.6	17.8	44
2013	103	6.0	16.9	42.7
2014	120	8.1	14.7	45.8
2015	108	9.0	12.0	41.7
2016	106	9.0	11.7	34
2017	228	9.1	24.8	36
2018	246	13.4	18.2	38.2
2019	262	13.1	19.9	34.7
2020	258	12.6	20.3	32.9
2021	227	12.9	17.4	32.2
2022	233	15.4	15.1	32.6
2023	220	13.9	15.7	49.1

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio WCA Middle School

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2010	95	5.4	17.4	41.1
2011	93	5.8	15.9	41.9
2012	100	5.6	17.8	44
2013	103	6.0	16.9	42.7
2014	120	8.1	14.7	45.8
2015	108	9.0	12.0	41.7
2016	106	9.0	11.7	34
2017	228	9.1	24.8	36
2018	246	13.4	18.2	38.2
2019	262	13.1	19.9	34.7
2020	258	12.6	20.3	32.9
2021	227	12.9	17.4	32.2
2022	233	15.4	15.1	32.6
2023	220	13.9	15.7	49.1

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for WCA Middle School

Year	Total Expenditures Per Pupil
2019	$5,552

Data source: Minnesota Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on WCA Middle School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 87^th of 533 Middle schools	Ranks 164^th of 529 Middle schools	14.7%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
5th Grade Math (WCA Middle School)	56.1	47.9	8.1%
5th Grade Math (West Central Area)	56.1	47.9	8.1%
5th Grade Math (Minnesota)	52	44.4	7.6%
5th Grade Reading (WCA Middle School)	65.2	64.6	0.6%
5th Grade Reading (West Central Area)	65.2	64.6	0.6%
5th Grade Reading (Minnesota)	65.8	58.7	7%
5th Grade Science (WCA Middle School)	59.1	50	9.1%
5th Grade Science (West Central Area)	59.1	50	9.1%
5th Grade Science (Minnesota)	54.9	48.4	6.5%
6th Grade Math (WCA Middle School)	59.3	35	24.3%
6th Grade Math (West Central Area)	59.3	35	24.3%
6th Grade Math (Minnesota)	50.5	39.7	10.8%
6th Grade Reading (WCA Middle School)	81.4	58.3	23%
6th Grade Reading (West Central Area)	81.4	58.3	23%
6th Grade Reading (Minnesota)	62.8	53.4	9.4%
7th Grade Math (WCA Middle School)	59.7	32.7	27%
7th Grade Math (West Central Area)	59.7	32.7	27%
7th Grade Math (Minnesota)	52.1	39.7	12.4%
7th Grade Reading (WCA Middle School)	72.2	41.2	31%
7th Grade Reading (West Central Area)	72.2	41.2	31%
7th Grade Reading (Minnesota)	57.5	45.2	12.3%
8th Grade Math (WCA Middle School)	68.3	63	5.3%
8th Grade Math (West Central Area)	68.3	63	5.3%
8th Grade Math (Minnesota)	55.2	40.3	14.9%
8th Grade Reading (WCA Middle School)	64.1	50	14.1%
8th Grade Reading (West Central Area)	64.1	50	14.1%
8th Grade Reading (Minnesota)	57.7	44.8	12.9%
8th Grade Science (WCA Middle School)	37.5	29.6	7.9%
8th Grade Science (West Central Area)	37.5	29.6	7.9%
8th Grade Science (Minnesota)	43	27.6	15.4%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	262	220	16%
African American	3	2	33.3%
American Indian	0	1
Asian	0	0
Hispanic	12	11	8.3%
Pacific Islander	0	0
White	241	197	18.3%
Two or More Races	6	9	50%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	34.7%	49.1%	14.4%

Schools Near WCA Middle School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				MCA-III Math (2024)					MCA-III Reading (2024)					MCA-III Science (2024)			Per Pupil Expenditures (2019)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	MCA-III Math 5th Grade	MCA-III Math 6th Grade	MCA-III Math 7th Grade	MCA-III Math 8th Grade	MCA-III Math All Grades	MCA-III Reading 5th Grade	MCA-III Reading 6th Grade	MCA-III Reading 7th Grade	MCA-III Reading 8th Grade	MCA-III Reading All Grades	MCA-III Science 5th Grade	MCA-III Science 8th Grade	MCA-III Science All Grades	Total
WCA Middle School	Public	5-8	301 County Rd 2	Barrett	56311	Grant County	West Central Area	No	No	No	Yes	(320) 528-7400	220	14	15.7	49.1%	197 (89.5%)	2 (0.9%)	11 (5.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	9 (4.1%)	58	212^th of 545 public middle schools	61.1%		65.2	164^th of 529 public middle schools	69.0%	48	30.2	53.3	39.7	41.1	40.1	61.3	61.7	42.9	29.6	48.7	36.5	25.0	31.1	$5,552
Brandon-Evansville Middle School	Public	6-8	206 West 3rd Street	Brandon	56315	Douglas County	Brandon-Evansville Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(218) 948-2241	125	6	22.5	37.6%	117 (93.6%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (1.6%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	6 (4.8%)	79.9	74^th of 545 public middle schools	86.4%		66.1	158^th of 529 public middle schools	70.1%	84		59.2	53.5	69.8	60.7		59.2	46.5	55.0	53.8		34.9	34.9	$8,416

Frequently Asked Questions about WCA Middle School

What district is WCA Middle School in?

West Central Area

What high school do graduates of WCA Middle School attend?

Students who attend WCA Middle School usually go on to attend West Central Area Secondary

Is WCA Middle School a good school?

WCA Middle School ranks 212^th of 545 Minnesota middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

How many students attend WCA Middle School?

In the 2022-23 school year, 220 students attended WCA Middle School.

What is the racial makeup of WCA Middle School?

Students at WCA Middle School are 90% White, 5% Hispanic, 4% Two or more races.

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Minnesota Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.

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