Ballard R-II

The Ballard R-II school district in Missouri consists of two schools: Ballard Elementary and Ballard High. Both schools have relatively low performance metrics compared to state averages, with Ballard Elementary ranked 611 out of 1,032 Missouri elementary schools and Ballard High ranked 282 out of 378 Missouri high schools.

Academically, both schools struggle, with significantly lower proficiency rates in core subjects like MAP/Science, MAP/Algebra I, and MAP/Biology I compared to the state average. Additionally, both schools have high chronic absenteeism rates of 26.8%, well above the state average. Socioeconomic challenges also appear to be a factor, with over 44% of students at each school receiving free or reduced-price lunch.

Despite the district's relatively high spending per student, at $14,640 for Ballard Elementary and $16,862 for Ballard High, the schools' performance and other metrics suggest the resources may not be effectively utilized or targeted to address the specific needs of the student population. Addressing the factors behind the low academic performance and high absenteeism will likely be a priority for the district as it works to improve outcomes for its students.