Summary:
The Utica City School District in New York serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade across 13 schools, including 10 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high school. The district faces significant socioeconomic challenges, with a high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, but also has pockets of success, particularly in its magnet schools.
The standout schools in the district include Hugh R. Jones Elementary School, which has the highest proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Math, and John F. Kennedy Middle School, which outperforms the other middle school on state assessments. At the high school level, Thomas R. Proctor High School has a higher 4-year graduation rate and stronger performance on Regents exams compared to the district average.
While the district's overall performance on state assessments and Regents exams is generally below the state averages, the magnet schools within the district tend to outperform the non-magnet schools. This suggests that the magnet school model may be an effective strategy for improving student outcomes in the Utica City School District. However, the district must also address the significant socioeconomic challenges facing its schools and work to ensure more equitable outcomes for all students.
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