Summary:
The city of Cottage Grove, Oregon is home to 7 schools serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, including 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 2 high schools, and 1 alternative school. While the schools in this district face challenges common to many economically disadvantaged areas, a few standout institutions are making significant strides in academic achievement.
The Academy for Character Education, an alternative public charter school, boasts exceptional test scores that far exceed the district and state averages. In 2023-2024, 89.5% of 11th graders at the Academy were proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to just 32.8% for the South Lane School District 45J3 and 45.2% statewide. The school's math proficiency rates for 11th graders were also significantly higher than the district and state. This standout performance suggests the Academy may have valuable insights and best practices that could benefit other schools in the area.
While larger traditional public schools like Cottage Grove High School have shown some improvement in recent years, they continue to lag behind the district and state in key metrics. The data reveals wide disparities in academic performance across the schools, with proficiency rates ranging from just 20% at Al Kennedy High School to nearly 90% at the Academy for Character Education. Addressing these gaps and ensuring equitable educational opportunities for all students will be a critical focus for the district moving forward.
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