Elementary Schools in Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District is home to 32 diverse elementary schools serving students from prekindergarten through 5th grade. These schools exhibit a wide range of academic performance, with some standout institutions like Van Hise Elementary, Shorewood Hills Elementary, and Randall Elementary School consistently performing above district and state averages on standardized tests. However, the data also reveals significant disparities, with some schools struggling to maintain proficiency rates above 20%.

A key factor influencing academic performance appears to be socioeconomic status, as measured by free and reduced lunch rates. Schools with higher rates of students from low-income families, such as Southside Elementary School and Lindbergh Elementary, tend to have lower test scores and higher chronic absenteeism rates. Conversely, the top-performing schools, like Van Hise and Shorewood Hills, have relatively low free and reduced lunch rates.

While per-student spending does not appear to be directly correlated with academic performance, the data suggests that factors beyond funding, such as instructional practices, school leadership, and community engagement, may play a crucial role in driving student success. Addressing the stark performance disparities and ensuring equitable access to high-quality education for all students in the Madison Metropolitan School District will require a multifaceted approach that considers the unique needs and challenges of each school community.