Serving 250 students in grades 9-12, West Central Area Secondary ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Minnesota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 11-19% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 45%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70-74% (which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student:teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the Minnesota state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 38% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 250 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 8%
- Graduation Rate: ≥90% (Top 30% in MN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 11-19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
West Central Area Secondary ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
West Central Area Secondary's student population of 250 students has grown by 19% over five school years.
The teacher population of 20 teachers has grown by 42% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
250 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
West Central Area Secondary ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,860 schools in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of West Central Area Secondary is 0.15, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.58. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#963 out of 1860 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
11-19%
45%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
41%
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
2%
Asian
n/a
7%
Hispanic
2%
11%
Black
2%
12%
White
92%
62%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥90%
84%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
31%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is West Central Area Secondary's ranking?
West Central Area Secondary is ranked #963 out of 1,860 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Minnesota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
11-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 45% MN state average), while 70-74% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
What is the graduation rate of West Central Area Secondary?
The graduation rate of West Central Area Secondary is 90%, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 84%.
How many students attend West Central Area Secondary?
250 students attend West Central Area Secondary.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
92% of West Central Area Secondary students are White, 4% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of West Central Area Secondary?
West Central Area Secondary has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 14:1.
What grades does West Central Area Secondary offer ?
West Central Area Secondary offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is West Central Area Secondary part of?
West Central Area Secondary is part of West Central Area School District.
School Reviews
Review West Central Area Secondary. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Bribing Students to Get Good Grades: The Debate
This piece explores the controversial practice of offering monetary rewards to students for good grades. It examines studies conducted in various cities, discussing the effectiveness of such programs and the ethical concerns they raise. The article presents arguments from both supporters and critics of this approach to student motivation.
Drug Testing Teachers: Testing Positive or Negative?
This article examines the ongoing debate about drug testing for teachers in public schools. It discusses the rationale behind such policies, privacy concerns, cost implications, and the relatively low prevalence of drug use among educators. The piece also explores future considerations for drug testing policies in educational settings.
September 27, 2024
Understanding RubricsThis article explores the fundamental principles of rubrics in education, focusing on their role as assessment tools. It breaks down the key components of rubrics, including criteria, performance levels, and descriptors. The piece also delves into the two main types of rubrics - holistic and analytic - providing authoritative definitions and explaining their unique applications in educational settings.
