Summary:
The Burlington Community School District in Iowa operates 7 schools, including 4 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high school. While the district as a whole faces significant challenges, with low overall performance and persistent achievement gaps, a few standout schools demonstrate that high-quality education is possible within the district.
Sunnyside Elementary School stands out as the highest-ranked elementary school in the district, with strong test scores and a 3-out-of-5-star rating from SchoolDigger. In contrast, Black Hawk Elementary School, while ranked lower overall, has impressive individual test scores, particularly in English Language Arts. The district's test scores generally lag behind state averages, and the schools have high rates of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high level of economic disadvantage among the student population.
The data suggests that resources may play a role in student success, as the schools with higher per-student spending tend to have better academic outcomes. Additionally, the district faces significant racial achievement gaps, with White students generally outperforming their African American and Hispanic peers. While the district as a whole is struggling, understanding the factors that contribute to the relative success of schools like Sunnyside Elementary and Black Hawk Elementary could provide valuable insights for improving outcomes across the district.
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