Elementary Schools in STEP Academy

The STEP Academy district in Minnesota is home to two elementary schools, STEP Academy Elementary and STEP Academy Kg-5th - Burnsville, both of which serve predominantly African American and low-income student populations. While these schools share some similarities, they also exhibit distinct challenges that warrant further attention.

Academically, both STEP Academy Elementary and STEP Academy Kg-5th - Burnsville struggle, with test scores significantly lower than the state averages across all grade levels and subjects. For instance, in the 2023-2024 school year, the percentage of students proficient or better in Math was just 25.19% at STEP Academy Elementary and 32.29% at STEP Academy Kg-5th - Burnsville, compared to the state average of 45.47%. This academic underperformance is reflected in the schools' rankings, with both placed in the bottom quartile of Minnesota elementary schools.

Demographic factors may play a role in the schools' challenges. Both STEP Academy Elementary and STEP Academy Kg-5th - Burnsville serve a predominantly African American student population, with the former at 99.61% and the latter at 100%. Additionally, the schools have high rates of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, with STEP Academy Kg-5th - Burnsville reaching an alarming 88.46%. These socioeconomic factors likely contribute to the academic struggles faced by these schools and underscore the need for targeted interventions and support to address the unique needs of their student populations.