Unity Elementary

Summary:

Unity Elementary is a public elementary school located in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, serving grades PK-4 with a total enrollment of 396 students. The school is part of the Unity School District, which is ranked 311 out of 428 districts in Wisconsin and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Unity Elementary has consistently ranked in the bottom half of Wisconsin elementary schools, with a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger for most of the past decade, indicating below-average performance compared to other schools in the state. The school's proficiency rates in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics are below the state averages, and its performance has remained relatively stagnant over the past few years. Compared to nearby schools like Osceola Intermediate and Saint Croix Falls Elementary, Unity Elementary generally underperforms.

Unity Elementary has a relatively high percentage of students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, with 59.85% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. This may be a contributing factor to the school's academic performance, as research has shown that students from low-income families often face additional barriers to academic success. Additionally, Unity Elementary has experienced a significant increase in chronic absenteeism, rising from 6.2% in 2020-2021 to 16.9% in 2022-2023, which is higher than the state average and some nearby schools. While the school has seen an increase in per-student spending and a decrease in student-teacher ratio, these challenges may be hindering its ability to improve student learning and achievement.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-4

 1908 150th St
       Balsam Lake, WI  54810-7267


(715) 825-2101

District: Unity School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
637th of 1,061 Wisconsin Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $15,137 Help


Students who attend Unity Elementary usually attend:

Middle:    Unity Middle
High:    Unity High

Student/teacher ratio:  11.7 Help
Number of students:  389

Racial breakdown:

White:
82.5%
Two or more races:
6.7%
American Indian:
5.9%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  59.6% Help


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 Compare Unity Elementary to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Unity Elementary ranks worse than 60% of elementary schools in Wisconsin. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 48.33. (See more...)
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (82.5%), two or more races (6.7%), American Indian (5.9%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 59.6% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Unity Elementary is 11.7. (See more...)
Help
Compare Unity Elementary employs 33.2 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Unity Elementary is $15,137.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Unity Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks Unity Elementary 637th of 1061 Wisconsin public elementary schools. (See Unity Elementary in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
White students:


Unity School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Unity School District 311th of 428 Wisconsin school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Unity Elementary.

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Rank History for Unity Elementary

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Rank History for all students at Unity Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 58.01 334th 633 47.2%
2006 48.14 470th 712 34.0%
2008 37.12 792nd 1021 22.4%
2009 31.50 846th 1030 17.9%
2010 36.39 803rd 1045 23.2%
2011 23.44 923rd 1046 11.8%
2012 47.54 719th 1045 31.2%
2013 49.95 609th 1053 42.2%
2014 46.10 678th 1061 36.1%
2015 51.30 609th 1076 43.4%
2016 45.11 656th 1075 39.0%
2017 38.02 746th 1071 30.3%
2018 32.28 789th 1025 23.0%
2019 51.78 550th 1037 47.0%
2021 41.98 683rd 1050 35.0%
2022 39.07 738th 1067 30.8%
2023 44.01 670th 1067 37.2%
2024 48.33 637th 1061 40.0%
See the entire list of Wisconsin Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Special Education students at Unity Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 31.50 516th 721 28.4%
2019 49.89 326th 742 56.1%
2021 47.73 363rd 746 51.3%
2022 20.83 651st 748 13.0%
2023 19.06 680th 770 11.7%
2024 35.19 525th 790 33.5%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Unity Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 43.33 516th 854 39.6%
2019 55.17 356th 874 59.3%
2021 49.53 416th 847 50.9%
2022 28.50 673rd 859 21.7%
2023 36.21 613th 871 29.6%
2024 45.44 512th 866 40.9%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Unity Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 32.98 752nd 997 24.6%
2019 42.87 649th 1002 35.2%
2021 42.55 640th 1004 36.3%
2022 43.29 638th 1017 37.3%
2023 54.96 507th 1010 49.8%
2024 56.65 498th 1011 50.7%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Unity Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 35.39 739th 997 25.9%
2019 60.27 405th 1002 59.6%
2021 42.60 648th 1003 35.4%
2022 35.17 725th 1017 28.7%
2023 32.35 748th 1011 26.0%
2024 42.26 661st 1012 34.7%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Native American students at Unity Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 39.08 7th 10 30.0%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin Elementary Schools for Native American Students!

Rank History for White students at Unity Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 49.76 373rd 718 48.1%
2022 24.40 584th 704 17.0%
2023 26.24 579th 715 19.0%
2024 34.12 534th 727 26.5%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Unity Elementary Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 




Data source: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Open Quote My children have thrived in this school system. I have one average child and one who needs more guidance than others and they have been nothing short of wonderful to both! Close Quote



Enrollment information for Unity Elementary

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1989 581 n/a 1 2 25 n/a n/a 0 609
1990 570 2 0 2 27 n/a n/a 0 601
1991 553 1 2 4 36 n/a n/a 0 596
1992 534 1 0 5 44 n/a n/a 0 584
1993 565 0 0 4 49 n/a n/a 0 618
1994 538 0 0 3 48 n/a n/a 0 589
1995 503 2 0 3 43 n/a n/a 0 551
1996 503 2 0 3 43 n/a n/a 0 551
1997 497 1 0 4 38 n/a n/a 0 540
1998 489 1 0 2 44 n/a n/a 0 536
1999 479 0 1 2 43 n/a n/a 0 525
2000 490 2 1 4 40 n/a n/a 0 537
2001 534 2 0 1 30 n/a n/a 0 567
2002 467 1 0 2 30 n/a n/a 0 500
2003 467 1 0 2 30 n/a n/a 0 500
2004 444 2 0 2 33 n/a n/a 0 481
2005 401 2 0 1 27 n/a n/a 0 431
2006 450 6 0 2 37 n/a n/a 0 495
2007 414 6 0 2 32 n/a n/a 0 454
2008 380 4 0 6 29 n/a n/a 0 419
2009 411 5 0 2 24 n/a n/a 0 442
2010 412 2 0 5 33 n/a n/a 0 452
2011 428 1 0 5 29 0 2 0 465
2012 413 0 0 5 31 0 3 0 452
2013 406 1 0 10 33 0 1 0 451
2014 375 0 0 13 38 0 3 0 429
2015 381 0 0 20 26 0 11 0 438
2016 355 0 0 26 25 0 6 0 412
2017 357 0 0 19 22 0 9 0 407
2018 355 0 0 10 23 0 7 0 395
2019 346 1 0 14 22 1 7 0 391
2020 320 0 0 10 15 2 5 0 352
2021 322 0 0 19 16 1 7 0 365
2022 327 0 0 21 21 0 14 0 383
2023 334 0 0 21 23 0 18 0 396
2024 321 0 0 19 23 0 26 0 389

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Unity Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 609 32.2 18.9 30.7
1990 601 33.0 18.2 31.1
1991 596 37.6 15.8 33.1
1992 584 35.8 16.3 36.1
1993 618 36.3 17.0 32.4
1994 589 35.3 16.7 32.1
1995 551 34.6 15.9 32.1
1996 551 34.6 15.9 32.1
1997 540 35.6 15.2 29.8
1998 536 34.6 15.5 31.7
1999 525 36.6 14.3 36
2000 537 39.2 13.7 36.5
2001 567 39.7 14.3 38.4
2002 500 39.7 12.6 41.8
2003 500 39.7 12.6 41.8
2004 481 39.6 12.1 44.7
2005 431 36.4 11.8 n/a
2006 495 38.0 13.0 n/a
2007 454 39.4 11.5 43.8
2008 419 27.5 15.2 42.5
2009 442 30.1 14.7 46.6
2010 452 36.7 12.3 54.4
2011 465 36.8 12.6 59.6
2012 452 33.0 13.6 59.7
2013 451 34.5 13.0 60.1
2014 429 33.6 12.7 55
2015 438 n/a n/a 55.7
2016 412 32.0 12.8 58.7
2017 407 31.1 13.0 53.8
2018 395 33.3 11.8 53.9
2019 391 32.6 11.9 63.2
2020 352 32.0 10.9 65.3
2021 365 34.0 10.7 63.3
2022 383 34.1 11.2 55.1
2023 396 31.9 12.4 59.8
2024 389 33.2 11.7 59.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Unity Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 609 32.2 18.9 30.7
1990 601 33.0 18.2 31.1
1991 596 37.6 15.8 33.1
1992 584 35.8 16.3 36.1
1993 618 36.3 17.0 32.4
1994 589 35.3 16.7 32.1
1995 551 34.6 15.9 32.1
1996 551 34.6 15.9 32.1
1997 540 35.6 15.2 29.8
1998 536 34.6 15.5 31.7
1999 525 36.6 14.3 36
2000 537 39.2 13.7 36.5
2001 567 39.7 14.3 38.4
2002 500 39.7 12.6 41.8
2003 500 39.7 12.6 41.8
2004 481 39.6 12.1 44.7
2005 431 36.4 11.8 n/a
2006 495 38.0 13.0 n/a
2007 454 39.4 11.5 43.8
2008 419 27.5 15.2 42.5
2009 442 30.1 14.7 46.6
2010 452 36.7 12.3 54.4
2011 465 36.8 12.6 59.6
2012 452 33.0 13.6 59.7
2013 451 34.5 13.0 60.1
2014 429 33.6 12.7 55
2015 438 n/a n/a 55.7
2016 412 32.0 12.8 58.7
2017 407 31.1 13.0 53.8
2018 395 33.3 11.8 53.9
2019 391 32.6 11.9 63.2
2020 352 32.0 10.9 65.3
2021 365 34.0 10.7 63.3
2022 383 34.1 11.2 55.1
2023 396 31.9 12.4 59.8
2024 389 33.2 11.7 59.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Unity Elementary

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $575 (4.4%) $12,614 (95.6%) $13,189
2020 $455 (3.3%) $13,508 (96.7%) $13,962
2021 $724 (4.8%) $14,412 (95.2%) $15,137

Data source: Wisconsin Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Unity Elementary

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 550th of 1037 Elementary schoolsRanks 670th of 1067 Elementary schools
 9.8%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Unity Elementary)43.821.2
 22.6%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Unity School District)43.821.2
 22.6%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Wisconsin)39.537.9
 1.6%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Unity Elementary)56.326.9
 29.3%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Unity School District)56.326.9
 29.3%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Wisconsin)50.548.8
 1.7%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Unity Elementary)41.746.5
 4.8%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Unity School District)41.746.5
 4.8%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Wisconsin)43.945.8
 1.9%
4th Grade Mathematics (Unity Elementary)31.942.3
 10.3%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Unity School District)31.942.3
 10.3%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Wisconsin)46.246.5
 0.2%
4th Grade Social Studies (Unity Elementary)54.256.3
 2.2%
   4th Grade Social Studies (Unity School District)54.256.3
 2.2%
   4th Grade Social Studies (Wisconsin)53.459.7
 6.4%
4th Grade Science (Unity Elementary)63.959.2
 4.7%
   4th Grade Science (Unity School District)63.959.2
 4.7%
   4th Grade Science (Wisconsin)53.952.1
 1.8%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students391396
 1.3%
African American10
 100%
American Indian2223
 4.5%
Asian00
Hispanic1421
 50%
Pacific Islander10
 100%
White346334
 3.5%
Two or More Races718
 157.1%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients63.2%59.8%
 3.3%


Schools Near Unity Elementary









Frequently Asked Questions about Unity Elementary

In the 2023-24 school year, 389 students attended Unity Elementary.

Students who attend Unity Elementary usually go on to attend:

Middle : Unity Middle
High : Unity High

Unity Elementary ranks 637th of 1061 Wisconsin elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Students at Unity Elementary are 83% White, 7% Two or more races, 6% American Indian, 5% Hispanic.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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