Summary:
The Elgin-New Leipzig 49 district is home to a single high school, Elgin-New Leipzig High School, a small rural school serving grades 7 through 12 with just 68 students. This school presents a fascinating and contradictory academic profile, acting as both a standout performer and an area of concern depending on the subject. Its overall state ranking is strong at the 85th percentile (4 stars), but this average masks a dramatic internal split in student performance.
The school's most impressive achievement is its exceptional performance in Reading and Science. In the 2024-2025 school year, an incredible 100% of students were proficient in Reading, and 89% were proficient in Science—both far exceeding the state averages of 40% and 38%, respectively. This makes the school a true powerhouse in these subjects. However, this success is sharply contrasted by a critical weakness in Math, where only 20% of students are proficient, which is half the state average of 41%. This stark gap between subjects is highly unusual and suggests a specific issue with math instruction or curriculum, despite a very low student-teacher ratio of 7.5:1 and a high spending per student of $16,886.
For parents, the key takeaway is that Elgin-New Leipzig High School offers an exceptional environment for Reading and Science, with small class sizes and a positive upward trend in its state ranking. However, the school's overall "4-star" rating is misleading, as it hides a significant math deficiency that requires serious attention. While the graduation rate is strong at 90.9% (above the state average), and over half the student body (54.41%) qualifies for free or reduced lunch, the school's success is clearly uneven. It is a top-tier choice for students strong in reading and science, but families should be aware that the math program is an area needing substantial improvement and targeted support.
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