Summary:
The Baker School District 5J in Oregon is home to two middle schools: South Baker Intermediate School and Baker Middle School. While both schools face challenges, such as high poverty rates and chronic absenteeism, they also exhibit distinct differences in their academic performance and school characteristics.
South Baker Intermediate School serves grades 4-6 and has higher proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Mathematics compared to the district and state averages, particularly in 4th and 6th grades. However, the school also has a relatively high chronic absenteeism rate of 34.3% and a large percentage of students (69.41%) receiving free or reduced-price lunch. In contrast, Baker Middle School, which serves the traditional middle school grades of 7-8, has lower proficiency rates in both subjects, especially in 7th grade, and a concerning decline in its statewide ranking from 139th out of 380 Oregon middle schools in 2022-2023 to 221st out of 368 in 2024-2025.
Despite the differences, both middle schools in the Baker School District 5J face significant challenges, including high poverty rates (over 70% of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch) and chronic absenteeism (34.3% at both schools). Addressing these underlying issues, as well as investigating the factors contributing to the achievement gaps observed, will be crucial for improving student outcomes and overall school performance in the district.
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