McCleary School District

McCleary School District serves the McCleary area through one school, McCleary Elementary, which enrolls 332 students in Pre-K through 8th grade. With a 15:1 student-teacher ratio, the school offers a relatively small-school setting, although families should note that it serves both elementary and middle-school grades. About 45% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, and per-student spending was reported at $20,692 in 2023–2024.

The school’s clearest strength is 3rd grade. In 2025–2026, 74.29% of 3rd graders were proficient in English Language Arts (ELA), compared with 48.84% statewide, while 60% were proficient in math, also above the state rate. Overall, ELA was the strongest subject, with 49.50% of students proficient compared with 52.81% statewide. Eighth-grade ELA was also relatively close to the state average. Math is the main concern: only 31.34% of students were proficient overall, compared with 43.11% statewide. Results were especially low in 5th grade math at 20%, 7th grade at 20.83%, and 8th grade at 21.95%. Science proficiency was 43.66%, below the statewide 50.95%.

For parents, the most important pattern is the sharp drop in achievement after 3rd grade, particularly in math: proficiency falls from 60% in 3rd grade to 34.38% in 4th grade and 20% in 5th grade. This makes the transition into upper elementary school a key area to investigate. ELA was nearly stable year over year, while math declined modestly and science fell more noticeably, though science comparisons may reflect different student groups and tested grades. The school’s statewide ranking improved from the 35th to the 44th reported percentile between 2023–2024 and 2025–2026, but it remains a two-star school. Families may want to ask about math intervention, middle-grade course continuity, and how the school is building on its strong 3rd-grade results.