La Crosse School District

The La Crosse School District in Wisconsin serves over 10,000 students across 19 schools, including 12 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 3 high schools, and 1 alternative school. The district encompasses a diverse range of student demographics and academic performance, with some standout schools like School of Technology and Arts I (SOTA I) and La Crosse Polytechnic School consistently ranking among the top schools in the state.

The data reveals significant performance gaps between the highest-performing and lowest-performing schools in the district. Some schools, like Emerson Elementary and Southern Bluffs Elementary, have consistently higher test scores and performance metrics compared to the district and state averages, while others, like Northside Elementary and Hintgen Elementary, struggle with low proficiency rates. The district-wide chronic absenteeism rate of 17.7% is also a concern that may be contributing to these performance gaps.

The two public charter schools in the district, SOTA I and La Crosse Polytechnic School, are among the highest-performing schools, suggesting that the charter model may be effective in this district. However, the wide range in spending per student, from $4,050 to $18,366, indicates that there may be funding inequities that need to be addressed to ensure all students have access to a high-quality education.