As the school year winds down, BackgroundChecks.org has released their annual list of the Top School Districts in Minnesota. Minnesota definitely takes public education seriously; the state ranked seventh in the nation in pre-K–12 education in the latest survey from US News & World Report. So, in a state full of top-notch school districts, which districts are the best?
We were excited to see that the Westonka Public School District (the school district that Lakeview Orono is located in) was named the 6th best school district in Minnesota.
How It Was Determined
When forming their list, Background Checks collected data from 9,577 different school districts in Minnesota. They collect the data they feel is most important for evaluating a school district and the education being provided. This data includes:
- Student performance (math and reading test scores)
- School funding
- Dropout rates
- Area poverty rates
All of this data is then compiled and used to form a bigger picture for each of the districts. Background Checks then checks for any other honors, awards, or commemorations that the district has earned. Once all of this information is accounted for, the final rankings are determined and the list is published.
About the Westonka School District
Although the residents of Lakeview Orono have known for years that the Westonka Public School District is among the best in the state, having it rank 6th in the state is quite an honor.
A Track Record of Excellence
The Westonka Public School District has been successful for quite some time now. Westonka students have excelled in the classroom for years, and they have the numbers to prove it. In the entire state of Minnesota, Westonka ranks 6th in reading and 4th in math. Each grade level has its own claim to fame as well:
- Grade 4 ranks 1st in the state for reading and 7th in the state for math
- Grade 5 ranks 2nd in the state for reading, 5th in the state for math, and 8th in the state for science
- Grade 6 ranks 3rd in the state for reading and 4th in the state for math
- Grade 7 ranks 9th in the state for reading
- Grade 8 ranks 9th in the state for reading
- Grade 10 ranks 9th in the state for reading
- Grade 11 ranks 2nd in the state for math
Teacher of the Year Recipient
It isn’t just the students of the Westonka Public School District that have been excelling. English teacher Corey Bulman from Mound Westonka High School was named the 2017 Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Bulman has spent his entire 17-year teaching career at Mound Westonka High School, and he is the first teacher from the Westonka Public School District to receive the honor. He is one of many teachers in the Westonka Public School District that exemplifies what a teacher in Minnesota should represent.
Top Quality Facilities
Aside from the classrooms, the Westonka Public School District also prides itself on providing high quality facilities for the staff and students. Over a year ago, ground was broken for the new Westonka Performing Arts Center and the Westonka Activity Center. These projects will include:
- 3-station multi-purpose gym
- Wrestling gym
- Fitness room
- Elevated walking track
- Community meeting room
- Locker rooms and storage
- Orchestra area
- Scene/costume shops and storage
- 600-seat auditorium
- Green room/dressing area
You can stay up to date on the construction and see a drone progress video by viewing their construction page. For more Westonka School District information, visit their site today!
Why This Matters to Lakeview Orono
The Westonka School District is a reflection of the morals and values that Lakeview Orono holds. Lakeview Orono is a community that values camaraderie and experiences. In a world full of smartphones and individualization, Lakeview Orono residents understand the importance of coming together and enjoying the world around us. The city places value on hosting community events and creating an inclusive environment that makes everyone feel welcome. Lakeview Orono often works hand-in-hand with the school district on activities, promotions, and events. Learn more about our relationship with the Westonka Public School District today.
Raise Your Family in Lakeview Orono
When it comes time to raise a family, you want to plant your roots somewhere you know will put your family in the best position to succeed. If you want your children to get the best education possible, it’s crucial that they are placed in a school district with a proven track record of success. The Westonka Public School District has proven for years that it’s committed to providing students with the best educational setting possible to turn children into intelligent and confident individuals.
If you’re interested in planting your roots in Lakeview Orono and benefitting from a top ten school district, contact us today!