The top reported proficiency rate is 28% in English language arts. The lowest is 10% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Skoglund Middle School
Skoglund Middle School is a regular public school in the town of Center, serving grades six through eight. Center is a small, compact town in the San Luis Valley, an agricultural region that spans two counties. The town has experienced a population decline over recent decades, and its economy remains tied to farming and local government. The school is one of several public schools in the Center Consolidated School District No. 26 Jt., which serves the same community.
State testing results from the most recent school year give a clear picture of academic performance. In math, a very small share of students met the state’s proficiency benchmark. In English language arts, a larger but still modest portion of students scored proficient. In eighth-grade science, the share was again small. Participation rates on all three assessments were high, meaning the results reflect nearly all enrolled students. A parent looking at these numbers will see that the school’s overall academic performance, measured across tested subjects and grades, falls below the midpoint when compared to other districts in Saguache County. The county contains only three districts, and the range of combined proficiency is narrow, but Skoglund sits on the lower end even within that small set. This is a straightforward fact that families may want to follow up on with the school or district to understand what academic supports and interventions are in place.
The student body is small, with roughly equal numbers in each grade. The demographic makeup is overwhelmingly Hispanic, reflecting the town’s population, and a very small share of students are white. The vast majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high level of economic need across the school. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available in the state-reported information, so those counts are unknown from this source. Given the school’s grade band and high economic need, families may wish to ask directly about the availability of English language development services and special education supports.
The school itself sits within the town’s compact residential and commercial grid, within walking distance for many families. Home values in the area are well below both state and national averages, making this one of the more affordable housing markets in Colorado. The school district recently had no notable changes publicly reported, so the institutional environment appears steady. Center’s small size means the school is the local middle school, not a magnet or choice option; students living in the district attendance zone would attend here unless an alternative arrangement is made.
For a family considering this school, the core question is how the academic gaps align with their child’s needs. The proficiency rates are low across the board, and the school does not appear to offer specialized programs or advanced coursework typical of larger middle schools. The peer environment is homogeneous in terms of background and socioeconomic status. The community is rural, affordable, and modest in scale. A family that values small-town life and is willing to be actively engaged in supporting their child’s learning may find the school a reasonable fit, but the academic outcomes themselves merit close attention.
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