The top reported proficiency rate is 36% in Science. The lowest is 0% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Deland-weldon Middle School
Deland-Weldon Middle School serves grades seven and eight in Weldon, a small rural village in central Illinois. The school is part of the Deland-Weldon CUSD 57 district, which has consolidated all three school levels (elementary through high school) onto a single campus located in nearby De Land, about five miles east of Weldon.
The school enrollment is very small—around 24 students total, split between seventh and eighth grades. The student body is predominantly white, with a small number of students from other racial and ethnic backgrounds. The school population reflects the rural character of the area; data on free or reduced-price lunch eligibility and counts of English learner or special education students were not available.
Academic performance data show weaker results across tested subjects. In eighth-grade mathematics, no students achieved proficiency on state assessment. Eighth-grade English language arts results show proficiency at roughly a quarter of students. Eighth-grade science proficiency was around one-third of students. Test participation rates for these grades were full. Data for sixth and seventh grade mathematics and language arts were not reported, which reflects that the school serves only grades seven and eight; earlier grades are housed in the elementary school building. Fifth-grade science was also not reported for the same reason.
When compared to the four other district middle schools in Piatt County, Deland-Weldon's overall proficiency index falls in the bottom quartile. No graduation rate applies to this school since it does not serve high school grades. Data on chronic absenteeism were not available.
The school occupies a rural-distant location classified by national standards, sitting on the consolidated district campus rather than in the village center. Weldon itself is a declining community—population has shrunk by a modest share over recent decades. The local housing market shows modest values and affordability relative to state and national benchmarks. The area's economy is rooted in agriculture, with few large employers; most residents who work commute outside the village.
No recent district referendums, major curriculum changes, or other parent-relevant shifts were identified in available sources. The district's consolidation onto one campus reflects the broader trend of declining enrollment across the region.
A parent considering this school should be aware of the small enrollment, the weaker recent test results across subjects, and the rural location that may require bus transportation. The intimate scale may appeal to some families, but the academic performance data suggest this may be a school where families might want to explore further with the district about support systems, remediation programs, and the school's approach to addressing proficiency gaps.
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