The top reported proficiency rate is 43% in English language arts. The lowest is 24% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on East Alton Middle School
East Alton Middle School serves a small student body in grades 6 through 8 in a village setting historically built around industrial employment and now focused on housing redevelopment and infrastructure renewal. The school's test results show proficiency that falls below the midpoint among Madison County districts overall, with notable variation by subject and grade.
In English language arts, the school demonstrates stronger performance in the lower grades it serves. Sixth-grade students posted roughly half proficient or above, while seventh and eighth graders reached the upper-thirties range in proficiency. Mathematics performance is considerably lower across all three grades, with proficiency in the low-to-mid twenties for sixth and eighth grade and in the upper twenties for seventh. Eighth-grade science, the only science grade tested at the school, showed proficiency in the upper thirties. The full proficiency picture the school presents is one below the median among its county peers, suggesting that instruction in mathematics in particular may benefit from closer examination by families considering this school.
Enrollment is small, distributed evenly across the three grades, creating an intimate peer environment typical of village schools. The student body is predominantly white, with a smaller representation of Black students and very limited diversity in other racial groups. Free-or-reduced-price lunch eligibility data was not available, so a parent may want to look into further with the school regarding the socioeconomic composition of the community.
East Alton itself is a Madison County village undergoing modest transition. Population has declined over the past several years, but the village is investing in new housing through the Emerald Ridge development and in water infrastructure modernization. Olin Corporation's Winchester ammunition operation remains the major employer, though retail and service work along Airline Drive and at Eastgate Plaza provide additional employment. The Keasler Recreation Complex and public library anchor civic life. Housing values in the area are moderate compared to state and national benchmarks, and mortgage costs and rental prices are both accessible for families at or near the median household income level.
The school is part of East Alton School District 13, a small K-8 district. No recent district-level changes with documented parent-relevant impact were found in available sources, so families new to the school may want to ask the district directly about curriculum priorities, professional development, or pedagogical initiatives.
Test data reflects state assessment results from the 2024-25 school year and comes from the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) for English language arts and mathematics, and the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA 2.0) for science. Changes to proficiency cut scores across subjects mean prior-year comparisons are not directly comparable. A parent considering this school should view these results as a baseline and seek further conversation with school leadership about supports for students performing below proficiency, especially in mathematics, and about the school's vision for academic growth in coming years.
See more original research from School Decision →