The top reported proficiency rate is 68% in English language arts. The lowest is 32% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Nuttall Middle School
Nuttall Middle School is a regular public middle school in Robinson, Illinois, serving grades six through eight for a school of roughly mid-sized enrollment across its three grade levels. The school is part of Robinson CUSD 2, a small district operating four K-12 schools in Crawford County.
The state testing results show performance that splits clearly between English language arts and mathematics. In English language arts, Nuttall's proficiency trend strengthens substantially as students move through grades six through eight, with eighth graders reaching a high level of proficiency while sixth graders are near the midpoint. Mathematics proficiency, by contrast, shows a steeper climb but from a much lower base in sixth grade, rising notably in seventh and eighth grade but remaining below the ELA trajectory overall. Science proficiency in eighth grade sits in the lower-middle range. Across all tested subjects and grades, Nuttall's overall proficiency index places the school in the top quartile among the county's districts, a meaningful strength given that rural agricultural counties in Illinois often see lower performance broadly. Participation rates are consistently high, with nearly all students taking the state assessments in each grade and subject.
The school's enrollment draws from Robinson's population, which is predominantly white and rural with a small but present Hispanic representation. No specific data was available on the share of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, English learners, or students receiving special education services, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about those populations if they are relevant to their family's situation. The school serves a community shaped by oil refining and manufacturing heritage, where most families own their homes and many are long-term residents.
Robinson itself is a county-seat city of small size situated in a rural agricultural landscape. The community maintains a modest population and a small-town character. Major employers include Fortune 500 companies (Marathon Petroleum refinery and The Hershey Company plant), which anchor the local economy. The city has recently invested in downtown beautification, including a reworked downtown square with park-like features, and new residential subdivisions are under development. The area is not served by fixed-route public transit, so families rely on personal vehicles for school transportation and community access.
The district is undertaking significant facility work. Washington Elementary School is being expanded and renovated to consolidate PreK and Kindergarten in a new wing with secure entry and updated HVAC systems, a multi-year project underway. The district also placed a countywide school facilities sales tax on the March primary ballot to fund building improvements, mental health professionals, and a school resource officer, with revenue distributed by enrollment across Crawford County districts. This reflects parent-relevant facility and service priorities the district is advancing.
State testing cut scores were adjusted for 2024-25, which affects year-to-year comparability, so trend analysis from prior years may not be direct. The school does not serve elementary grades (which would account for missing test results in grades three through five), reflecting its middle-school mission.
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