The top reported proficiency rate is 51% in Science. The lowest is 38% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Kesling Intermediate School
Kesling Intermediate School serves fifth and sixth graders in LaPorte, Indiana, as a regular public school within the LaPorte Community School Corporation. It is the sole intermediate-level building in the district, drawing students from multiple elementary schools before they move on to middle school. For families researching this stage of the academic pipeline, Kesling represents a two-year transition that sits between elementary and middle school, and its profile reflects that intermediate role.
The school's student body is large for a two-grade building, with enrollment spread fairly evenly between fifth and sixth grades. Racially and ethnically, the majority of students are white, and around one in six identify as Hispanic. Small shares of Black, Asian, multiracial, and Native American students round out the population. A substantial share of students come from low-income households, as measured by eligibility for free or reduced-price lunch. Data on special education and English learner enrollment was not available from the state; a parent may want to ask the school directly about the availability of services in those areas.
On state assessments, results paint a mixed picture. Mathematics proficiency was higher than English language arts, which was below the midpoint of what most schools report. Science and social studies, each tested only in one grade, performed around the midpoint. The school's overall proficiency across all tested subjects placed it just above the midpoint when compared with other districts in LaPorte County. These scores suggest that the school has solid math instruction but that reading and writing outcomes are an area where families might want to understand the school's approach and any recent interventions. Because Kesling is an intermediate school with no high school grades, there is no graduation rate to report; student outcomes beyond sixth grade would be measured at LaPorte Middle School and LaPorte High School.
The school is located on the east side of LaPorte, a city that describes itself as the "Maple City" and serves as the county seat. LaPorte has a historic downtown centered on the courthouse square, three scenic lakes within city limits, and a reputation for affordable housing. The city's master plan emphasizes walkability and a trail system connecting neighborhoods and parks. A major Microsoft data center investment has been publicly reported, bringing economic development and job creation to the area. For families considering a move, the housing market is notably more affordable than the national median, and rental costs are moderate. The district itself has not had any widely reported recent changes that would affect school operations or programming.
No information was available in state data about course access, staffing ratios, discipline rates, or chronic absenteeism at Kesling. Those gaps are worth noting; a parent interested in school climate or class sizes would need to follow up with the school or district office. The school does not appear to offer magnet or charter designations, and Title I status was not reported.
Overall, Kesling Intermediate is a large, financially diverse school in a small Midwestern city that is experiencing economic growth. Its academic strengths lean toward math and science, and its ELA performance could be a focus for families who prioritize literacy outcomes. The combination of a high poverty rate and test results that sit around the county midpoint suggests a school working with a challenging demographic profile. For a fifth or sixth grader transitioning to a more departmentalized schedule, this is a neighborhood school that reflects the community it serves.
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