The top reported proficiency rate is 47% in English language arts. The lowest is 0% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Aspire Academy Middle School
Aspire Academy Middle School is a STEM-focused charter school in Shakopee that serves grades six through eight. It is part of the Aspire Academy Charter School district, which opened in 2021 and offers families an alternative to the larger Shakopee public school system. The school’s enrollment is small, a characteristic that often appeals to families seeking a more tight-knit setting. A substantial share of the student body qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch. All enrolled students are Black, making the school's student population distinct in its racial composition.
State testing data from the most recent school year shows a mixed picture. In English language arts, the school saw a range of outcomes across grades: one grade level had a proficiency rate well above half, while another fell below half. In mathematics, proficiency rates were lower across all three grade levels tested. In science, the eighth-grade cohort, although a very small group, showed no students reaching the proficient level. Looking at the school’s overall proficiency across all tested subjects and grades, the school sits below the midpoint relative to other districts in Scott County. A parent or guardian would want to discuss these academic results directly with the school to understand how they align with the school's STEM mission and what supports are in place.
As a charter school, Aspire Academy Middle School operates with a specific focus on science, technology, engineering, and math. The school’s website, as publicly reported, also emphasizes community, individualized learning, and character development. Data on special education services and English learner support were not available, so a family with needs in these areas should inquire with the school directly about what is offered.
The school is located in Shakopee, a city that has grown rapidly from a once-isolated river town into a busy suburban hub southwest of Minneapolis. Major employers like Amazon, Emerson, and Scott County anchor the local economy. The city has a historic downtown with restaurants and shops, but much of the built environment is suburban and car-dependent. There are over 30 parks and miles of trails. Housing values in the area have been rising, and the typical home price sits above the state average. Shakopee has been adding residents quickly, and a notable share of households include children, which signals a community oriented toward families.
For a family weighing this school, the main considerations are the charter’s STEM focus and small scale against the academic proficiency numbers, which are softer in some areas than what nearby district-run middle schools may show. The school serves middle school only, so families will need to plan for high school options afterward. The school is one of a few public choices in a growing city, and its small enrollment means it may offer a level of individual attention that is harder to find in larger schools. Given the school’s recent founding, there is limited track record, and the data available on school environment measures like discipline and attendance was not present in this profile.
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