The top reported proficiency rate is 52% in Math. The lowest is 25% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Cedar Creek Elementary School
Cedar Creek Elementary is a regular public school serving kindergarten through fifth grade in the rural-suburban neighborhood of Cedar, part of the larger city of Oak Grove in Anoka County. Once a small town with its own main street and commercial life, Cedar has largely faded into a residential area, absorbed into Oak Grove decades ago. The built environment is defined by country roads and spread-out homes, with low walkability. Families in this area are generally looking for a quieter setting outside the denser Twin Cities metro, with access to parks, trails, and the nearby county seat of Anoka.
The school’s academic performance is a clear strength when measured against other districts in Anoka County. Overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades places Cedar Creek in the top quartile relative to the county’s fourteen districts. That said, results vary by grade and subject. In math, the share of students meeting state standards ranged from a bit below half of third graders to roughly two-thirds of fourth graders, with fifth graders scoring near the third-grade level. In reading, performance climbed by grade: third graders showed a lower proficiency rate, fourth graders were around the midpoint, and fifth graders reached a notably higher level. Science testing is only administered in fifth grade, and while participation was complete, the proficiency rate was lower than the school’s math and reading averages. A parent may want to discuss with the school how the science curriculum aligns with state expectations and whether the dip is a pattern or a single-year snapshot.
The school is large enough to offer a full elementary experience with multiple sections per grade. Enrollment is spread fairly evenly across grades K-5, suggesting a stable feeder pattern. More than a third of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, a share that is common in many Minnesota public schools but worth noting for families who weigh economic diversity. The student body is predominantly white, with Asian and Hispanic students each making up a modest portion, and smaller numbers of students identifying with other racial groups. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available in the profile, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about those supports.
The community context is one of relatively high property values. The typical home price in the area is above both the state and national medians, and rents are estimated to consume about a quarter of a typical household’s income, which is manageable compared to many metro-area markets. The area is primarily residential, with no major employers shaping the local economy. Residents commute to the broader Twin Cities region for work and services.
Perhaps the most important contextual factor for any family considering Cedar Creek is the financial situation of its parent district, St. Francis Area Schools. In late 2024, voters defeated an operating levy referendum that would have provided significant new revenue for class size reduction, staffing, and academic programs. The district has already made multiple rounds of budget cuts in recent years, reducing staff and co-curricular activities. The failed levy means additional cuts are likely. This fiscal pressure could affect class sizes and program availability at the elementary level, even if the school’s current academic performance remains strong. The district has expanded its Saints Online full-time virtual program, which may be an option for families who prefer remote learning, but the broader budget picture is something to track.
Because Cedar Creek is a K-5 school, there is no graduation rate to report. The school does not offer high school-level courses or career pathways, and no specific program offerings beyond the general curriculum were listed in the data. The school’s website may provide more detail on enrichment, specials, and extracurriculars. For families looking for a solid elementary school in a quiet, rural-suburban setting with strong overall test results relative to the county, Cedar Creek is a reasonable choice. The ongoing district budget challenges, however, are a factor that merits attention, especially for those planning to stay in the district through middle and high school.
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