The top reported proficiency rate is 23% in English language arts. The lowest is 15% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Cherokee Heights Elementary School
Cherokee Heights Elementary School is a regular public school in Saint Paul, serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. It is part of Saint Paul Public Schools, the district covering Minnesota’s capital city. The school sits in the city’s West Side neighborhood, a residential area near the Mississippi River. The school's enrollment is small for an elementary, and the student body is notably diverse: families describe a mix of racial and ethnic backgrounds, with no single group forming a majority. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting the economic realities of the surrounding community.
State testing results are available for grades three through five in math, reading, and science. Across those tested grades and subjects, proficiency rates are low. In math, the share of students meeting state standards falls well below half in every grade, with a notable dip at fifth grade. In reading, proficiency is also low across third and fourth grades, though fifth graders show a somewhat higher rate. Science results for fifth graders follow a similar pattern. Overall, Cherokee Heights' combined proficiency index sits below the midpoint when placed relative to districts in Ramsey County. The data covers only the most recent school year, so no trendline is available. Because the school serves only elementary grades, there is no graduation rate, and chronic absenteeism figures were not reported in the data we reviewed.
The school's academic pathway is shaped by its place in Saint Paul Public Schools. The district has recently opened new magnet options nearby, including an environmental STEM middle school and an East African Elementary Magnet, but Cherokee Heights itself is not flagged as a magnet or charter. No specific program offerings for Cherokee Heights were reported in the available records, so a family interested in specialized tracks, language programs, or advanced coursework in the elementary years would want to inquire directly with the school or district about what is offered at this site.
Saint Paul is Minnesota’s capital and second-largest city, forming the eastern half of the Twin Cities metro area. The city is home to state government offices, a mix of dense residential neighborhoods, and cultural institutions such as the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Ordway Center. Its population is diverse, with large Hmong, Black, and Hispanic communities. Housing values in the school’s ZIP code are moderately below the state benchmark, and rents have been rising in recent years. The city’s population has been relatively stable, with a slight decline since the 2020 census, and the metro area remains the third most populous in the Midwest.
For a parent considering this school, the most direct takeaway is that Cherokee Heights serves a highly diverse and economically varied student population, and its academic results on state assessments are low relative to other Ramsey County districts. A family may want to ask the school what strategies are in place to support student learning, what interventions or enrichment exist, and how the school engages families around academic progress. Without data on class sizes, staffing, or discipline, those are open questions best answered by visiting and speaking with the principal or teachers. The school’s small size and neighborhood setting may appeal to families who want a close-knit environment, while the overall performance profile suggests that a parent should look into how the school addresses the academic needs of its students.
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