The top reported proficiency rate is 25% in English language arts. The lowest is 2% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Riverview Spanish/english Dual Imme
Riverview Spanish/English Dual Immersion is a public elementary school in the West Side neighborhood of Saint Paul, serving pre-kindergarten through fifth grade as part of Saint Paul Public Schools. Its name signals its central offering: a dual-language program in which students learn in both Spanish and English, an approach that attracts families seeking bilingual development from the early grades. The school is a regular public school, not a charter or a magnet, though parents should know that Saint Paul Public Schools has in recent years opened new magnet options elsewhere in the district, including an E‑STEM middle school and an East African Elementary Magnet, which may shape the landscape of choice for families in the area.
The student body is relatively small for an elementary school and is heavily concentrated by Hispanic background. A large majority of students identify as Hispanic, with smaller shares identifying as Black, white, two or more races, Asian, or American Indian. The share of students who qualify for free or reduced‑price lunch is very high, well above the national average. This is a school that serves a predominantly lower‑income community, and that economic context is relevant when interpreting academic results.
On the Minnesota state assessments, proficiency rates in both reading and mathematics across grades three through five are well below statewide averages. The patterns are consistent: in each grade level, the share of students meeting proficiency standards is modest in reading and even lower in math. In fifth‑grade science, the rate is especially low. Overall, when the school’s performance is compared against other districts in Ramsey County, it sits below the midpoint on a composite proficiency index. A year‑over‑year trend is not yet available because only one year of assessment data was reported for the current test format. These numbers are a concern, and a parent considering Riverview would want to ask the school directly about its instructional supports, intervention strategies, and how it measures student growth beyond the state test.
The school does not serve high school grades, so there is no graduation rate to report. Similarly, data on chronic absenteeism, discipline, and staffing were not available in the source materials, which limits a full picture of the learning environment and student support. Families may wish to visit the school or speak with current parents about these aspects.
Saint Paul itself is Minnesota’s capital and an older, diverse city built along the Mississippi River. The West Side neighborhood where Riverview sits is a mix of residential blocks and small commercial corridors, with a history as a entry point for immigrant communities. Housing in the school’s ZIP code is priced moderately relative to the metro area but has seen rent increases, and the overall market in Ramsey County is costly. The neighborhood’s parks and access to downtown are assets, but families who relocate here should be prepared for a dense urban setting with the typical pressures of a high‑cost housing market.
Riverview’s core identity is its Spanish‑English dual immersion program, and that is the primary reason a family would choose it. The academic data show real challenges in reaching proficiency, and the school’s high poverty rate means it likely relies heavily on federal and state support. A parent who values bilingual development and is willing to engage actively with the school to understand how it addresses academic gaps may find the program a good fit. For those focused primarily on test scores, other schools in the district or in Ramsey County would present higher proficiency rates. The school’s strengths are specific and programmatic; its weaknesses are clear in the assessment record. A visit and a conversation with the principal are the best next steps.
See more original research from School Decision →