The top reported proficiency rate is 14% in English language arts. The lowest is 0% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Saint Paul Online Elementary School
Saint Paul Online Elementary School is a virtual public school serving kindergarten through fifth grade, operated by Saint Paul Public Schools. It is a regular school, not a charter, and its online format is the defining feature for families considering it. The school enrolls a small number of students for its grade band, and the student body is diverse: the largest groups are Black students, followed by Hispanic students and Asian students, with a smaller share of White students and students of two or more races. A very high share of students come from low-income households, as measured by free or reduced-price meal eligibility.
State testing results from the 2024-25 school year show that proficiency rates in math, reading, and science were low across all tested grades. In math, the share of students meeting state standards was in the single digits for third and fifth grade, and modestly higher for fourth grade. In reading, the pattern was similar: third grade showed a very low proficiency rate, while fourth and fifth grades were somewhat higher but still well below what most elementary schools in the state report. Science testing, which occurs in fifth grade, also showed a very low proficiency rate, with a participation rate that was half of the enrolled students. Because this is the only year of data available for the school, it is not possible to see a trend. The school’s overall proficiency index, which combines all tested subjects and grades, places it in the bottom quartile relative to districts in Ramsey County. A parent considering this school would want to understand whether the low performance reflects the online learning model, the student population served, or other factors, and may want to discuss this directly with the school.
The school is part of Saint Paul Public Schools, a large urban district that has recently made changes to its school options. The district opened a new E-STEM middle school magnet in Woodbury, converted an elementary school into the East African Elementary Magnet, and renamed a middle school. These changes reflect the district’s effort to offer specialized pathways, but they do not directly affect Saint Paul Online Elementary, which remains a virtual program. The district’s broader context matters because families who start at this online school may later transition to other SPPS schools for middle and high school, and the availability of magnets and choice options could be relevant.
Saint Paul itself is Minnesota’s capital and second-largest city, a mix of government, residential neighborhoods, and cultural institutions. The city’s population is stable with a slight recent decline, and its housing market shows moderate home values and rents, with a modest year-over-year increase in both. The city is diverse, with a large Hmong community and significant Black and Hispanic populations. The area’s economy is anchored by state government, county government, and healthcare, plus professional sports and entertainment venues. For families considering this school, the city offers a range of civic amenities, but the school’s academic profile is the more immediate consideration.
There is no discipline data, attendance data, or staffing information available for this school, so a parent cannot assess those aspects from this data. The school does not serve high school grades, so there is no graduation rate to report. The online format means that the school’s environment is fundamentally different from a brick-and-mortar elementary school, and the low test scores may be a reflection of the challenges of virtual instruction for young students, especially those from households with limited resources. Families who are seeking a flexible, remote option for elementary grades may find this school fits their needs, but they should be prepared to engage actively with the curriculum and to monitor their child’s progress closely, given the proficiency data.
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