The top reported proficiency rate is 27% in Math. The lowest is 10% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Lakeland Elementary School
Lakeland Elementary School serves the Willmar community from prekindergarten through fifth grade. It is a regular public school within the Willmar Public School District, located in a residential area of this regional trade and agricultural center. The school enrolls a student body that reflects the broader demographic changes in Willmar, a city that has seen significant immigration from Latin America and Northeast Africa over the past several decades, largely driven by labor demand at the Jennie-O poultry processing plant. A substantial share of Lakeland’s students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, placing the school in a context where economic need is widespread. The student population is diverse: Hispanic students form the largest group, followed by White students, Black students, and smaller shares of Asian and multiracial students. The school is a neighborhood elementary school, meaning that most children attend based on where they live, and the peer environment is shaped by the mix of families who reside in this part of Willmar.
Academically, state assessment results provide a mixed picture. Across the tested grades of third, fourth, and fifth, math proficiency rates vary noticeably by grade, with fourth grade showing the strongest results and fifth grade the weakest. In English language arts, proficiency rates climb from third to fifth grade, though they remain below what many families might hope for. Science results for fifth graders are also low. When looking at overall proficiency across all tested subjects and grades, Lakeland Elementary falls below the midpoint among districts in Kandiyohi County. This is a soft spot that a parent may want to explore further with the school, particularly to understand what academic supports are in place for students who are not yet meeting grade-level benchmarks. The data available covers only one school year, so it is not possible to see a trend over time. The school’s grade span means that no high school graduation rate applies, and the district-level graduation rate is not reported here.
The school offers a prekindergarten program, which is a strength for families seeking early childhood education within the public system. Beyond that, the data provided does not include information on special programs, advanced coursework, or enrichment offerings. There is no information on staffing ratios, teacher qualifications, or chronic absenteeism, so a parent looking into those areas would need to contact the school directly. The district brief found no recent parent-relevant changes or initiatives, so the overall picture is one of continuity rather than upheaval.
Willmar itself is a mid-sized county seat with a mixed economy rooted in agriculture, food processing, healthcare, and government. The housing market is more affordable than the state average, which is a factor for families considering relocation. The city has a traditional downtown core but is largely auto-oriented outside of that area. The presence of Ridgewater College provides a local postsecondary option, and the Willmar Public Schools serve the entire city, with Lakeland Elementary being one of its elementary campuses.
In summary, Lakeland Elementary is a diverse, high-needs school in a community shaped by immigration and agricultural industry. Its academic performance, as measured by state tests, is below the midpoint of county districts, and families should expect to engage with the school around academic support. The school’s size and grade span are typical for its setting, and the broader community offers a stable, if modest, economic and housing context.
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