The top reported proficiency rate is 23% in Science. The lowest is 19% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Abraham Mallinson Elementary
Abraham Mallinson Elementary serves second through fifth grade in Sugar Creek, a small, primarily residential city along the Missouri River just east of Kansas City. The school is part of the Independence 30 School District, and the community it sits in has a working-class character with a history tied to a refinery that operated for much of the twentieth century. The city has seen a population decline over the past couple of decades, though the city government describes new homes and businesses appearing. Housing values in the area are modest, and the cost of living sits below the national average, making it a relatively affordable part of the Kansas City metro.
The student body at Abraham Mallinson is diverse. White students make up the largest share, followed by Hispanic students, Black students, students who identify as two or more races, and a small number of Asian students. A substantial majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, a figure that places the school in a high-poverty context. The school does not serve preschool, kindergarten, or first grade, so it functions as an upper-elementary building for children who have already completed their early primary years elsewhere.
On the Missouri Assessment Program, Abraham Mallinson’s proficiency rates are low across all tested subjects and grades. In math, rates for third, fourth, and fifth grade are all well below the midpoint for districts in Jackson County. In English language arts, the third-grade rate is low; fourth and fifth grade rates are somewhat higher but still modest. In science, the fifth-grade proficiency rate is similarly low. The school’s overall proficiency index sits below the midpoint when compared to other districts in Jackson County. A parent looking at these results should note that the school is serving a student population with high economic need, and the scores reflect that challenge, but they would likely want to discuss with the school what academic interventions and supports are in place.
The district that Abraham Mallinson belongs to, Independence 30, adopted a four-day instructional week beginning in the school year that ended in 2024. The district states that students receive the same number of educational minutes across the four days, and selected non-school Mondays are used for enrichment activities. This is a lasting structural change that affects family schedules and childcare arrangements, so it is something any family considering this school would want to factor into their planning.
The school’s grade span of second through fifth means there is no graduation rate to report, and no high school course access data applies here. Other data points often used to assess a school’s climate, such as chronic absenteeism or staffing ratios, were not available in the provided information. A parent may wish to ask the school directly about those topics, particularly attendance patterns and class sizes.
Abraham Mallinson is a regular public school in a smaller city within a larger metropolitan area. Its student body reflects the economic and demographic makeup of Sugar Creek, a community that has experienced population decline but remains an affordable option for families in eastern Jackson County. The proficiency results are an area of concern that invite further conversation with the school and district about academic support. The move to a four-day week is a significant practical detail that families would need to align with their own schedules.
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