The top reported proficiency rate is 41% in Math. The lowest is 35% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Willard Intermediate-south
Willard Intermediate-South serves fifth and sixth graders, a bridge between elementary and middle school. It is a regular public school in the Willard R-II district, though its address places it physically inside Springfield city limits. The school’s community sits within the broader Springfield metro area, a mid-sized regional hub with a mix of healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and higher education institutions. The Willard R-II district itself had no recent parent-relevant changes publicly reported at the time of this analysis.
The student body is modest for a two-grade intermediate school. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. The enrollment is predominantly white, with Hispanic students forming the next largest group, followed by smaller shares of Black students, students of two or more races, and very small numbers of Asian and American Indian or Alaska Native students. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available, so a family with specific support needs may want to ask the school directly about those services.
On state assessments, performance across subjects and grades falls in a range that a parent should examine closely. In mathematics, the share of students scoring proficient or above was below two-fifths in fifth grade and a bit higher in sixth grade, though still under half. In English language arts, the pattern shifted: fifth grade saw roughly two-fifths proficient, while sixth grade was closer to three in ten. In science, which is tested only in fifth grade, about two-fifths of students met the proficient threshold. When combined across all tested subjects and grades, the school’s overall proficiency index placed it in the bottom quartile relative to other districts in Greene County. That means Willard Intermediate-South’s results are below the midpoint of county districts. A parent considering this school should discuss specific academic supports and intervention strategies with the school administration.
Because the school does not serve high school grades, no graduation rate is reported. Chronic absenteeism data was also not available. These gaps are typical for a school serving only upper elementary grades, though a parent may still wish to ask about attendance patterns.
The immediate housing market around the school shows home values and rents that are somewhat below national benchmarks, making the area relatively affordable. The local economy is anchored by two major hospital systems, a major outdoor retailer’s headquarters, and several universities. Springfield itself has a traditional downtown grid, a historic commercial corridor, and several lakes and streams nearby. Population growth has been modest in recent years.
Willard Intermediate-South fits a family looking for a grade 5-6 school within the Willard district that is physically located in Springfield. The academic picture suggests that proficiency rates are lower than many of its county peers, and a parent may want to investigate what programs the school offers to support student progress, particularly since the data does not reveal details on course access, staffing ratios, or extracurricular offerings. The school’s size is manageable, and its demographic profile reflects a largely white student body with modest economic diversity as measured by meal eligibility. For families who place a priority on test results relative to the county, this school may not be the top choice, but a direct conversation with the school about its approach to instruction and intervention could clarify whether it meets a particular student’s needs.
See more original research from School Decision →