The top reported proficiency rate is 60% in Social studies. The lowest is 41% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Longfellow Middle
Longfellow Middle is a regular public school in La Crosse, Wisconsin, serving grades six through eight as part of the La Crosse School District. It occupies a mid-sized campus in a residential area of the city, and its enrollment is typical for a middle school of this grade span. The student body reflects the broader community’s diversity: a majority of students are white, alongside a notable Asian population—there is a sizable Hmong community in La Crosse—and smaller shares of students who are Black, Hispanic, or identify with two or more races. Roughly half of the students come from households where income qualifies them for free or reduced-price lunch, placing the school in a moderate economic context for the region. Data on students with individualized education plans and English learners was not reported, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about those populations.
Academically, Longfellow’s state assessment results show variation by subject and grade. In math, proficiency rates are highest in seventh grade, while eighth grade math is the weakest area. English language arts results are stronger overall, with seventh grade again reaching a higher mark than the other grades. In eighth grade, students take science and social studies assessments; the social studies proficiency rate is solid, while science is lower. When compared to other districts across La Crosse County, Longfellow’s overall proficiency across all tested subjects and grades places it in the bottom quartile. This is a meaningful context: families considering the school should understand that while some individual grade-level results are near the midpoint, the school as a whole trails its county neighbors in measured academic performance. A parent may want to ask how the school addresses these gaps, particularly in math and science, and what interventions or supports are available.
The school sits within a city that has a distinctive character. La Crosse is a river city set against steep bluffs at the confluence of three rivers, with a compact historic downtown, a college-town atmosphere from its three higher-education institutions, and a regional economy anchored by healthcare, manufacturing, and education. Major employers include health systems and the headquarters of a convenience-store chain. The city’s population has been stable to slightly declining, with growth constrained by geography—bluffs, marshland, and river—and suburbanization. Housing values and rents in the area are at levels that reflect a regional hub in the upper Midwest, offering a range of options for families without the extreme costs seen in larger metros. Public transit and a walkable downtown core are present, though the city’s north-south split by marshland shapes daily travel patterns.
No major recent changes or initiatives at the district level were found in publicly available information, so the context for Longfellow appears stable. The school does not report program offerings such as specialized academies or elective pathways, which limits what can be said about enrichment opportunities. A parent seeking a full picture of what Longfellow offers beyond the core classroom should follow up with the school directly.
Longfellow Middle fits families who want a regular public school in a stable, well-established city with a range of civic and outdoor amenities. The academic record is uneven, and the comparison to other districts in the county suggests that families who prioritize strong test scores may want to investigate further. For those who value a diverse student body, a school that reflects the community’s economic mix, and a setting in a city with a strong sense of place and regional employment base, Longfellow is a reasonable option to explore.
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