Wyoming reports gains in school performance ratings for traditional and alternative schools

State Superintendent Megan Degenfelder and the Wyoming Department of Education have released the 2024-25 School Performance Ratings, which show increases in achievement across both traditional and alternative schools.

The performance ratings are based on several factors, including student growth, readiness, achievement, equity, and English language proficiency. For traditional schools, state assessment results carry the most weight. Alternative schools are evaluated with similar measures but also include Climate and Engagement as additional indicators.

This year’s data show that 70% of students in grades 3-8 are meeting or exceeding achievement expectations—an increase of 10% from last year. However, 7% of schools have not met expectations for three consecutive years. The calculation includes charter schools authorized by the Wyoming Charter School Authorizing Board. Last year, all these charter schools were rated as Not Meeting Expectations. This year, Wyoming Classical (Casper) is rated as Meeting Expectations, while Prairie View and Cheyenne Classical are Partially Meeting Expectations.

Wyoming’s alternative schools reported a notable improvement: 95% are now meeting or exceeding expectations—a 20% increase from last year. Additionally, graduates from all schools who meet the Post-secondary Readiness indicator have increased by more than 10% over two years to reach 66.5%.

The Wyoming Department of Education is shifting its State System of Supports from a reactive model to a more comprehensive system aimed at school success. Central to this change are Critical School Improvement Plans intended as strategic guides for continuous growth in underperforming schools.

“The positive trend in school performance ratings across the state shows that our efforts at the state level and the hard work of districts and teachers in the classroom are working," said State Superintendent Megan Degenfelder. "However, there is much room for improvement, and the WDE is working to not only reform the State System of Support, but also how we analyze the data in the upcoming year.”

Natrona County School District #1 has shown significant progress in school performance ratings. Pineview Elementary improved from Not Meeting Expectations two years ago to Exceeding Expectations this year. Summit Elementary moved from Partially Meeting to Exceeding Expectations over three years, while Midwest K-12 improved from Not Meeting to Meeting Expectations during that period. Bar Nunn Elementary advanced two rating levels within a single year.

Three schools maintained an Exceeding Expectations status for six consecutive years: Spring Creek Elementary (Albany County School District #1), Burlington High School (Big Horn County School District #1), and PODER Academy School (Laramie County School District #1).

Complete school performance rating data and a three-year snapshot by district can be viewed online through resources provided by the department for parents and community members outlining accountability processes.

For further information on accountability measures in Wyoming's education system, visit their official website.