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Wednesday, October 8, 2025

35.1% of Wheaton Area Public School District students meet or exceed science MCA expectations on tests in 2023-24 school year

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Willie Jett Commissioner of Education Minnesota Department of Education | Office of Gov. Tim Walz

Willie Jett Commissioner of Education Minnesota Department of Education | Office of Gov. Tim Walz

In Wheaton Area Public School District 35.1% of the students passed the science portion of the MCA test in the 2023-24 school year, according to the Minnesota Department of Education.

The MCA and the Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) are the state tests that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota’s academic standards and also meet federal and state legislative requirements. The tests cover math, reading and science, depending on the grade that is being tested. Most students take the MCA, but students who receive special education services and meet eligibility requirements may take the MTAS instead.

The success rate among Wheaton Area Public School District students fell by 6.4% from the previous school year.

Wheaton Area Public School District roughly covers schools within Traverse County and has a main office in Wheaton.

The MCA is given annually to Minnesota students to determine the academic readiness of students. Not every grade is tested each year.

According to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), Minnesota's fourth graders scored 241 in math, just above the national average of 237. Their reading score of 216 was on par with the U.S. average, but shows a slight decline over recent years. Eighth graders scored 284 in math and 264 in reading, both above the national averages. 

However, despite these results, both grade levels remain below pre-pandemic levels in math and reading.

Wheaton Area Public School District's Students Proficiency in Science Over 4 Years

2020-212021-222022-232023-240102030405060MinnesotaWheaton Area Public School District

Students Who Met or Exceeded Academic Standards in Science During 2023-24 School Year

School NameStudents Who Met Standards (%)Students Who Exceed Standards (%)
Pearson Elementary School30.4%0%
Wheaton Secondary School37.3%0%

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