Ripon Area School District announced that Quest Elementary School, Murray Park Elementary School, and Ripon Middle School (RMS) have joined Ripon High School in earning U.S. News & World Report Best School honors for the 2024-2025 school year.
This is the second year Ripon has had four schools receive this award.
Quest is ranked #48 and Murray Park is ranked #171 out of 1,002 schools in Wisconsin. RMS ranks 165th out of 545 middle schools in the state. U.S. News & World Report analyzed 105,096 preschools, elementary schools, and middle schools to determine the rankings for each state.
Murray Park/Quest Elementary School staff members are, front row from left: Vicki Binsfeld, Becca Wenig, Amanda Eake, Carla Weir, Jesse Johnson, and Nicole Machock. Second row, Karina Nisiewicz, Abby Nicke, Kelsey Beitinger, Gretchen Geiger, Brooklyn Malkowski, Kayla Murphy, Angie Schmidt. 3rd row, Christina Munchow, Caitlin Goeldi, Megan Giebink, Morgan McWane, Caitlin McClure, Jodi Kissinger, Sarah Sotter, Kellyn Clark. Back row, Dana Scott, Melissa Edinger, Jill Pullman-Becker.
Quest Elementary School is a charter school serving 139 students in grades 3-5. The school’s No. 48 state ranking highlighted that 72% of students scored at or above the proficiency level in math and 62% scored at or above the proficiency level in reading. The school’s minority student enrollment rate is 12%. The student to certified staff ratio is 13:1, and the school has a 35% economically disadvantaged student population.
Murray Park Elementary School has 173 students in grades 3-5. The school’s No. 171 state ranking highlighted that 57% of students scored at or above the proficient level in math and 52% scored at or above that level in reading. The school’s minority student enrollment rate is 16%. The student to certified staff ratio is 12:1, and the school has 47% of economically disadvantaged students.
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both our students and teachers,” said Murray Park/Quest Principal Jesse Johnson. “Their commitment to excellence sets the standard for our school and community, and we could not be more proud of their accomplishments.”
Ripon Middle School staff members are, front row from left, Jen Duffy, Robin Vaughn, Molly Radke, Amy Panetti, and Jamie Martin. Second row, Josh Coleman, Isaac Rumbach, Rachel Dretske, Jenna Ernst, Paige Sontag, Shonda Hass, Carly Cardinal. Third row, Chris Lalor, Renee Schoff, Melissa Edinger, Hope Scherer, Hannah Lumbach, Brittany Cikowski, Rob Topel, Jessica Heuser. Back row, Eliza Stevenson, Brittney Schultz, Ashley Ocon, Laura Heatley, Sarah Grunert, Danny Zamost, Jane Bradley.
RMS serves 302 students in grades 6-8. The school’s No. 165 state ranking highlighted that 47 percent of students scored at or above the proficient level in math and 43 percent scored at or above that level in reading.
The school’s minority student enrollment rate is 18%. The student to certified staff ratio is 11:1, and the school has a 35% economically disadvantaged student population.
RMS Principal Danny Zamost said, “Our staff and students are united in a shared commitment to learn, grow, and put in the effort necessary to help each student reach their fullest potential. ” “It’s really rewarding to have that effort recognized, and it reminds us all that working together and sustaining it will lead to lasting success.”
U.S. News & World Report said, “Outstanding elementary and middle schools educate students from all socioeconomic backgrounds with the goal of success.” As a result, students acquire core competencies in the state curriculum and are best prepared for high school. ”
Official rankings are available on the U.S. News and World Report website at www.usnews.com/education/k12/middle-schools/wisconsin.
US News published a detailed methodology article that provides detailed information about the rankings and how they are calculated. The rankings use the same methodology for all grade levels included.
Schools in each state were rated based on the percentage of students who scored proficient or above on state assessments in math and reading/language arts. Half of the formula evaluated the score itself, and the other half incorporated test results in the context of socio-economic demographics. This means that the top schools all have high grades and are successful in educating all of their students.
“These honors recognize the continuous improvement efforts of the dedicated staff at each Ripon school,” said Superintendent Mary Whitlock. “The Ripon School Board and instructional team are proud and grateful for our commitment to improving the outcomes of our students, staff, and families. This commitment ensures that Ripon’s children receive the best education we can offer. ”
If you have any comments or questions, please call Whitrock at 920-748-4600.
