NWMO schools see APR growth, reflecting steady academic progress

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released statewide Annual Performance Reports (APR) for the 2024-2025 school year.  

These results are a reflection of the Missouri School Improvement Program, which includes the expectation of school practices, student outcomes and college readiness goals.  

St. Joseph School District Assistant Superintendent of Academics and Education Services, Stacia Studer, said SJSD has seen an increase in its APR from 67.5% in the 2023-2024 school year to 74.7% in the 2024-2025 school year.

Studer said this marks a strong and steady improvement — showing both how well students are performing and how much progress is happening in classrooms. 

“The St. Joseph School District has not only worked to improve but also to move forward with a purpose that tells a story of growth, resilience and expectations for all scholars in the community,” Studer said.  

This progress showed up across all secondary schools in St. Joseph, with several elementary schools — including Eugene Field, Pershing, Oak Grove, Ellison, Lindbergh and Edison — also posting strong results. 

Studer explained that teachers have been supported through model lab classrooms, where they can observe and share effective teaching strategies. 

The district also implemented a hands-on instructional coaching system, pairing coaches with teachers to collaborate closely, have meaningful conversations, and make sure the right work is happening in classrooms every day. 

 “Looking at student work and driving and reteaching and going back into the classroom to make sure students can understand what is being taught to them,” Studer said.  

Educators also took part in ongoing professional development to strengthen their teaching practices. 

English Language Development Coordinator Michelle Schulze said these improvements are happening across the board — not just for a select group of students. 

Schulze noted, students in programs such as free and reduced lunch, special education and English language learning all showed growth in English Language Arts, math, science and social studies  

“They were on track, so right here it shows the importance that we are giving to making sure all students are learning and not just some,” Schulze said.  

Studer said the goal isn’t just about seeing growth — it’s about making sure students receive a strong, well-rounded education. That’s why the district is focused on using evidence-based resources to guide student learning moving forward.  

“It's rigorous and it's hard and I would say that our teachers would definitely say that it's up to us to provide the scaffolds that our students can get to that level,” Studer added.  

Studer emphasized, this achievement was a true team effort — made possible by strong district leadership and a supportive community that continues to encourage students to work hard and succeed academically. 

Also in the Northwest Missouri area, the North Platte School District ranks second out of 79 districts in the region.

North Platte scored a 91.9% out of 100%, placing the district in the top 7% of the state.