The Minnesota Department of Education has released the results of the 2024–25 Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA), showing key academic areas and some notable strengths.
Over the past four years, there has been moderate improvement in math. Math scores have steadily increased each year, rising from 43% in 2022 to nearly 48% in 2025. Reading has shown similar gains, peaking at around 55% in 2024. Though reading shows a slight decline this year, the trend appears to be similar across the state.
Understanding MCA Science scores
The science data can look startling, however it was the first year Minnesota State Science Standards were included in the MCA. MCA Science is administered in grades 5, 8 and 10. The Minnesota Science Teacher Association shared, “...these assessments were developed to align with the 2019 Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Science, which districts and charter schools have now fully implemented. These assessments and the standards they measure are substantially different than the previous MCA-III and Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) assessments, so results cannot be compared across the series.”
New standards take time to implement, so it may be several years before these trends can be assessed in the data. This change has been reflected on the Minnesota Report Card with previous science data labeled as N/A.
Comparison to other districts
Last year, a similar graph was shared comparing districts of similar size and demographics. The results were nearly identical.
Though St. Louis Park Public Schools is above the state averages, there is still opportunity for greater academic achievement. To improve these results, the district remains committed to the strategic plan and ongoing targeted professional development and the use of data to guide teaching and learning. As SLP continues its focus on equity-driven instruction, literacy improvements, and student-centered learning, the district is committed to ensuring that every student is seen, inspired, and empowered to achieve at high levels.