Real School, Walden report rising test scores, strong graduation and growth in targeted groups

Real School and Walden school leaders told the Racine Unified School District Board of Education on July 21 that both schools saw gains in graduation rates, statewide and district testing measures, and targeted subgroup growth during the 2024–25 school year. Real School reported a 95% four‑year graduation rate and notable growth on MAP assessments; Walden highlighted gains in selected ACT measures and new attendance interventions.

School leaders said the data show improvements for students of color and English learners in specific grades and subjects. "Our attendance rate finished at 91 percent," Real School principal Dr. Kurt Scherzal said, adding that the school reduced suspensions from 186 to 133, a 29% decrease from the previous year. He credited an "advocacy based advisory" structure for helping keep suspension rates low.

The Real School team said seniors earned a total of 1,360 college credits (about 20 credits per senior) and that 77% of seniors were committed to two‑ or four‑year college programs, apprenticeships, or the military. Real School reported that 90% of seniors earned at least 12 college credits; 27% planned to attend Gateway Technical College next year.

"This year our juniors celebrated a mean composite score of 18.6, which is our highest average ACT composite score since the 2018 school year," said Ashley Pochask, Real School English teacher and testing coordinator. She reported 37% of juniors met ACT college‑and‑career readiness (CCR) in reading, 24% in math, and 16% met CCR in all four tested categories.

Real School presenters also described broad MAP growth: 82% of sixth graders showed ELA growth averaging 9.2 points from fall to spring, and 80% of seventh graders showed similar gains. The presenters noted growth was especially strong among students of color in most grades and subjects.

Walden directing principal Jeff Sturdivant emphasized focused interventions aligned to the Wisconsin state report card and said the school saw particular ACT gains in English. "Our English specific ACT score went up 4 points from pre‑ACT 10 to ACT during junior year," Sturdivant said, and the school's overall ACT average was 19.4. Walden staff described efforts to provide specially designed instruction and push‑in ESL support for English language learners, and said the school increased the share of middle school students meeting proficiency by 4 percentage points.

Board members asked about attendance and retention. Walden staff described a chronically absent population that rose from 16% to 20% and said many chronically absent students clustered just below the 90% threshold. Walden described a new nonacademic engagement program, "Walden Crew," to provide targeted, out‑of‑classroom experiences and build belonging.

Board members praised both schools and asked how other district programs might adopt successful practices such as home groups, double math blocks for middle grades and advocacy advisory. When asked about enrollment openings, both schools said most grade levels are full and that they are operating wait lists.

The presentations concluded with the board’s questions and expressions of appreciation.

Sources: Presentations to the Racine Unified School District Board of Education on July 21, 2025.