New Glarus School District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"New Glarus School District Shines in 2024

A Year of Record-Breaking Achievements and Unprecedented Growth"

New Glarus, WI – December 12, 2024 – When the final horn sounded and the Sugar River Raider Boys Soccer team was crowned State Champions, it was a glorious moment for the cooperative program and for New Glarus High School.  It was the Fall of 2023, and It seemed like a perfect culmination of another strong year for the New Glarus School District.  At that time, it was hard to imagine that things could get much better.  However, 2024 was a continuation of that excellence and a year that will be remembered as monumental for the New Glarus School District.

New Glarus School District is committed to continuously improving and many of the teams and systems are designed for continual growth.  That teamwork, collaboration, and commitment to improvement resulted in a year unlike any other in 2024.  Here are some highlights of the past school year for the New Glarus School District:

1. Throughout 2024, the new addition to New Glarus Elementary School was built.  This space will provide a state-of-the-art space for the youngest learners in our District and will provide much-needed additional space throughout the other buildings in the District. 

2. New Glarus High School tested the ACT in March of 2024 and the Class of 2025 scored the highest average for a class since Wisconsin started requiring all students to test with the ACT.  The final average was 22.9, the highest ever for NGHS.  Not only was this the highest score ever, it was also the most tested as the class that tested had over 90 students who completed the ACT.

3. In regard to the ACT, New Glarus High School also had 5 students who scored a 35 or over with two of those students scoring a perfect 36.

4. At the end of each school year, the District does a Senior Exit survey with all graduates.  The class of 2024 completed their surveys and shared their thoughts on their high school experience.  Here are some highlights:

   1. 100 percent of graduates felt they had access to a broad range of electives including academics, the arts, vocational, and extracurricular offerings.

   2. 96.67% of graduates felt that New Glarus School District is trying to improve itself and be the best it can be.

   3. 96.67% felt that New Glarus High School was clean, orderly, and well-maintained.

   4. 95% felt that teachers were knowledgeable about the curriculum being taught.

   5. Over 98% of graduating seniors felt they had adequate access to information and guidance about postsecondary choices and plans.

   6. 95% of graduates would recommend New Glarus High School to others.

5. In the summer of 2024, New Glarus School District hosted its annual summer school program.  The program was a huge success with over 40 staff members who taught classes and 589 students participating in the summer programs.  This program provided a lot of fun opportunities for students and generated additional funding for the New Glarus School District.

6. In August, the new athletic complex was opened.  The complex, which features a turf surface and a new track, was dedicated on Friday, August 23, 2024, before the first football game against Pecatonica-Argyle.  The new stadium can host WIAA play-off competitions for football, soccer, and track.  The field was used for a WIAA Regional soccer game in October.

7. This Fall, the test results from the Forward Exam were released.  Students grades 3-8 took the State-required test in the Spring of 2024.  New Glarus scored the following successes with the Forward Exam:

   1. New Glarus Elementary School- 

      1. 2nd overall in Green and Dane County in ELA.

      2. 3rd overall in Green and Dane County in Math.

      3. 1st overall in Green and Dane County in Science.

   2. New Glarus Middle School

      1. 1st overall in Green and Dane County in ELA

      2. 1st overall in Green and Dane County in Math

8. During the first Trimester of the 2024-2025 school year, New Glarus High School was once again named to the 2024 Advanced Placement School Honor Roll.  For the first time, NGHS earned Gold distinction, after previously earning Bronze and Silver distinctions.  Over 55% of seniors from the Class of 2024 scored a 3 or higher (on a five-point scale) on at least one AP exam while in high school.  In addition, 37 students were recognized by College Board as AP Scholars in 2024.

9. New Glarus High School was also awarded with the Level II Pacesetter award for Advanced Placement achievement.  This is the third time NGHS has earned this award.

10. In November, the Wisconsin State School Report Cards were released, and New Glarus School District had the highest score in Green and Dane County.  The District ranked #12 in the State of Wisconsin among 4k-12 Districts.

11. The year wrapped up with the completion of the Elementary addition, which finished on time and under budget.  Staff will be moving into the new building over the course of the next several weeks.

These are just a few of the many amazing accomplishments of the New Glarus School District from 2024.  The New Glarus School District’s accomplishments in 2024 exemplify its dedication to excellence, innovation, and student success. From groundbreaking academic achievements to cutting-edge facilities, the district has set a benchmark for quality education and community collaboration. As students and staff look ahead to 2025, the New Glarus School District remains committed to fostering growth, engagement, and achievement for all.