As previously reported, the State ratings of the Raytown School District dropped from an 85.0 in 2013 to a 71.8 in 2014.  The good news is that the reality of this is not as it appears. These scores are based on the School District meeting State set goals, and are not directly related to raw test scores and those goals are not the same across school districts.  The other good news, or at least not as bad, is that the decline was very slight when looking at a rating more directly related to student knowledge as measured by a nationally standardized test. That rating is the Raytown District’s average ACT scores. These only fell 0.1 from a 19.9 to a 19.8.   The bad news is that the Raytown average score of 19.8 is below Missouri average, and below the required level to be admitted to many Missouri Colleges. Requirements for University of Central Missouri are provided as an example below the table.

The percentage of Raytown students taking the ACT also continues to be an area for concern. While that number has increased slightly over the past eight years, Raytown students consistently take the test in fewer numbers than the state average would predict (13% lower in 2014).

Entrance Requirements for University of Central Missouri (UCM)

To be admitted to UCM, you need to have completed the 24-unit Missouri college-preparatory curriculum. In addition, you need either:

• a score of 21 or higher on the ACT and 2.0 GPA or 990 CR+M on the SAT and 2.0 GPA or
• a score of 20 on the ACT and 2.9 GPA or
• a score of 19 on the ACT and 3.0 GPA or
• a Combined Percentile Index equal to or exceeding 100

UCM is classified as a moderately selective four-year institution. Some State and Private Colleges and Universities will require a higher ACT score.