Just like at the state level Powell schools are on the right track when it comes to WYTOPP scores.

The state reports a 1%-3% gain in English language arts, math and science over last year, and ELA and science (a 3.2% increase from pre-pandemic levels) scores are coming in at or above pre-pandemic levels, according to an Aug. 28 release from the Wyoming Department of Education.

Statewide proficiency in ELA was 55.7%, math was 50.8% and science was 51.2%.

Park County School District 1’s proficient or advanced averages for the district came in above the state in grade level averages. Powell, Sheridan and Star Valley are in the top three in all 3A categories, said Jason Sleep, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning. 

Powell also outperformed the state on ACT scores for 2025 with the average composite score being 20.2 (this is the first time PCSD1 has broke 20) compared to the state’s 18.7.

For math, 55.63% of third grade students, 69.59% of fourth grade students, 70.14% of fifth grade students, 60.74% of sixth grade students, 68% of seventh grade students, 72% of eighth grade students, 57.93% of ninth grade students and 54.81% of 10th grade students were proficient or advanced. 

In ELA 58.45% of third grade students, 65.54% of fourth grade students, 75.69% of fifth grade students, 78.52% of sixth grade students, 72.80% of seventh grade students, 72.80% of eight grade students and 58.52% of 10th grade students were proficient or advanced. 

In science, 70.95% of fourth grade students, 62.40% of eighth grade students and 62.22% of 10th grade students scored proficient or advanced. Sleep identified science as a focus for the district in a Tribune story last year.

Comparing that to similar districts, Cody’s scores showed 65.81% fourth grade students, 63.91% of eighth grade students and 44.85% of 10th grade students proficient or advanced. In Sheridan, 61.65% of fourth grade students, 64.87% of eighth grade students and 65.68% of 10th grade students were proficient or advanced. And in Star Valley, 62.68% of fourth grade students, 64.23% of eighth grade students and 61.94% of 10th grade students were proficient or advanced.

PCSD1 will have a clearer picture of its scores and where to improve after the district’s individual school staffs have had a chance to analyze the scores.

The district looks at how its students performed as a whole, but also looks to see if student subgroups like free and reduced lunch and English language students are exhibiting “a pattern of decline,” Sleep said, but that’s not the case. He said students are performing at a high level when compared to the state’s scores.

“Scores are a byproduct but the teachers are the ones that deserve all of the credit, the leadership in each building keeps the focus on what matters most,” Sleep said, “And that’s kids coming smiling, enjoying coming to school and learning at high levels and that’s just what Powell does.”