In a year marked by statewide academic challenges, the Vian School District celebrated notable successes in its 2023-24 State Report Card issued by the Department of Education in December.
The district demonstrated significant progress, surpassing statewide averages across most performance benchmarks and showing strong improvements from previous years.
Middle School excellence
Vian Middle School (VMS) emerged as a standout performer, ranking first in Academic Growth and tying for first in Academic Achievement among Sequoyah County middle schools. With scores well above the state averages in both categories, VMS secured an overall B grade, maintaining its toptier status for the second consecutive year. Though edged out for the county’s top spot by Muldrow Middle School—which achieved nearly perfect attendance— Vian Middle School’s academic growth remains a highlight for the district. Sallisaw Middle School, in contrast, earned a D in Academic Growth and a C in Academic Achievement, marking the lowest results among the county’s K-12 districts.
High School achievements
Vian High School (VHS) demonstrated noteworthy progress, improving its scores in every evaluated category from the previous year. The high school earned a C in Academic Achievement, ranking fourth among the county’s seven high schools. Despite this ranking, its score of 60 outpaced the state average of 49. Additionally, VHS made a significant leap in Absenteeism and Post-Secondary Opportunities, improving by a full letter grade in each category.
A major triumph for VHS was its graduation rate, where it led the county with a B grade and a 94% four-year graduation rate—well above other county schools, four of which earned Ds or Fs for graduation rates.
Districtwide progress
The district’s academic growth has shown impressive gains over recent years. Vian’s Academic Achievement score, which trailed the state average by eight points in 2021-22, now exceeds it by three points. The district’s Academic Growth score of 72 significantly surpasses the state average of 53.
Despite these gains, strin- gent state grading criteria mean that no Sequoyah County school achieved an overall A grade or an A in academic achievement or growth. Statewide, nearly three-quarters of schools received Cs, Ds, or Fs overall, underscoring the challenge of earning top marks even with above-average numerical scores.
Elementary School, attendance challenges Vian Elementary School received a C grade overall, mirroring the grades earned by elementary schools in Sallisaw, Roland, Gans, Central, and Brushy. Only Muldrow and Gore Elementary secured higher grades, each earning a B. Vian Elementary’s strongest showing was in attendance, where it earned a B—outperforming both the high school and middle school.
Absenteeism statistics revealed stark contrasts across the county. Muldrow and Roland benefitted from high attendance rates, with Muldrow Elementary reporting a perfect 100% of students in good attendance. Conversely, Vian Middle School and several other county schools received Fs for absenteeism, reflecting rates below 80%. These statistics include all absences, even those excused or suspensionrelated, potentially affecting the scores.
Demographic, administrative factors The state report highlighted demographic data showing that 54% of Vian students identify as American Indian, significantly higher than the state average of 11%. Additionally, 52% of Vian students qualify as economically disadvantaged, slightly surpassing the state average.
Efforts to improve attendance and expand post-secondary opportunities have been prioritized by Vian administrators. Recent leadership changes, including the hiring of a new superintendent, high school principal, and curriculum director in 2023, have driven renewed efforts to bolster academic performance and student engagement.
As the district continues to build on its successes, Vian’s administrators and educators remain focused on fostering an environment of academic growth and opportunity for all students.
