Whittier School places No. 1 in math, reading

Some of the smartest students in the state live right here in Brainerd.

Fifth-graders at Whittier School placed No. 1 in the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments for mathematics and reading, according to the Top 10 schools published today in the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

In mathematics, 92 percent of Whittier students scored in the top two levels, as did 96 percent in reading. The top two levels include students who are proficient with challenging subject matter and who have have gone beyond what is expected for the class.

"We are very excited (about the results)," said Pat Altrichter, principal at Whittier. "We have a solid program and the staff and students work hard."

Overall, the Brainerd School District performed better than the state average. Of fifth-graders in the district, 65 percent scored in the top two levels in reading, as did 61 percent in mathematics and 48 percent in writing.