The top reported proficiency rate is 41% in English language arts. The lowest is 35% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Perry #1 Elementary School
Perry #1 Elementary School is a regular public school serving kindergarten through eighth grade within the Jesup Community School District, located in Independence, Iowa. With a total enrollment of about two dozen students, it is a very small school even for a rural setting. The student body is entirely white; data on economic disadvantage, special education, and English learner status was not reported, so a parent may want to ask the district directly about support services.
State testing results for the most recent year show a proficiency rate of roughly a third in math and roughly two-fifths in English language arts; science results were suppressed, likely due to the small tested group. When compared to other districts in Buchanan County, Perry #1’s overall proficiency across tested subjects sits at the bottom of the range, well below the midpoint for the county. A parent should be aware that the academic attainment here is low relative to nearby districts, and it would be reasonable to inquire about the school’s instructional approach and any improvement efforts.
Because the school ends at eighth grade, there is no graduation rate. No data on chronic absenteeism, course access, or staffing was available, so a fuller picture of school environment would need to come from a visit or conversation with the school.
The school’s address places it in Independence, a county seat with a restored historic downtown, a compact traditional grid, and civic anchors such as the courthouse, public library, and river parks. However, Perry #1 is not part of the Independence Community School District, which operates its own elementary and secondary campuses in town. That means families living in Independence may be zoned for a different district unless they are in the Jesup attendance area, so a parent should verify which schools serve their address.
The district brief for Jesup Community Schools turned up no recent notable changes reported publicly.
Program offerings were not provided; given the school’s size, it is unlikely to offer the breadth of electives, advanced courses, or extracurriculars found in a larger school. This is a setting that fits families seeking an intimate, rural school community and who are comfortable with modest academic results. Anyone considering it should confirm transportation, feeder high school arrangements, and what supports are available for students who need extra help, as the data on those topics is incomplete.
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