The top reported proficiency rate is 36% in English language arts. The lowest is 24% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on A H Bush Elementary School
A H Bush Elementary sits on West Anderson Street in Idaho Falls, serving pre-kindergarten through sixth grade as a regular public school in Idaho Falls School District 91. The school draws from a community that functions as the regional hub for eastern Idaho and parts of neighboring states, with an economy anchored by Idaho National Laboratory and supported by retail, medical, and agricultural sectors. The downtown core along the Snake River, with its river walk trail, farmers' market, and cultural institutions, sits nearby. Housing in the surrounding zip code is modestly priced relative to the state benchmark and sits close to the national figure, making the area comparatively accessible for families. Rents are also modest, and current mortgage costs run lower than typical rents, which may appeal to families weighing a purchase.
The school serves a sizable student body for its grade band. A substantial majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, and the enrollment reflects a mix of white and Hispanic students alongside smaller shares from other backgrounds. Data on students with individualized education programs and English learners was not available, so those dimensions of the school's population are not represented here.
On state assessments, the picture is mixed and, in several grades, incomplete. Idaho's ISAT results for the most recent year show a wide spread. Fourth-grade math stood out as the strongest result, with a clear majority of tested students reaching proficiency. Third-grade math, by contrast, was quite low. Fifth-grade ELA landed in a middling range. Science proficiency in fifth grade was on the weaker side. Several grade-level results across both math and ELA were suppressed, with the state reporting only ranges rather than precise figures, which often reflects small tested groups. Parents comparing year-over-year trends will find limited longitudinal data available for this school. Average scale scores and participation rates were not reported. A parent weighing these results may want to ask the school directly about its instructional approach in the early grades and how it supports students who are below grade level, particularly in third-grade math and fifth-grade science.
Idaho Falls itself offers a civic and cultural setting that is richer than many cities of comparable size. The Snake River greenbelt, the Museum of Idaho, the Colonial Theatre, and the public library all sit in or near downtown. University and research facilities, including Idaho National Laboratory's campus and partnerships with several regional universities, cluster just north of the center. The College of Eastern Idaho, the region's community college, operates nearby. For families with school-age children, this means access to cultural amenities and eventual higher-education pathways without leaving the area. The city has grown steadily over recent decades, with ongoing mixed-use development on the west side of the river adding residential and event space.
We looked for recent district-level changes in Idaho Falls District 91 that might affect families and found little of lasting impact reported, so there is nothing concrete to relay on that front. Information on Title I status, staffing ratios, course access, discipline, and attendance was not available for this school in the data provided. Program offerings were also not included. Parents interested in supplemental services, extracurriculars, or specialized instruction would need to consult the school or district directly.
A H Bush presents a working profile common to urban elementary schools serving a high-need population: a diverse student body, a community with genuine civic assets, and assessment results that span from strong to quite low depending on the grade and subject. Families considering this school would benefit from visiting, asking about early-grade interventions, and understanding how the school supports its substantial share of economically disadvantaged students.
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