The top reported proficiency rate is 51% in English language arts. The lowest is 35% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Jefferson Elem School
Jefferson Elem School is a public elementary school in Ottawa serving about three hundred students in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade. The school sits in a community of roughly mid-sized scale along the Illinois River, with a compact walkable downtown and a mix of historic residential neighborhoods. Housing values in the area are modest, and the market shows steady demand alongside moderate inventory availability.
Jefferson's student body is predominantly white, with a substantial Hispanic population representing about a quarter of the school. Black and multiracial students each make up a smaller share. The enrollment is fairly evenly spread across the grade bands the school serves.
On state assessments administered in 2024-25, Jefferson's performance shows a mixed picture. In English language arts, third graders reached proficiency at just above mid-range levels, while fourth graders dipped noticeably lower. Math proficiency was lower still: third graders showed about mid-range performance, but fourth-grade math proficiency was substantially below that, marking a clear area where students struggle as they move up. Testing data for fifth grade and above are not available because Jefferson serves only through fourth grade. The school maintains full participation rates on tests it administers, meaning families are completing the assessment process.
When placed alongside other districts in LaSalle County, Jefferson's overall proficiency index sits below the midpoint. Parents may want to look into further detail with the school about what literacy and math support structures are in place, particularly for students transitioning from third to fourth grade, where the performance gap is most visible.
The school does not have a graduation rate since it is an elementary school. No detailed enrollment data on students receiving free or reduced-price meals, students with individualized education plans, or English learners were available in the data provided. The school's website address and information about specific course offerings, special programs, or staffing were also not available.
Jefferson operates within Ottawa ESD 141, a small district that saw no major recent changes in structure, curriculum, or funding that would materially affect a parent's decision. Ottawa itself is undergoing a significant health care infrastructure investment with a new OSF hospital planned to open in late 2027, though the school's direct relationship to that development is unclear from the available information.
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