The top reported proficiency rate is 80% in English language arts. The lowest is 60% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Rutland Elem School
Rutland Elem School serves prekindergarten through eighth grade in Ottawa, Illinois, as a small school in a one-school district. With about seventy students across all grades, it is a compact setting where families know one another and teachers work closely across age bands.
The school's recent state testing results are available only for eighth grade. In mathematics, eighth graders achieved proficiency at a moderate rate, with all students participating in testing. In English language arts, eighth-grade proficiency was notably stronger, with substantially more students meeting the standard. In science, eighth-grade students also performed above the midpoint. For grades three through seven, state assessment data was not available in the most recent cycle; Illinois changed its proficiency standards for mathematics, English language arts, and science, which can affect trend comparability. Parents may want to ask the school directly about testing patterns and results for the elementary and middle grades.
The student body is predominantly white, with smaller shares identifying as Hispanic, Asian, or multiracial. Free-or-reduced-price lunch participation data was not provided. The school does not report counts for students with individual education plans or English learners, a gap that may reflect very small cell sizes or reporting thresholds rather than absence of those populations.
When compared to other districts in LaSalle County, Rutland Elem School's overall proficiency index places it in the top quartile among the county's districts. Graduation rate and chronic absenteeism data do not apply because the school serves pre-K through eighth grade only, not high school.
Ottawa itself is a small Illinois River city with a historically walkable downtown anchored by Washington Square Park, site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate, and threaded by the Fox River Riverwalk and Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail. The area is home to OSF HealthCare and the state appellate court, with retail and education also significant employers. Housing in LaSalle County is relatively affordable compared to state and national benchmarks. The county real estate market shows moderate activity, with homes typically spending moderate time on market. A new OSF hospital is under construction in the region.
No recent major changes to district policy, curriculum, or operations were confirmed through available sources. The district's very small size means that resources and flexibility may differ significantly from larger systems, and parents considering enrollment should discuss directly with administration how the school addresses core academics, special services, and transitions to high school.
See more original research from School Decision →