The top reported proficiency rate is 37% in Science. The lowest is 19% in Social studies.
Original Research by School Decision on Laurel School
Laurel School serves students from prekindergarten through sixth grade in the small, rural town of Laurel, Indiana. It is a regular public school within the Franklin County Community School Corporation. The school’s enrollment is predominantly white, with a very small percentage of Hispanic students and even fewer students identifying as two or more races; state-reported data on other racial and ethnic groups shows no enrolled students in those categories. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available in the state reporting used here.
Academically, the school’s performance on Indiana’s ILEARN assessments falls below the midpoint when compared with other districts in Franklin County. In both math and English language arts, about a third of students scored at the proficient or above level. In science, the rate was modestly higher, with more than a third of tested students reaching proficiency. Social studies results, which are tested only at grade five, showed roughly one in five students scoring proficient. A parent may want to look into this further with the school to understand the instructional strategies and support structures in place for students who are not yet meeting the state benchmarks.
The school itself is the only public elementary option in the immediate Laurel area. Because it covers only prekindergarten through sixth grade, there is no graduation rate to report; students move on to a middle or high school elsewhere in the district for the upper grades. The school’s small size by enrollment means class sections are likely limited, and a parent may want to confirm the availability of specialized programs such as gifted education, intervention services, or enrichment activities.
Laurel is a very small town with a long history as a rural commercial center, though a devastating fire destroyed much of its historic Market Street and the local economy now depends primarily on manufacturing, retail trade, and arts and entertainment employment. The population has seen a long-term decline with only very recent signs of stabilization. Housing values in the area are below the state benchmark, and the homeownership rate is relatively high, consistent with a community where most residents have lived for some time. The average commute is notably long, suggesting many residents work outside the town. There is no public transit, and the town’s compact geography does not appear to include dedicated pedestrian infrastructure.
The district that operates Laurel School has been active in facility and curriculum improvements. In early 2025, the school board approved a bond for building upgrades including HVAC, roofing, and safety and security work across multiple buildings. The 1:1 technology initiative that provides every student in the district with a personal device was fully implemented by 2024. The district also purchased new elementary English language arts curriculum materials in 2024, which will shape literacy instruction for the foreseeable future. Finally, the district is preparing for Indiana’s new high school diploma requirements that take effect for the Class of 2029, updating course offerings and counseling services to emphasize work-based learning and career exploration.
For a family considering this school, the picture is one of a small, rural elementary school serving a predominantly white and low-income student body, with state test results that are below the county average. The district is investing in facilities and technology, and the broader community of Laurel is a quiet, shrinking town where most residents commute elsewhere for work. Families who value a very small school environment and are comfortable with the academic context described here may find it a workable fit, while those seeking stronger test performance or a more diverse peer environment will want to explore other options in the county.
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