The top reported proficiency rate is 39% in Science. The lowest is 21% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Dollens Elementary
Dollens Elementary is a regular public school in Oolitic, Indiana, serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the North Lawrence Community Schools district. The school sits in a small town originally founded around limestone quarrying, and that industrial heritage remains visible; manufacturing is the largest local employer, and some of the world’s largest quarries operate just north of town. Oolitic is a quiet, primarily residential community with limited street life and a modest built environment. Home values in the area are well below both state and national medians, which makes the housing market relatively affordable for a family looking to buy.
The school enrolls a moderate-sized student body. The student population is overwhelmingly white, with a small share of Hispanic students and a slightly larger group of students identifying as two or more races. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a community with significant economic need. Data on students with disabilities and English learners were not reported, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about the availability of these supports. The directory lists grades kindergarten through eight, but the most recent enrollment data shows students only through sixth grade, with no students in grades seven or eight. A parent considering this school for a middle-school-aged child should confirm the current grade configuration with the school.
On state assessments, Dollens Elementary’s overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades places it above the midpoint among districts in Lawrence County, though not at the top. In math, about a third of students met the proficient or above threshold. In English language arts, the share was lower, below a quarter, which is a soft spot a parent may want to investigate further with the school. Science and social studies performance were higher, though still under two-fifths of students scoring proficient. These results suggest that while the school is not among the lowest in the county, there is room for improvement, particularly in reading and writing.
Because Dollens serves only elementary and middle grades, there is no graduation rate to report, and chronic absenteeism data were not available. The school’s website or district office may provide additional context on attendance and student engagement.
The town of Oolitic itself is small, covering a compact area, and civic life centers on Main Street. The school’s location on Hoosier Avenue places it within this quiet residential setting. No information was found on recent development or new housing projects in the area, suggesting a stable, low-growth environment.
For a family seeking an affordable home in a small-town setting with a school that is typical for its county in terms of academic performance, Dollens Elementary offers a familiar option. Parents whose children need strong literacy support or who expect a full K-8 experience should verify the school’s current offerings and ask about interventions for students who are not yet proficient in reading. The school’s modest overall proficiency, combined with its position relative to other county schools, provides a realistic baseline rather than a standout one.
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