The top reported proficiency rate is 63% in Math. The lowest is 39% in Social studies.
Original Research by School Decision on Walnut Elementary School
Walnut Elementary School serves students in prekindergarten through fifth grade in the rural community of New Ross, Indiana. The school is part of the South Montgomery Community School Corporation, a small district of three schools that also includes Southmont Junior High and Southmont High School.
New Ross is a very small, rural farming town in southeastern Montgomery County. The local economy and identity are deeply tied to agriculture, and the population has been relatively stable for many years. The town is governed by a three-member council and is served by a volunteer fire department. For daily needs and services, families likely look to larger nearby towns such as Crawfordsville, which is the county seat and sits a short distance to the west.
Walnut Elementary is a regular public school with a small enrollment. The student body is predominantly white, with a small Hispanic population. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating that a meaningful portion of families have lower household incomes. This is consistent with the agricultural and rural character of the community.
On state standardized testing, Walnut Elementary’s results present a mixed picture. In math, a majority of students scored at or above the proficient level, a strength for the school. In English language arts, fewer than half of students reached proficiency, which is an area where parents may want to understand the school’s instructional approach and support systems. In science and social studies, tested only in certain grades, the share of students scoring proficient was below half as well. When placed among other Montgomery County districts, Walnut’s overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades sits below the midpoint. This means that while math stands out positively, the other subject areas pull the composite down compared to nearby districts.
Because this is an elementary school, there is no four-year graduation rate to report. The school focuses on building foundational skills in the early grades. The district as a whole has not recently reported any major changes or new initiatives that came through in available sources, so it appears to be operating in a stable context without significant recent disruptions or overhauls.
Housing in the area is relatively affordable, with the typical home value falling below both the Indiana state average and the national figure. Families looking at the New Ross area will find a quiet, rural setting where the housing market has seen moderate appreciation. The small-town character means limited commercial amenities within walking distance, but the trade-off is a tight-knit community and a school environment where children are known individually.
For a family considering Walnut Elementary, the school offers a small, community-oriented setting with a strength in elementary math instruction. The rural location and modest economic context may appeal to those seeking a slower pace of life. Parents should be aware that English language arts and other tested subjects have room for improvement, and it is worth asking the school how it supports literacy and prepares students for the academic expectations of the middle school years ahead.
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