The top reported proficiency rate is 51% in Math. The lowest is 39% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Sunman Elementary School
Sunman Elementary School serves kindergarten through fifth grade as a regular public school in the small rural town of Sunman, Indiana. The school is part of the Sunman-Dearborn Community School Corporation. With a student body that is predominantly white and a substantial share of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, the school reflects the demographic and economic profile of its surrounding community.
The school’s academic performance on Indiana’s ILEARN assessments places its overall proficiency across tested subjects above the midpoint relative to other districts in Ripley County. In math, roughly half of students met proficiency standards, while in English language arts the share was slightly lower. Science and social studies proficiency rates were lower still, though science is only tested in one elementary grade and social studies in fifth grade. The school’s position among county peers suggests it is performing solidly for its setting, though the proficiency rates themselves indicate that a meaningful portion of students are not yet meeting state benchmarks. A parent may want to ask the school about the specific support structures in place for students who are not yet proficient, particularly in reading and science.
The school’s size is modest for an elementary school, with enrollment spread across grades K-5. Class sizes are not available in the data, but the total enrollment suggests a school where most students would be known by name. The surrounding town of Sunman is a very small, mainly residential rural community built around North Meridian Street. Walkability is limited to local neighborhoods and the town center, and residents rely on cars for most trips. The town has a town hall and a few local churches that serve as civic anchors and storm shelters. Population has grown modestly in recent years, and the town maintains a comprehensive plan to guide future development. Housing values in the area have seen steady appreciation, and a typical home would be priced moderately compared to national averages.
Because Sunman Elementary serves only elementary grades, it has no graduation rate, and data on chronic absenteeism and discipline were not reported. Title I status was also not available, so it is unclear whether the school receives additional federal funding to support low-income students. Information on staffing ratios, course access, and special education or English learner populations was missing from the data. A family considering this school may want to follow up directly with the district to understand class sizes, the availability of intervention programs, and how the school serves students with disabilities or those learning English.
The district itself does not appear to have undergone any major recent changes that would affect a family’s decision. The elementary school is a local educational anchor within the town, while secondary schools in the corporation are likely located on separated campuses in the broader region. For families who value a small, rural elementary school where a strong share of students come from lower-income households and where academic results are near the middle range of the county, Sunman Elementary fits that description. Those looking for higher proficiency rates or more diverse program offerings may need to explore other options or ask the school about enrichment and intervention efforts.
See more original research from School Decision →