The top reported proficiency rate is 14% in English language arts. The lowest is 9% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Benjamin Franklin Elem School
Benjamin Franklin Elementary School is a regular public school serving pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Terre Haute, Indiana, as part of the Vigo County School Corporation. The school sits in a mid-sized city that blends college-town energy with industrial and government-institutional character. Indiana State University is integrated into downtown Terre Haute, and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Ivy Tech Community College are also present. The local economy includes manufacturing in the Vigo County Industrial Park, a federal correctional complex, and a casino that opened in 2024. Home values in the area are low relative to state and national benchmarks, and rents are modest, creating an affordable housing market. The city’s population has been stable, with recent development centered on the casino, a downtown convention center, and university-driven growth.
The school’s enrollment is moderate for an elementary school, and its student body is majority White, with notable shares of Black, Hispanic, and multiracial students. An overwhelming majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high level of economic need among the families the school serves. Data on students with disabilities and English learners were not available, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about the availability of special education supports and language services.
On state assessments administered through Indiana’s ILEARN, Benjamin Franklin’s proficiency rates are low across all tested subjects. In math, reading and writing (English language arts), science, and social studies, the share of students scoring proficient is in the low teens or single digits. These results place the school well below typical state performance levels. Participation rates were high in math and ELA, but rates for science and social studies were not reported. Because only one elementary school in Vigo County had comparable testing data, no relative ranking among other county schools is available. A parent considering Benjamin Franklin should look into what academic intervention programs and enrichment opportunities the school offers, especially given the high concentration of students from low-income households.
The school’s setting is within Terre Haute’s urban fabric, not far from Indiana State University’s campus and the downtown Arts Corridor, which includes museums and regular cultural events. The district itself did not have publicly reported recent changes such as major referendums or capital projects that would affect families in the immediate term. For elementary-age children, the surrounding community provides a range of civic anchors, including a children’s museum, a convention center, and parks along the Wabash River. The low cost of housing in the area may appeal to families seeking affordability, though the weak property value trend in recent months is worth noting. Overall, Benjamin Franklin serves a high-poverty student body in a stable mid-sized city, and its academic performance on state tests is a clear area where improvement is needed. Parents interested in the school should visit, speak with staff about instructional supports, and consider how the school’s resources align with their child’s needs.
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