The top reported proficiency rate is 33% in Science. The lowest is 0% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Chetopa Elem
Chetopa Elementary serves prekindergarten through fifth grade in the small southeastern Kansas community of Chetopa. The town sits in Labette County near the Neosho River and describes itself as a close-knit agricultural community with a focus on pecan harvesting and livestock farming. The population has declined notably over recent decades, and the school’s enrollment reflects that broader trend: it is small, with about that many students for a PK–5 building. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
The student body is predominantly white, with a modest share of students who identify as American Indian or Alaska Native and very small numbers of students from other racial backgrounds. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available in the state reporting used here, so a parent may want to ask the school directly what supports are in place for those populations.
On the Kansas state assessments, results are low. In fourth-grade math, the reported proficiency rate is zero. In fourth-grade English language arts, roughly one in ten students scored at or above the proficient level. Fifth-grade science, from the prior school year, shows about a third of students reaching that benchmark. Compared to other districts in Labette County, Chetopa Elementary’s overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades falls in the bottom quartile of that group. The school does not serve grades that produce a graduation rate, so none is reported here.
The district, Chetopa-St. Paul, has publicly described recent academic changes. Both elementary campuses adopted the MTSS Model for Reading, which the district says gives every student specific reading interventions aimed at grade-level proficiency. New reading and math curricula were also integrated into the instructional calendar. A recently formed recreation commission supports youth athletics and is adding visual and performing arts opportunities.
Housing in Chetopa is inexpensive relative to national benchmarks, which is common for rural areas with population decline. The school itself is centrally located in town, and the town’s small footprint means most destinations are close by. Families whose children move on to middle and high school stay within the same small district: Chetopa Junior High and Chetopa High are both in town.
This is a school where the academic numbers give a parent reason to ask questions. The state test results are weak, and the school is among the lower-performing in its county. The district has said it is working on reading instruction and curriculum, and that recently formed recreation commission may broaden offerings for students outside the school day. For a family considering Chetopa, the academic picture is the main factor to investigate further. The setting is rural, the town has limited commercial activity, and the housing is very affordable. The school is small, which can mean more individual attention, but the test results indicate that many students are not yet meeting grade-level expectations in reading and math.
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