The top reported proficiency rate is 73% in Science. The lowest is 59% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Pleasant Ridge Elementary
Pleasant Ridge Elementary serves students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in the small, rural community of Easton, Kansas. The town itself is part of Leavenworth County and sits within the Kansas City metropolitan area, but it has the character of a quiet farming settlement with minimal commercial activity. Easton has seen a long-term population decline since its peak many decades ago, and residents typically commute to Leavenworth or the broader metro area for employment. The school is the only elementary building in the Easton district, and its modest enrollment draws largely from surrounding farmland and a few residential streets.
Academically, Pleasant Ridge Elementary posts results that place it in the top quartile among districts in Leavenworth County when looking at overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades. The state test results for the most recent year show variation by grade level. In third grade, both math and English language arts proficiency are solid, with roughly three-fifths of students meeting the state standard. Fifth grade math stands out as a clear strength, and fifth grade science is also strong, with the large majority of students scoring proficient or above. Fourth grade performance is somewhat softer, especially in math, where just under half of students reach proficiency, and in ELA, where about half do. This uneven pattern across grade levels suggests that some cohorts or grade-level instruction may be stronger than others, and a parent may want to ask the school about support structures for fourth grade students.
The state recently changed cut scores for both math and ELA assessments, which means results from this year cannot be directly compared to prior years. No multi-year trend data is available, so it is not possible to say whether scores are rising or falling over time.
The student body is predominantly white, with a small share of Hispanic students and a slightly larger share of students who identify as two or more races. About a quarter of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, a moderate rate that reflects the rural, working-class character of the surrounding community. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not reported, so the share of students receiving special education or language support is unknown.
Housing in the area is above the state’s typical price level, and the estimated monthly mortgage on a median-priced home is higher than the typical rent, which may make buying a challenge for some families. The broader economy shows stable but modest income growth nationally, and the local unemployment rate is consistent with the national picture.
The Easton district, which includes Pleasant Ridge Elementary, has expanded Career and Technical Education pathways at the high school level, offering six CTE options. While this does not directly affect elementary classrooms, it signals that the district is investing in hands-on, career-oriented learning for older students, which could appeal to families planning for the long term. No information was available about specific programs, enrichment offerings, or class sizes at the elementary school itself.
Pleasant Ridge Elementary fits a family looking for a small, rural school where overall academic performance compares favorably with other districts in the county, especially in the upper elementary grades. The variation in proficiency by grade means it is worth checking how the school addresses dips in fourth grade. The community is quiet and car-dependent, with limited local amenities, so families should be comfortable with commuting for shopping, services, and entertainment. The long-term population decline in Easton suggests that the area is not experiencing new development or growth, which could be a factor for those considering future property values or school enrollment trends.
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