The top reported proficiency rate is 63% in Science. The lowest is 54% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Lincoln Elementary
Lincoln Elementary is one of the small, grade-band-specific schools within the Hoisington public school system, serving grades two through five. It is a conventional public school and sits inside a town of modest size in central Kansas, where the economy blends agricultural production and light manufacturing. The district’s four schools are spread through the compact town rather than set on isolated campuses, which embeds Lincoln Elementary within the community fabric.
The student body at Lincoln Elementary is predominantly white, with a noticeably small share of Hispanic students and a very small share of Black students. More than half of the students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, meaning the school serves a population with significant economic need. The school’s total enrollment is modest for a four-grade elementary, and each grade has around the same number of students. Data on how many students receive special education services or are learning English was not available, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about the level of support for those populations.
State testing results show a mixed picture across subjects and grades. In third-grade math, a strong majority of students met the proficiency bar, and the same was true in third-grade reading. By fourth grade, proficiency had dropped considerably in both math and English language arts, though still a majority of students were proficient in reading while math fell below a majority. The pattern shifts again in fifth grade, where reading proficiency improved relative to fourth grade, but math proficiency declined to its lowest point across the tested grades. Science is tested only in fifth grade, and a solid majority of those students scored proficient. When compared to other districts in Barton County, Lincoln’s overall proficiency across tested subjects ranked in the top quartile, which suggests that its mix of high and low scores still placed it well above the typical Barton County elementary school.
There is no state testing data for second grade, because that grade is not assessed. There is also no graduation rate, because the school does not serve high school grades. Chronic absenteeism figures were not reported either, so a parent cannot tell from available data how consistent daily attendance is at this school.
No information was available on what specific programs Lincoln Elementary offers beyond the standard curriculum. There is no data on arts, music, physical education offerings, or any enrichment or intervention programs. The school’s website may be the best source for that. The district’s recent public record showed no major strategic changes, facility projects, or leadership turnover of lasting note.
The housing market around Lincoln Elementary is notably affordable relative to state and national trends. Home values in the immediate area are well below the Kansas median, and the gap is wide. Rents also appear to be low compared to income. This is a community where the cost of living does not create a high entry barrier for families. The town has experienced long-term population decline from a peak many decades ago, and a major tornado some years ago reshaped parts of the housing stock, leaving some newer and larger homes along the recovery path. No significant new development was evident in publicly available sources.
The surrounding area’s main civic and natural asset is Cheyenne Bottoms, a wetland of international significance that draws birdwatchers and outdoor visitors. For families, the town’s schools and hospital are local anchors. The district’s arrangement of grade-band schools means students move buildings as they progress, which is something to factor into planning if a parent values a single K-5 school experience.
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