The top reported proficiency rate is 61% in Math. The lowest is 33% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Ashby Elementary
Ashby Elementary is a small rural public school serving pre-kindergarten through sixth grade in the town of Ashby, Minnesota. It is the only elementary school in the Ashby Public School District, and students move on to the district’s secondary school within the same compact town. The school’s enrollment is modest for its grade band, and the student body is almost entirely white, with a small Hispanic share. About a third of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, a figure that tracks with the area’s mix of agricultural and service-sector employment.
Academically, the school posts results that vary by grade and subject. In math, proficiency is strong in third grade, then declines through fourth, fifth, and sixth, a pattern common in many schools but one a parent may want to discuss with the principal. Reading proficiency shows a different contour: above-average in third, dipping in fourth, climbing sharply in fifth, then settling near the district average in sixth. The single grade tested in science—fifth—shows a lower share of students reaching proficiency, and the state changed the science assessment in the most recent year, so direct comparisons with earlier years are not possible. When all tested grades and subjects are combined into a single overall index, Ashby Elementary’s performance places it above the median among schools in Grant County, a relatively strong showing for its size.
Because the school serves only elementary grades, it has no graduation rate to report, and data on chronic absenteeism and discipline were not available in the source materials. The district operates a single K-12 building, and no recent bond measures, curriculum overhauls, or tax changes were found in a search of district news, suggesting a period of relative stability.
The town of Ashby itself is a very small rural community set among lakes, farms, and woodlands in northeastern Grant County. Main Street holds a medical clinic, an assisted living facility, a few retail stores, and professional services. The school building sits within the town’s compact grid, a short walk from the downtown core. Three parks, a paved multi-use trail that connects to a longer regional system, and a lake with public access provide outdoor recreation. The population has been slowly declining over recent decades, and no major new housing developments are evident. Home values in the area are moderate, and the town’s economy is tied to agriculture, lake-area tourism, and local institutions like the school and clinic.
For a family considering Ashby Elementary, the picture is straightforward. This is a small, close-knit rural school where students spend their elementary years in a setting that feels connected to the community. The academic profile is mixed: stronger early math and mid-grade reading, but with a drop-off in upper-elementary math and lower science results that could bear further inquiry. The school’s overall proficiency stands out among its Grant County peers, a positive sign. The peer environment is homogenous by race and income, and the housing market is affordable relative to state averages. A parent who values a small-town atmosphere, easy access to lakes and trails, and a school where the faculty likely know every child by name will find this a natural fit. Those seeking more diverse demographics, a wider array of program offerings, or a district with recent investment in facilities or curriculum may find the range limited—but that is the character of a small rural district, not a shortcoming.
See more original research from School Decision →