The top reported proficiency rate is 40% in English language arts. The lowest is 34% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Matthews Elem.
Matthews Elementary is a regular public school serving kindergarten through fifth grade in Grain Valley, a fast-growing suburb east of Kansas City. The school is one of four elementary schools in the Grain Valley R-V district, a district that has seen its enrollment double in recent years as the city itself has nearly tripled in population over the past decade. Grain Valley is a primarily residential community with a small-town feel, intersected by Interstate 70, and its growth has brought new commercial amenities and a focus on infrastructure improvements. The school sits in a setting where many families commute to Kansas City, and the community’s median age is relatively young. The district did not have any major parent-relevant changes reported in the recent period, so the school’s programming and operations appear stable.
Academically, Matthews Elementary participates in Missouri’s state assessments in math, English language arts, and science for grades three through five. The results show a range of proficiency across subjects and grades. In math, the share of students scoring proficient or above varied across the three tested grades, with a similar pattern in reading and science. English language arts results were strongest in fourth grade, while other grades and subjects showed more modest outcomes. Overall, the school’s combined proficiency index, which averages performance across all tested subjects and grades, places it in the top quartile relative to schools in Jackson County. That means its academic performance is above the middle of the field among county schools, though it is not at the very top. A parent considering the school should note that while the school’s overall proficiency is solid for its county, the individual grade-level results are mixed, and they may want to discuss with the school how it supports students who are not yet at the proficient level.
The student body is diverse in background. The majority of students are white, with a substantial Hispanic minority and a smaller Black population, along with smaller shares of Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and multiracial students. About four in ten students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, a measure that reflects the economic mix of the community. The school’s enrollment is moderate for a K-5 building, and it serves a single grade per class section. The school is not a charter or magnet, and it operates as a regular public school.
The housing market in Grain Valley reflects the area’s growth and its position as a suburb of Kansas City. Home values are above the state average but below the national median, and rents have been rising. The area is considered moderately affordable relative to the Kansas City metro, though the rapid growth has put pressure on infrastructure. The community has a focus on pedestrian connectivity and recreation, but walkability remains a concern, with many daily errands requiring a car.
For a family, Matthews Elementary offers a solid academic baseline in a growing, family-oriented community. The school’s performance is above average for the county, but not exceptional, and the mix of results across grades suggests that some cohorts may have different needs. The school’s size and regular public school status make it a typical neighborhood elementary school. Families moving to Grain Valley for its strong school district reputation and suburban lifestyle will find Matthews Elementary a representative option within that district. Those who place a high priority on top-tier test scores may want to compare the school’s detailed results with other elementary schools in the district, as the district’s four elementary schools may have different profiles.
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