The top reported proficiency rate is 20% in English language arts. The lowest is 15% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Washington Irving Es
Washington Irving Elementary serves students from kindergarten through fourth grade in Durant, Oklahoma, as part of the Durant Independent School District. It is a traditional public elementary school — not a charter or magnet — and its grade band means there is no graduation rate to report, and no high-school-level measures such as college-readiness metrics apply here.
On the state assessments used in Oklahoma, the school’s proficiency rates are low compared to other schools in Bryan County. Across the tested grades (third and fourth) in both math and English language arts, the share of students scoring at a proficient level is modest, and the school’s overall proficiency index places it in the bottom quartile relative to other districts in the county. Third-grade math and fourth-grade math show similar results, and reading scores are also low, with only a limited portion of students reaching the state’s proficiency benchmark. Oklahoma changed its cut scores for these tests, so trend comparisons with prior years are not possible from the available data. A parent considering this school will want to look into how the school supports students who are not yet at the proficient level and what academic interventions are in place.
The student body is racially and ethnically diverse. White students make up the largest single group, followed by students identifying as two or more races, Hispanic students, and American Indian or Alaska Native students. Smaller shares are Black, Asian, and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. This composition reflects Durant’s location as the headquarters of the Choctaw Nation and the presence of Southeastern Oklahoma State University, both of which shape the community. Information on how many students qualify for free or reduced-price meals was not reported, nor were counts of students with disabilities or English learners, so that picture is incomplete.
Durant itself is a growing community. It is the county seat of Bryan County and the principal city of its micropolitan area. The economy is supported by the Choctaw Nation, the university, manufacturing, and distribution, and the city has attracted significant new investment in recent years. Housing in Durant is generally more affordable than the national median, with home values seeing a slight recent decline while rents have edged upward. Unemployment is at a level similar to the national rate. The city is largely car-dependent outside its historic downtown core, but that downtown area offers shopping and events. Families coming from outside the area may find Durant’s cost of living a practical consideration.
The Durant district overall has a reputation for above-state-average academic performance in math and reading, and its graduation rate has been rising over several years. Washington Irving Elementary is part of that district, but its own test results are notably below the district’s typical standing. This gap suggests that a family looking at the district’s overall numbers should investigate how the elementary school’s performance compares with other elementaries in Durant, since data for those comparisons are not included here. The district also received funding through a federal clean school bus program, which may be of interest to families concerned about transportation and air quality.
Because the school serves only the early elementary years, the kinds of program offerings that matter to older students — such as Advanced Placement, career pathways, or dual-credit courses — do not apply. No information was available about special programs, enrichment, or staffing ratios at this school. A parent may want to ask directly about class sizes, reading support, and how the school works with students who are below grade level in math or reading.
Washington Irving Elementary is a mid-sized school for its grade band, with a diverse student population, set in a growing and affordable Oklahoma town. Its state test results are weak relative to nearby schools, and the absence of key demographic and support data leaves some questions unanswered. Families who prioritize strong early academic outcomes may want to explore what targeted help the school provides and how it compares with other elementary options in the Durant district.
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