The top reported proficiency rate is 55% in Science. The lowest is 39% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Tekoa Elementary School
Tekoa Elementary School serves students from prekindergarten through sixth grade in the small, rural farming community of Tekoa, situated in the Palouse region of eastern Washington. The school is the sole elementary campus within the Tekoa School District and operates as a regular public school.
The student body is small, and the enrollment is heavily concentrated among white students. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating that a significant portion of families face economic strain. The school does not serve high school grades, so there is no graduation rate to report.
State assessment data from a recent school year provides a mixed picture of academic performance. In third-grade math, a majority of students met proficiency standards. In English language arts, third-grade proficiency was lower, and by fifth grade, about a third of students met the bar in that subject. Science results for fifth graders showed a majority reaching proficiency. When all tested subjects and grades are combined into a single index, the school's overall proficiency rate sits above the midpoint among districts in Whitman County. The data covers only one year, so there is no trend to assess yet, and a parent may want to ask the school how these results compare with prior years.
The school serves grades that are not tested in some subjects every year, which accounts for gaps in the data for certain grade level subjects. A parent looking for a fuller picture of academic growth across elementary years should check directly with the school for any classroom-level or interim assessment information they use.
Housing in the community is relatively affordable compared with state and national benchmarks, reflecting the area's slow population decline and rural character. The town has a compact layout centered along a single state highway, and most residents commute by car. The local economy is small, anchored by agriculture and health care, with no single dominant employer. The trailhead for the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail is nearby, and the historic Empire Theatre serves as a civic gathering spot.
The district itself has few publicly reported recent changes, so a parent considering this school should reach out to the district office for the most current information on programs, staffing, and any strategic priorities. The school's size and setting mean it offers a close-knit environment where families likely know teachers and staff personally, but the range of specialized course offerings and extracurriculars common in larger districts may be limited. A parent interested in specific programs, such as music, art, or advanced academic support, should ask the school directly about what is currently available.
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