The top reported proficiency rate is 53% in Social studies. The lowest is 47% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Prentice Elementary
Prentice Elementary is a public school serving pre-kindergarten through fourth grade in the small rural village of Prentice, in Price County, Wisconsin. It is part of the Prentice School District, which houses its entire K-12 program on a single campus within the village. For a family considering this school, understanding the community setting and what the school offers academically matters more than any single data point.
Prentice is a quiet village at the intersection of two state highways, with a compact downtown near the railroad junction. It has a mix of residential homes, small businesses, and an industrial park that includes the municipal airport and a golf course. The village website describes a serene quality of life; historically a lumber and tannery town, it now relies on light industry, farming, and the school district itself as a local employer. The housing market in the area is notably more affordable than the state as a whole. The village’s population has been stable in recent years, and no major new housing developments have been identified. For families moving to the area, this means a quiet, low-cost option with a tight-knit feel.
The school itself is small. Its student body is overwhelmingly white, and a substantial share of students come from low-income households, as measured by eligibility for free or reduced-price lunch. This economic context is a meaningful part of the peer environment. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not reported, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about those supports.
Academically, Prentice Elementary participates in Wisconsin’s Forward assessment in grades three and four. In the most recent testing period, roughly half of students scored at or above the proficient level in math, English language arts, science, and social studies. Participation was universal. When compared with other school districts in Price County, the school’s overall proficiency index sits in the lowest tier. This is a soft spot. The results suggest that while a solid portion of students are meeting state standards, the school is behind its county peers. A parent may want to ask what academic interventions or enrichment opportunities are in place, particularly given the school’s high share of students from lower-income backgrounds, which can correlate with additional learning needs.
Because the school serves only through fourth grade, families will eventually need to transition to the district’s upper-grade building on the same campus. The district’s website and the village description indicate that the middle and high school classes are small as well, with modest class sizes.
No information was available on program offerings such as art, music, or extracurriculars. The district brief turned up no recent major changes or initiatives, so the school appears to be operating in a stable, if resource-constrained, environment.
For a family looking for a very small, rural elementary school in an affordable and quiet village, Prentice Elementary offers a straightforward option. The academic numbers are not strong relative to the county, and the economic profile of the student body is something to consider. A parent would want to visit, talk to the principal about how the school addresses achievement gaps, and look ahead to the middle and high school experience that follows.
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