Summary:
The city of Athol, Idaho is home to a single public elementary school, Athol Elementary School, which serves students from kindergarten through 6th grade. While the school has some positive attributes, such as a relatively low student-teacher ratio and above-average science test scores, it faces several challenges that impact its overall performance and student outcomes.
Athol Elementary School's academic performance, as measured by ISAT test scores, is mixed. The school lags behind both the state and Lakeland District averages in math and English language arts, suggesting a need to focus on improving its core academic programs in these areas. Additionally, the school's statewide ranking has declined over the past few years, from 142nd out of 254 Idaho elementary schools in 2017-2018 to 180th out of 301 in 2023-2024, indicating that it is not keeping pace with improvements in other Idaho elementary schools.
Another significant concern is the school's high chronic absenteeism rate of 15.3%, which is significantly higher than the state average. This is closely linked to lower academic achievement and increased risk of dropout, and the school may need to investigate the root causes and implement targeted interventions to improve student attendance. Additionally, the school's predominantly white student population, with only 3.45% of students identifying as Hispanic and 5.96% as two or more races, may indicate a need to ensure that the school's curriculum and teaching practices are inclusive and responsive to the needs of all students.
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