Whittier Elementary School

Summary:

Whittier Elementary School is a public elementary school in Boise, Idaho, serving 572 students in grades PK-6. The school is part of the Boise Independent District, which has a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Whittier Elementary faces several challenges, including a highly diverse student population with a higher percentage of Hispanic (36.19%) and African American (11.89%) students compared to nearby schools. The school has struggled with high chronic absenteeism rates, reaching 46% in the 2021-2022 school year, significantly higher than the state and district averages. Academically, Whittier's performance, as measured by ISAT test scores, is consistently lower than the Boise Independent District and state averages across all grade levels and subjects. For example, in 2023-2024, only 30.1% of Whittier students were proficient or better in ISAT Math, compared to 44.8% for the district and 42.2% for the state. Additionally, Whittier has a very high percentage of students (over 98%) eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high level of economic disadvantage among the student population.

While Whittier's Hispanic students perform better than the school's overall average, they still lag behind the state and district averages. The school's White students also perform below their peers at other schools in the district, such as Monroe Elementary, Mountain View Elementary, and Longfellow Elementary, which have significantly higher academic performance and lower chronic absenteeism rates, despite serving similar student populations. This highlights the potential for Whittier to improve with the right strategies and resources.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-6

 301 North 29th Street
       Boise, ID  83702-4625


(208) 854-6630

District: Boise Independent District

SchoolDigger Rank:
237th of 301 Idaho Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $9,813 Help


Students who attend Whittier Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    North Junior High School
High:    Boise Senior High School

Student/teacher ratio:  17.3 Help
Number of students:  572

Racial breakdown:

White:
45.1%
Hispanic:
36.2%
African American:
11.9%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  98.8% Help


 See top rated Idaho elementary schools

 Compare Whittier Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Whittier Elementary School ranks worse than 78.7% of elementary schools in Idaho. It also ranks 23rd among 32 ranked elementary schools in the Boise Independent District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 21.15. (See more...)
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Whittier Elementary School has the largest elementary school student body size in the Boise Independent District.  (See more...)
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Whittier Elementary School is $9,813, which is the 14th highest among 32 elementary schools in the Boise Independent District.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Whittier Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Whittier Elementary School 237th of 301 Idaho public elementary schools. (See Whittier Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Hispanic students:
White students:


Boise Independent District:

SchoolDigger ranks Boise Independent District 37th of 77 Idaho school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Whittier Elementary School?

Rank History for Whittier Elementary School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Whittier Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools ID State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2008 20.26 302nd 335 9.9%
2009 31.49 284th 349 18.6%
2010 22.58 317th 356 11.0%
2011 17.42 335th 359 6.7%
2012 9.14 344th 354 2.8%
2013 16.93 331st 357 7.3%
2015 9.64 213th 226 5.8%
2016 7.64 233rd 240 2.9%
2017 10.65 275th 292 5.8%
2018 14.45 226th 254 11.0%
2019 15.37 153rd 171 10.5%
2021 13.46 151st 166 9.0%
2022 23.64 149th 188 20.7%
2023 27.73 183rd 252 27.4%
2024 21.15 237th 301 21.3%
See the entire list of Idaho Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Female students at Whittier Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools ID State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 28.08 94th 121 22.3%
See the entire list of Best Idaho Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Whittier Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools ID State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 17.26 105th 121 13.2%
See the entire list of Best Idaho Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Whittier Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools ID State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 39.43 33rd 58 43.1%
See the entire list of Best Idaho Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Whittier Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools ID State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 52.48 14th 18 22.2%
2022 46.59 14th 37 62.2%
2024 41.25 80th 135 40.7%
See the entire list of Best Idaho Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Idaho Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Whittier Elementary School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 







Data source: Idaho Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
Facebook Profile Picture by a parent on FaceBook
Thursday, January 27, 2011

Open Quote We drive by three other elementary schools for our children to attend Whittier. The staff is committed, nurturing and caring towards our child. We have the utmost confidence that he is receiving as high quality education that the Boise Public school system offers. What we like best is the overall diversity of the school. This truly adds to the overall learning experience our child is receiving. Close Quote


by a parent
Thursday, January 20, 2011

Open Quote I am the parent of a 1st grader in the Dual Language Program at Whittier. We could walk to our home school, Highlands, but the idea of my child being bilingual by 6th grade is why we go to Whittier.

Other benefits include a truly diverse student body: over 13 languages spoken at Whittier. Also, because it's a Title 1 school, there is extra staff. My son had an amazing reading specialist in Kindergarden, even though he was one of the stronger readers. He now reads at a 4th grade level. His teachers are strong, smart and very caring.

The last principal turned the school around over the last 7 years. My understanding is that the scores were very low. Now, they are at par or above the local schools. Whittier was one of two schools in all of Idaho to receive The Distinguished Schools award by the Idaho State Board of Education this past year. The new principal is following the same path as the last and is open to parents and keeps close communication with the faculty.

The neighborhood is safe, the school is safe and my son's friends are delightful. Whittier is a school on the brink of greatness. I'm thrilled to be a parent t at this school. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Whittier Elementary School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1991 0 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 314 314
1992 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 332 332
1993 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 342 342
1994 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 338 338
1995 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 305 305
1996 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 305 305
1997 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 291 291
1998 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 300 300
1999 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 344 344
2000 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 347 347
2001 214 8 11 76 8 n/a n/a 0 317
2002 206 12 6 106 5 n/a n/a 0 335
2003 206 12 6 106 5 n/a n/a 0 335
2004 171 9 7 118 9 n/a n/a 0 314
2005 160 5 7 122 2 n/a n/a 0 296
2006 177 6 5 134 1 n/a n/a 0 323
2007 153 6 3 132 1 n/a n/a 0 295
2008 123 14 4 142 0 n/a n/a 0 283
2009 155 15 5 138 4 n/a n/a 0 317
2010 176 12 9 143 5 n/a n/a 0 345
2011 174 20 9 165 0 0 16 0 384
2012 206 16 8 147 0 0 15 0 392
2013 218 13 8 182 0 0 17 0 438
2014 225 14 9 202 2 0 18 0 470
2015 218 13 7 197 3 2 19 0 459
2016 231 23 9 187 5 4 20 0 479
2017 268 27 10 204 1 3 19 0 532
2018 286 23 7 193 1 4 21 0 535
2019 279 21 7 193 2 4 22 0 528
2020 280 36 4 210 3 4 15 0 552
2021 208 39 6 147 3 4 17 0 424
2022 285 38 5 204 2 2 30 0 566
2023 258 68 16 207 3 3 17 0 572

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Whittier Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1991 314 22.0 14.2 59.2
1992 332 22.6 14.6 57.5
1993 342 19.2 17.8 53.8
1994 338 22.1 15.3 48.8
1995 305 18.3 16.7 60.3
1996 305 18.3 16.7 60.3
1997 291 18.9 15.4 56.4
1998 300 18.7 16.0 62
1999 344 20.9 16.5 73.5
2000 347 21.2 16.4 73.8
2001 317 20.1 15.8 75.7
2002 335 19.5 17.2 74
2003 335 19.5 17.2 74
2004 314 22.1 14.2 79.9
2005 296 21.9 13.5 72.6
2006 323 19.5 16.6 71.2
2007 295 18.5 15.9 76.9
2008 283 19.3 14.7 77.7
2009 317 22.2 14.2 68.5
2010 345 25.4 13.5 64.9
2011 384 27.1 14.1 69.8
2012 392 26.6 14.7 58.2
2013 438 24.5 17.8 70.1
2014 470 24.7 18.9 93.6
2015 459 27.0 17.0 100
2016 479 26.0 18.4 98.7
2017 532 29.4 18.0 98.7
2018 535 31.7 16.8 98.7
2019 528 30.0 17.5 98.7
2020 552 30.1 18.3 98.7
2021 424 29.1 14.5 98.8
2022 566 31.0 18.2 98.6
2023 572 32.9 17.3 98.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Whittier Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1991 314 22.0 14.2 59.2
1992 332 22.6 14.6 57.5
1993 342 19.2 17.8 53.8
1994 338 22.1 15.3 48.8
1995 305 18.3 16.7 60.3
1996 305 18.3 16.7 60.3
1997 291 18.9 15.4 56.4
1998 300 18.7 16.0 62
1999 344 20.9 16.5 73.5
2000 347 21.2 16.4 73.8
2001 317 20.1 15.8 75.7
2002 335 19.5 17.2 74
2003 335 19.5 17.2 74
2004 314 22.1 14.2 79.9
2005 296 21.9 13.5 72.6
2006 323 19.5 16.6 71.2
2007 295 18.5 15.9 76.9
2008 283 19.3 14.7 77.7
2009 317 22.2 14.2 68.5
2010 345 25.4 13.5 64.9
2011 384 27.1 14.1 69.8
2012 392 26.6 14.7 58.2
2013 438 24.5 17.8 70.1
2014 470 24.7 18.9 93.6
2015 459 27.0 17.0 100
2016 479 26.0 18.4 98.7
2017 532 29.4 18.0 98.7
2018 535 31.7 16.8 98.7
2019 528 30.0 17.5 98.7
2020 552 30.1 18.3 98.7
2021 424 29.1 14.5 98.8
2022 566 31.0 18.2 98.6
2023 572 32.9 17.3 98.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Whittier Elementary School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $1,743 (17.8%) $8,071 (82.2%) $9,813

Data source: Idaho Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Whittier Elementary School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 153rd of 171 Elementary schoolsRanks 183rd of 252 Elementary schools
 16.9%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade Math (Whittier Elementary School)5428.3
 25.7%
   3rd Grade Math (Boise Independent District)54.652.8
 1.8%
   3rd Grade Math (Idaho)5349.4
 3.6%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Whittier Elementary School)50.930.3
 20.6%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Boise Independent District)55.650.2
 5.4%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Idaho)50.545.2
 5.3%
4th Grade Math (Whittier Elementary School)38.139.7
 1.6%
   4th Grade Math (Boise Independent District)50.848.8
 2%
   4th Grade Math (Idaho)49.947.2
 2.7%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Whittier Elementary School)40.350
 9.7%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Boise Independent District)55.651.7
 3.9%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Idaho)5248.4
 3.6%
5th Grade Math (Whittier Elementary School)22.627.3
 4.7%
   5th Grade Math (Boise Independent District)4341.5
 1.5%
   5th Grade Math (Idaho)44.941.5
 3.4%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Whittier Elementary School)36.444.8
 8.4%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Boise Independent District)57.553.4
 4.1%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Idaho)56.951.7
 5.2%
6th Grade Math (Whittier Elementary School)2531.9
 6.9%
   6th Grade Math (Boise Independent District)44.250.5
 6.3%
   6th Grade Math (Idaho)4339.4
 3.6%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Whittier Elementary School)38.747.6
 8.9%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Boise Independent District)59.755.1
 4.6%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Idaho)55.350
 5.3%
All Grades Math (Whittier Elementary School)34.832
 2.8%
   All Grades Math (Boise Independent District)46.545.5
 1%
   All Grades Math (Idaho)44.441.5
 2.9%
All Grades Science (Whittier Elementary School)39.140.6
 1.5%
   All Grades Science (Boise Independent District)58.744.1
 14.6%
   All Grades Science (Idaho)58.940.8
 18.1%
All Grades English Language Arts (Whittier Elementary School)41.243.4
 2.2%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Boise Independent District)57.355.5
 1.8%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Idaho)5552.2
 2.8%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students528572
 8.3%
African American2168
 223.8%
American Indian23
 50%
Asian716
 128.6%
Hispanic193207
 7.3%
Pacific Islander43
 25%
White279258
 7.5%
Two or More Races2217
 22.7%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients98.7%98.8%
 0.1%


Schools Near Whittier Elementary School









Frequently Asked Questions about Whittier Elementary School

In the 2022-23 school year, 572 students attended Whittier Elementary School.

Whittier Elementary School ranks in the bottom 21.3% of Idaho elementary schools.

Students who attend Whittier Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : North Junior High School
High : Boise Senior High School

Students at Whittier Elementary School are 45% White, 36% Hispanic, 12% African American, 3% Two or more races, 3% Asian.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Idaho Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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