Skip to main content

Below Average

#580 of 719 schools in ID

Challis Elementary School

Elementary School · CHALLIS JOINT DISTRICT

PO BOX 304, Challis, ID 83226

Enrollment

166

Student-Teacher

13.8:1

Score

4.6

Grades

Pre-K – 6th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Idaho schools

#580 of 719

In Challis

#2 of 2

public schools

In district

#2 of 2

CHALLIS JOINT DISTRICT

School environment

9.5 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Challis Elementary School?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

How to read the page

Use these cues before treating a single rating as the whole decision.

Read the score in context

Challis Elementary School rates 4.6/10, but the right move still depends on grade fit, commute, and peer alternatives.

Check nearby context

Nearby schools help show whether this profile is an outlier or part of a broader local pattern.

Confirm the zone

CHALLIS JOINT DISTRICT context matters only if your exact address is eligible for this school.

About Challis Elementary School

Challis Elementary School is a public elementary school in Challis, ID, part of CHALLIS JOINT DISTRICT. Challis Elementary School serves approximately 166 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 13.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Challis Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.6 out of 10 and ranks #580 of 719 schools in ID.

Structured state assessment records for Challis Elementary School show 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares1.8 pts below ID schools
  • This school 4.6 · Below Average
  • ID avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

At 166 students, Challis Elementary School is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

Challis Elementary School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress1.9Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-5.62 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics5.9Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency32% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency52% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency42% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)41% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected+0.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile42th
Resources & Environment9.5Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,317
Chronic Absenteeism16.9%

Challis Elementary School — Students at Challis Elementary School score 42% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 41%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

51.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores ID EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 39.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 50.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 26 test records from ID state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
82%
ELA
87%
2010
Math
77%
ELA
92%
2011
Math
82%
ELA
92%
2012
Math
87%
ELA
92%
2014
Math
22%
ELA
37%
2015
Math
27%
ELA
32%
2016
Math
17%
ELA
32%
2017
Math
22%
ELA
37%
2018
Math
22%
ELA
27%
2019
Math
22%
ELA
27%
2020*
Math
12%
ELA
22%
2021*
Math
12%
ELA
22%
2022
Math
32%
ELA
52%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 1.9/10.

How Challis Elementary School Compares

See how Challis Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.6/10
20th percentile in ID
Academic
5.9/10
Average
Growth
1.9/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
9.5/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
51%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
12 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
16.9%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

PO BOX 304, Challis, ID 83226

Nearby Schools

1 within 0.2 mi
School Distance Rating
CHALLIS JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL Challis 0.2 mi 5.1

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 83226 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$50,980

Median Home Value

$270,700

Median Rent

$708/mo

Population

2,149

College Educated

12.7%

Homeownership

71%

Poverty Rate

8.2%

Median Age

57.8

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
DOWNEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Downey, ID 4.6
LINCOLN PRESCHOOL CENTER Pocatello, ID 4.6
MACKAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Mackay, ID 4.5
BICKEL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Twin Falls, ID 4.7
JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Boise, ID 4.7
OWYHEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Boise, ID 4.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Challis Elementary School

What grades does Challis Elementary School serve?

Challis Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.

How many students attend Challis Elementary School?

Challis Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 166 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Challis Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Challis Elementary School is 13.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Challis Elementary School rank in ID?

Challis Elementary School ranks #580 of 719 schools in ID.

What is Challis Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Challis Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.6 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Challis Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Challis Elementary School has 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Challis Elementary School a charter school?

No, Challis Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Challis Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Challis Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Challis Elementary School?

51.2% of students at Challis Elementary School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

2 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
29 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
35 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
166
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
12
Free/Reduced Lunch
51.2%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Custer County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
16.9%

District

CHALLIS JOINT DISTRICT
District Enrollment
338
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,317
District Rank
#2 of 2

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.