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Very Good

#229 of 719 schools in ID

Top 32% in state

Cottonwood Elementary

Elementary School · JEFFERSON COUNTY JOINT DISTRICT

3955 EAST 200 NORTH, Rigby, ID 83442

Enrollment

654

Student-Teacher

21.1:1

Score

7.3

Grades

Kindergarten – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Idaho schools

#229 of 719

In Rigby

#3 of 8

public schools

In district

#3 of 11

JEFFERSON COUNTY JOINT DISTRICT

Academic growth

9.9 / 10

Excellent

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Cottonwood Elementary

7.3/10

Elementary School in Rigby · grades Kindergarten – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Jefferson School District 251 Early Childhood Center

3.3/10

1.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Harwood Elementary School

4.0/10

1.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Cottonwood Elementary

Cottonwood Elementary is a public elementary school in Rigby, ID, part of JEFFERSON COUNTY JOINT DISTRICT. Cottonwood Elementary serves approximately 654 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 21.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Cottonwood Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.3 out of 10 and ranks #229 of 719 schools in ID.

Structured state assessment records for Cottonwood Elementary show 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2020-2022) and 42% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2020-2022).

How it compares1.9 pts above district
  • This school 7.3 · Very Good
  • District avg 5.4
  • ID avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

Cottonwood Elementary runs 21.1:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Cottonwood Elementary 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 Progress9.9Excellent50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change+1.91 pts/yr
Data Period2020–2022
TrendImproving
Academics5.7Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency46% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency43% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency45% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)48% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-3.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile40th
Resources & Environment3.1Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio21.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$8,045
Chronic Absenteeism18.5%

Cottonwood Elementary — Students at Cottonwood Elementary score 44% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 48%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

33.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores ID EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 42.7% (multi-year average, 2020-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 41.7% (multi-year average, 2020-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from ID state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

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

2020*
Math
41%
ELA
41%
2021*
Math
41%
ELA
41%
2022
Math
46%
ELA
43%

* 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: 9.9/10.

How Cottonwood Elementary Compares

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

Overall Score
7.3/10
68th percentile in ID
Academic
5.7/10
Average
Growth
9.9/10
Excellent
Environment
3.1/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
33%
Teaching Staff
21:1 student-teacher ratio
31 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
18.5%

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

3955 EAST 200 NORTH, Rigby, ID 83442

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Cottonwood Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. FAIRVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 8.6/10, 7.2 miles away, in nearby Idaho Falls), which scores notably higher. Another option is RIRIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.6/10, 7.1 miles away, in nearby Ririe), with a very similar rating. Additionally, JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 6.5/10, 2.7 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Rigby, see our Rigby schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 9.4 mi
School Distance Rating
JEFFERSON SCHOOL DISTRICT 251 EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Rigby 1.2 mi 3.3
HARWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Rigby 1.6 mi 4.0
RIGBY HIGH SCHOOL Rigby 1.4 mi 5.7
SOUTH FORK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Rigby 1.8 mi 5.0
RIGBY MIDDLE SCHOOL Rigby 1.7 mi 8.4
JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Rigby 2.7 mi 6.5
FARNSWORTH MIDDLE SCHOOL Rigby 2.8 mi 8.9
UCON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Idaho Falls 4.8 mi 5.9
JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL Menan 5.8 mi 3.8
MIDWAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Menan 6.2 mi 4.7
SOUTH FORK ELEMENTARY Rexburg 6.7 mi 4.8
FAIRVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Idaho Falls 7.2 mi 8.6
IONA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Iona 9.2 mi 5.5
SPECIAL SERVICES CENTER Idaho Falls 9.3 mi
TECHNICAL CAREERS HIGH SCHOOL Idaho Falls 9.3 mi 6.5
PRAXIUM MASTERY ACADEMY Idaho Falls 9.3 mi
RIRIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Ririe 7.1 mi 7.6
ROCKY MOUNTAIN MIDDLE SCHOOL Idaho Falls 9.4 mi 6.8
RIRIE JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL Ririe 7.2 mi 5.9
BONNEVILLE ONLINE SCHOOL Idaho Falls 9.4 mi 8.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 83442 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$84,328

Median Home Value

$376,800

Median Rent

$1,098/mo

Population

24,829

College Educated

30.4%

Homeownership

85.5%

Avg Commute

24.4 min

Poverty Rate

9.1%

Median Age

31.8

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
PONDEROSA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Meridian, ID 7.3
STAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Star, ID 7.3
SUNNYSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Idaho Falls, ID 7.3
CENTRAL CANYON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Caldwell, ID 7.2
MOSAICS PUBLIC SCHOOL Caldwell, ID 7.2
RIMROCK ELEMENTARY Ammon, ID 7.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Cottonwood Elementary

What grades does Cottonwood Elementary serve?

Cottonwood Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.

How many students attend Cottonwood Elementary?

Cottonwood Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 654 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Cottonwood Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Cottonwood Elementary is 21.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Cottonwood Elementary rank in ID?

Cottonwood Elementary ranks #229 of 719 schools in ID.

What is Cottonwood Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Cottonwood Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.3 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 Cottonwood Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Cottonwood Elementary has 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2020-2022) and 42% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2020-2022).

Is Cottonwood Elementary a charter school?

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

Is Cottonwood Elementary a Title I school?

No, Cottonwood Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

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

33.3% of students at Cottonwood Elementary qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
11 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
31 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
654
Student-Teacher Ratio
21.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
31
Free/Reduced Lunch
33.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Jefferson County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
18.5%

District

JEFFERSON COUNTY JOINT DISTRICT
District Enrollment
6,706
Schools in District
12
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,045
District Rank
#3 of 11

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