Below Average
#1540 of 1,823 schools in IN
Pioneer Elementary School
Elementary School · Pioneer Regional School Corp
PO Box 517, Royal Center, IN 46978
Enrollment
484
Student-Teacher
12.7:1
Score
4.8
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
484
Student-Teacher
12.7:1
Score
4.8
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Royal Center
#2 of 2
public schools
Indiana elementary schools
#877 of 1,047
In district
#2 of 2
Pioneer Regional School Corp
School environment
8.4 / 10
Very strong
About Pioneer Elementary School
Pioneer Elementary School is a regular public elementary school located in Royal Center, Indiana, within Cass County. Serving preschool through sixth grade students, Pioneer has an enrollment of 484 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 12.7:1, ensuring that each child receives individual attention from its 38 full-time equivalent teachers. Despite the MySchoolScout rating of 4.3 out of 10 and a state ranking of #1522 out of 1831 schools in Indiana (placing it at the 17th percentile), Pioneer Elementary focuses on student development with room for academic growth, particularly emphasizing foundational skills like ELA/Reading (where 27% are proficient or above) and Math (with 24% proficiency).
Science scores currently show no students meeting proficiency standards, indicating areas where further support is needed. Situated in a rural setting, Pioneer Elementary School thrives within its close-knit community, offering a warm and nurturing environment for young learners to explore and grow.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Pioneer Elementary School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Pioneer Elementary School — Students at Pioneer Elementary School score 28% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 35%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
58.5%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IN ILEARN (2024-25)
Based on 18 test records from IN state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 3.6/10.
How Pioneer Elementary School Compares
See how Pioneer Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 41% (2019) to 31.06% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 46% (2019) to 24.24% (2025).
Location
PO Box 517, Royal Center, IN 46978
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Pioneer Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Eastern Pulaski Elementary School (rated 6.9/10, 13.1 miles away, in nearby Winamac), which scores notably higher. Another option is Columbia Elementary School (rated 6.1/10, 9.9 miles away, in nearby Logansport), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Caston Elementary School (rated 6.0/10, 11.7 miles away, in nearby Rochester), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Royal Center, see our Royal Center schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 19.2 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 46978 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$66,250
Median Home Value
$120,900
Median Rent
$817/mo
Population
2,111
College Educated
17%
Homeownership
84.6%
Avg Commute
29.2 min
Poverty Rate
9.2%
Median Age
48.1
Community Profile
The community surrounding Pioneer Elementary School has a median household income of $66,250. It is a community where 17% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $120,900, with a median rent of $817/month. The local poverty rate of 9.2% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 29 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Lincoln Elementary School Bedford, IN | 4.8 |
| Mary Bryan Elementary School Indianapolis, IN | 4.8 |
| Parkside Elementary School Goshen, IN | 4.8 |
| Rose Hamilton Elementary School Centerville, IN | 4.8 |
| Scott Elementary School Evansville, IN | 4.8 |
| W D Richards Elementary School Columbus, IN | 4.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Pioneer Elementary School
What grades does Pioneer Elementary School serve?
Pioneer Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.
How many students attend Pioneer Elementary School?
Pioneer Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 484 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Pioneer Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Pioneer Elementary School is 12.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Pioneer Elementary School rank in IN?
Pioneer Elementary School is ranked #1540 out of 1,823 schools in IN.
What is Pioneer Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Pioneer Elementary School has a composite rating of 4.8 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Pioneer Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Pioneer Elementary School has 32.1% math proficiency and 29.1% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Pioneer Elementary School a charter school?
No, Pioneer Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Pioneer Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Pioneer Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Pioneer Elementary School?
58.5% of students at Pioneer 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.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 6th
- Enrollment
- 484
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 38
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 58.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Cass County
- Phone
- (574) 643-2255
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Pioneer Regional School Corp- District Enrollment
- 916
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,425
- District Rank
- #2 of 2
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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