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Below Average

#1126 of 1,284 schools in KY

Martha Jane Potter Elementary School

Elementary School · Letcher County

55 Kona Drive, Whitesburg, KY 41858

Enrollment

287

Student-Teacher

12.5:1

Score

4.2

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Kentucky schools

#1,126 of 1,284

In Whitesburg

#5 of 5

public schools

In district

#8 of 8

Letcher County

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Martha Jane Potter Elementary School

4.2/10

Elementary School in Whitesburg · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Fleming Neon Middle School

6.1/10

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

Letcher County Central High School

7.2/10

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

About Martha Jane Potter Elementary School

Martha Jane Potter Elementary School is a public elementary school in Whitesburg, KY, part of Letcher County. Martha Jane Potter Elementary School serves approximately 287 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 12.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Martha Jane Potter Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10 and ranks #1,126 of 1,284 schools in KY.

Structured state assessment records for Martha Jane Potter Elementary School show 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 48% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.8 pts below district
  • This school 4.2 · Below Average
  • District avg 6.0
  • KY avg 6.3

What Parents Should Know

Martha Jane Potter 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.

67% of students at Martha Jane Potter Elementary School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.0Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.18 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics4.7Below Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency29.7% (2025 KSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency38% (2025 KSA)
Overall Proficiency34% (2025 KSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)38% (model expectation from 2025 KSA)
vs. Expected-4.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile28th
Resources & Environment6.3Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$20,652
Chronic Absenteeism67.2%

Martha Jane Potter Elementary School — Students at Martha Jane Potter Elementary School score 34% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 38%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

72.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores KY KSA (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 38.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 48.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
N/A

Based on 36 test records from KY state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
79%
ELA
74%
2010
Math
70%
ELA
76%
2011
Math
32%
ELA
44%
2012
Math
32%
ELA
39%
2013
Math
45%
ELA
53%
2014
Math
49%
ELA
60%
2015
Math
49%
ELA
54%
2016
Math
45%
ELA
55%
2017
Math
42%
ELA
49%
2018
Math
37%
ELA
52%
2019
Math
37%
ELA
52%
2020*
Math
12%
ELA
32%
2021*
Math
12%
ELA
32%
2022
Math
27%
ELA
37%
2025
Math
29.7%
ELA
38%

* 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: 3.0/10.

How Martha Jane Potter Elementary School Compares

See how Martha Jane Potter Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.2/10
12th percentile in KY
Academic
4.7/10
Below Average
Growth
3.0/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
6.3/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
73%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
23 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
67.2%

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

55 Kona Drive, Whitesburg, KY 41858

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Martha Jane Potter Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. J.W. Adams Combined (rated 9.6/10, 8.4 miles away, in nearby Pound), which scores notably higher. Another option is Wise Primary (rated 8.9/10, 15.6 miles away, in nearby Wise), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Norton Elementary (rated 8.4/10, 16.3 miles away, in nearby Norton), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Whitesburg, see our Whitesburg schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 16.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Fleming Neon Middle School Neon 2.9 mi 6.1
Letcher County Central High School Whitesburg 3.8 mi 7.2
Letcher County Alternative Education Ctr Whitesburg 4.7 mi
Jenkins Independent School Jenkins 5.3 mi 6.8
Whitesburg Middle School Whitesburg 5.9 mi 7.5
West Whitesburg Elementary School Whitesburg 5.9 mi 6.2
Arlie Boggs Elementary School Eolia 7.8 mi 6.1
Cowan Elementary School Whitesburg 7.1 mi 5.5
J.W. Adams Combined Pound 8.4 mi 9.6
VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Virgie 11.3 mi
Letcher Elementary & Middle School Blackey 10.7 mi 8.0
Dorton Elementary School Dorton 12.2 mi 8.1
Beaver Creek Elementary School Topmost 13.9 mi 3.2
Carr Creek Elementary School Littcarr 12.9 mi 8.2
South Floyd Elementary School Hi Hat 15.6 mi 2.7
Norton Elementary Norton 16.3 mi 8.4
L.F. Addington Middle Wise 15.6 mi 9.4
MINNICK EDUCATION CENTER - WISE Wise 15.5 mi
Wise Primary Wise 15.6 mi 8.9
Central High Norton 16.0 mi 7.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 41858 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$42,363

Median Home Value

$101,700

Median Rent

$635/mo

Population

7,958

College Educated

15.2%

Homeownership

69.5%

Avg Commute

29.1 min

Poverty Rate

38.3%

Median Age

40.7

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Alex R. Kennedy Elementary Louisville, KY 4.2
Bonnieville Elementary School Bonnieville, KY 4.2
Cravens Elementary School Owensboro, KY 4.2
Custer Elementary School Custer, KY 4.2
Portland Elementary Louisville, KY 4.2
Arnett Elementary School Erlanger, KY 4.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Martha Jane Potter Elementary School

What grades does Martha Jane Potter Elementary School serve?

Martha Jane Potter Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.

How many students attend Martha Jane Potter Elementary School?

Martha Jane Potter Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 287 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Martha Jane Potter Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Martha Jane Potter Elementary School is 12.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Martha Jane Potter Elementary School rank in KY?

Martha Jane Potter Elementary School ranks #1,126 of 1,284 schools in KY.

What is Martha Jane Potter Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Martha Jane Potter Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 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 Martha Jane Potter Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Martha Jane Potter Elementary School has 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 48% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Martha Jane Potter Elementary School a charter school?

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

Is Martha Jane Potter Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Martha Jane Potter Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Martha Jane Potter Elementary School?

72.8% of students at Martha Jane Potter 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
3 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
1 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
287
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
23
Free/Reduced Lunch
72.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Letcher County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
67.2%

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