Pinehurst Elementary School

Pinehurst Elementary School is a PK–5 public school in Pinehurst, Idaho, serving 430 students in the Kellogg Joint District, making it the largest elementary school in its immediate area. The school serves a high-poverty population, with 61.2% of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, and it currently holds a 1-star state rating at the 20th percentile. Math proficiency sits at 34.5% and ELA at 43.0%, both well below state averages.

The differences from nearby schools are substantial. Canyon Elementary School, just 8.6 miles away in the same district, posts math proficiency of 50.0% and ELA proficiency of 60.0% — roughly 15 to 17 points higher. Silver Hills Elementary School in the Wallace District also outperforms Pinehurst with 55.8% math and 63.0% ELA proficiency. Chronic absenteeism is a major concern: at 28.9%, it is nearly double the rate at Canyon (15.3%) and Silver Hills (15.4%). Pinehurst also has more than twice the poverty rate of Canyon Elementary, a factor that often shapes attendance and academic outcomes.

For parents, the data points to clear opportunities. Chronic absenteeism has hovered between 29% and 33% for several years, and improving attendance would directly increase instructional time. Math proficiency also drops as students advance — from 40.6% in third grade to 27.8% in fifth grade — suggesting that early intervention in upper elementary grades could make a meaningful difference. The success of Canyon Elementary, which achieves stronger results with less spending per student, shows that improvement is possible within the same district. Parents weighing their options should consider attendance patterns and the school’s academic trajectory alongside their child’s individual needs.