Orofino Elementary School

Orofino Elementary School serves 356 students in grades PK–6 in Orofino, Idaho, and is the largest elementary school in the Orofino Joint District. The school has turned in a strong academic performance recently, with math proficiency at 52.5% and English language arts at 58.8% — both above district and state averages. It also stands out clearly among its tiny rural neighbors: Timberline Elementary posts just 26.9% math proficiency, and Peck Elementary sits at 30.4% in math. Despite serving a moderately low-income population (about 46% free/reduced-price lunch), Orofino is outperforming what its demographic profile might predict.

Orofino also manages its resources effectively. Per-student spending is about $14,537 — far less than Timberline’s $28,750 — yet outcomes are far stronger. Chronic absenteeism is lower than the district average (15.4% vs. 19.7%) and has dropped dramatically since the pandemic peak, when it hit 32% in 2021-2022. The student-teacher ratio of roughly 15:1 is typical for an elementary school, but it delivers better results than nearby schools with smaller classes. This suggests the school’s instructional practices and culture are having a real impact.

The most encouraging story is the school’s long-term trajectory. A decade ago, Orofino Elementary ranked in the bottom quarter of Idaho schools with 1-star ratings. By 2024-2025 it had climbed to the 73rd percentile, earning 4 stars, before settling at the 58th percentile (3 stars) in 2025-2026. Fourth grade is a standout, with 67.9% math and 75.0% ELA proficiency — far above state levels. Fifth-grade math (37.5%) is a relative weak spot worth watching. Overall, Orofino Elementary has reversed a difficult past and is now the academic anchor of its district, delivering above-state-average results while spending less than several of its smaller neighbors.