Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 83448

Zip code 83448 (Sugar City, Idaho) is served by two elementary schools—Central Elementary School (PK–2) and Kershaw Intermediate School (3–5)—that together form a two-campus elementary system within the Sugar-Salem Joint District. Central houses the youngest students, while Kershaw carries the school-level accountability data because it serves tested grades. Kershaw is the clear academic standout: its 2025–2026 ranking placed it 83rd out of 346 Idaho elementary schools (76th percentile), a jump from 116th (66th percentile) the previous year. In 2025–2026, Kershaw’s math proficiency reached 66%, compared to 41.8% district and 43.1% state; its ELA proficiency was 61.5%, versus 46.6% district and 54.0% state. These results are especially notable given that over half of Kershaw’s students qualify for free/reduced lunch.

Central Elementary, though not ranked due to its PK–2 grade span, has historical data showing a strong school (80th percentile in 2012–2013). The biggest concern is chronic absenteeism: Central’s rate is 12.2%, more than double the district’s 6.0% and nearly double Kershaw’s 6.8%. Both schools serve a similar socioeconomic population (free/reduced lunch around 49–50%), so poverty does not explain the attendance gap. Kershaw also has a slightly higher student–teacher ratio (17.1 vs. 15.9) and spends slightly less per student ($6,596 vs. $6,733) yet produces stronger test outcomes. Meanwhile, science is Kershaw’s relative weakness—41% proficiency in 2025–2026, trailing the state’s 44%, although its 2024–2025 science score was a strong 51.5%.

For parents, the key takeaway is that this zip code offers a well-organized split-campus system with an academically strong upper-elementary school. Kershaw’s upward trend in rankings and consistently district-beating test scores make it a high-performing choice, while Central’s early-grade program lacks current academic metrics but has a solid historical record. The most actionable issue is Central’s elevated chronic absenteeism, which may affect young students’ readiness as they transition to Kershaw. Addressing attendance at the primary level could help sustain the impressive academic momentum seen in grades 3–5.