Schools in Zip Code 83661

Schools in zip code 83661 (Payette, Idaho) include four public schools serving 1,274 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, all part of the Payette Joint District. Every school serves a predominantly low-income population, with free/reduced lunch rates ranging from 60.8% at Payette High School to 76.7% at Payette Academy. This high-poverty context is important when interpreting results, as all four schools fall significantly below Idaho state averages in math, ELA, and science, with most ranking below the 20th percentile statewide.

Payette High School is the clear standout, posting the highest ELA proficiency (40%), the lowest chronic absenteeism (9.4%), and the lowest poverty rate in the district. It also has the highest per-student spending at $8,017. At the other end, Payette Academy shows the most warning signs: 44.5% chronic absenteeism, the highest poverty rate, and just 14.3% ELA proficiency, despite having the smallest class sizes. McCain Middle School shows positive momentum, with ELA proficiency rising from 24% to 30.8%, but it remains near the 7th percentile in state rankings. Payette Primary School, the only elementary school, shows declining scores, with a steep drop from 3rd to 4th grade in both math and ELA.

Chronic absenteeism is the strongest warning signal, varying fourfold across the district. Class size alone does not predict success: Payette Academy has the fewest students per teacher yet the weakest outcomes. Both high schools report identical 82.5% graduation rates, making that metric a poor differentiator. While some schools beat district averages — Payette Primary exceeds the district math average, and Payette High exceeds the district ELA average by 13 points — all remain 15 to 30 points below state proficiency. The most meaningful improvements would likely come from addressing attendance, supporting economically disadvantaged students, and focusing on the elementary-to-middle school transition.