Best Public Schools in Garrett, IN

The city of Garrett, Indiana is home to 3 public schools serving students from elementary through high school: J.E. Ober Elementary School, Garrett High School, and Garrett Middle School. These schools are part of the Garrett-Keyser-Butler Com School Corp district and serve a community facing significant academic and socioeconomic challenges.

J.E. Ober Elementary School stands out as the largest of the three schools with 712 students, but it has consistently low statewide rankings and test scores well below state averages. In contrast, Garrett High School performs better, with a 4-year graduation rate of 88.4% and a statewide ranking in the middle of Indiana high schools. However, the school's SAT scores are mixed, with strong performance in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing but low proficiency in Math. Garrett Middle School's performance is similar to the high school, with a 2-star statewide rating and test scores slightly better than the elementary school but still below state averages.

Across all three schools, there are common challenges, including high chronic absenteeism rates, elevated free/reduced lunch rates, and significant underperformance on standardized tests compared to state benchmarks. These factors suggest the need for targeted interventions and support to improve student outcomes in the Garrett community. Addressing attendance barriers, ensuring equitable resource allocation, and fostering collaboration between the schools could be important steps in driving systemic improvements and providing a stronger educational foundation for the students of Garrett, Indiana.