Hartford J1 School District

Hartford J1 School District in Wisconsin serves about 1,301 students across three schools: two elementary schools, Lincoln Elementary (PK–5, 460 students) and Rossman Elementary (PK–5, 422 students), plus one middle school, Central Middle (6–8, 419 students). The district ranks 192 of 432 in the state — the 56th percentile, with 3 stars — but that overall rating masks wide differences among its schools.

Rossman is the clear standout, ranking 180 of 1,039 elementary schools (83rd percentile, 4 stars) and scoring above both district and state averages in every listed test. It also has the lowest chronic absenteeism (10.2%) and lowest free/reduced lunch rate (29.62%) in the district. Lincoln is solid but uneven: 63rd percentile and 3 stars, above the state in 7 of 8 listed assessments — except 3rd grade math, where it dropped from 74.6% to 50.79%. Lincoln has the district's highest free/reduced lunch rate (48.7%) and chronic absenteeism of 19.6%. Central Middle is the lowest performer, at the 33rd percentile with 2 stars. Its 8th grade is far below state in ELA (37.68%), math (43.48%), social studies (50.72%), and science (36.23%), while its 6th grade is at or above state averages.

One pattern worth noting: higher absenteeism tends to accompany lower performance. Central's chronic absenteeism of 26.1% is well above the state's 17.3%, while Rossman's 10.2% is far below it. Spending does not track with results here — Central spends the most per student ($15,897) and Rossman the least ($15,246). Rossman remains strong but slipped from 5 stars to 4 stars, with math declines in grades 4 and 5. Parents may want to watch Central's 8th grade performance and Lincoln's 3rd grade math drop.