Serving 258 students in grades Prekindergarten-3, J.w. Smith Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Minnesota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 30-39% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30-39% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 39% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-3
- Enrollment: 258 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 72%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MN
- Math Proficiency: 30-39% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
J.w. Smith Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
J.w. Smith Elementary School's student population of 258 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has grown by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-3
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
258 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
School Motto
'Practicing how to be Respectful, Responsible, Safe, and Kind while learning is what we do each and every day.'
School Mascot
Null
School Rankings
J.w. Smith Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,773 schools in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of J.w. Smith Elementary School is 0.55, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.59. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1314 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
51%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
13:1
American Indian
61%
2%
Asian
1%
7%
Hispanic
2%
12%
Black
2%
12%
White
28%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
77%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Null
Frequently Asked Questions
What is J.w. Smith Elementary School's ranking?
J.w. Smith Elementary School is ranked #1314 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Minnesota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while 30-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
How many students attend J.w. Smith Elementary School?
258 students attend J.w. Smith Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
61% of J.w. Smith Elementary School students are American Indian, 28% of students are White, 6% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of J.w. Smith Elementary School?
J.w. Smith Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does J.w. Smith Elementary School offer ?
J.w. Smith Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-3 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is J.w. Smith Elementary School part of?
J.w. Smith Elementary School is part of Bemidji Public School District.
School Reviews
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